'Crystal Clear'
Scholarship support empowers aspiring educator to attend UM, serve future generations
September 3, 2025
On the day Natalie Renk learned she was receiving scholarship support to attend the University of Montana, she withdrew her applications to other schools. She knew UM was the right place to launch her academic journey and begin building her career as an educator.
Natalie, from Helena, MT, received the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Presidential Leadership Scholarship. She completed her student teaching requirement in Helena and graduated from UM with degrees in theater and English education this spring. This fall, Natalie will bring her talents to Powell County High School in Deer Lodge, MT, where she will teach freshman and junior English.
Below, she reflects on the ways scholarship support empowered her to serve the Missoula community while growing her professional skills and pursuing her goal of becoming a high school teacher.
How did it feel to receive these scholarships?
I was 17 when I received them, and it felt so validating to know that my hard work had finally paid off. It means the world to know an adult believes in you and the dream you’re going to follow.
How do you think things would have been different if you hadn’t received scholarship support?
I wouldn't be where I am without this support. I wouldn’t have attended UM if scholarships hadn’t lifted a financial burden. Scholarship support made my choice crystal clear, and it was life-changing.
How did scholarship support impact your academic and career goals?
The scholarship truly opened doors for me to gain meaningful, career-aligned experience. While I still worked during my time at UM and received some support from my parents, the scholarship gave me the financial flexibility to take on roles that might not have paid enough otherwise — like teaching at Missoula Children’s Theatre and substitute teaching. These opportunities allowed me to build valuable connections and skills that will serve me well in my career.
Scholarships also allowed me to grow in ways I hadn't considered before, like interning at a theater in Omaha, NE, and working with elementary kids. Scholarships gave me the time and flexibility to pursue these opportunities, because I didn't have to worry about working to afford living expenses like food and rent.
What would you like to say to donors who support scholarships?
First and foremost, thank you so much. You are the reason that I will be able to change so many lives and be involved with the Montana community.
Your support is more important now than ever. For some of my students, scholarships are the only way they will be able to earn a college degree, so please keep giving. It makes such a difference and ensures that higher education is attainable.
Support Tomorrow’s Educators with a Gift in Your Will or Trust
With just a few sentences in your will or revocable living trust, you can make a gift to support University of Montana students like Natalie. Whether you choose to give a specific amount or a percentage of your estate, your generosity helps future generations of UM students — while still providing for the people you care about most.
You can also designate the University of Montana Foundation as the beneficiary of financial accounts.
To learn more, contact Shannon Stage, associate director of planned giving, at 406-243-7427 or shannon.stage@supportum.org.