Nov. 7, 2019

MISSOULA – Veteran students attending the University of Montana could benefit from a recent Clearwater Credit Union gift. The local financial institution donated $10,000 to UM’s Veterans Scholarship Fund, which helps ensure student success by reducing financial barriers and improving veteran access to higher education at the University.

Clearwater Credit Union’s gift honors all military veterans — including the nearly 100,000 veterans living in Montana. The donation is intended to spur additional giving to the Veterans Scholarship Fund as the country prepares to celebrate Veterans Day Monday, Nov. 11. The gift also celebrates the critical services provided by the UM VETS Office, which assists veterans and their family members using their Veterans Affairs Education Benefits.

“Many veteran students face financial strain — from not being 100% covered by the GI Bill, to being on the verge of exhausting their education benefits,” said Shawn Grove, director of the UM VETS Office. “Being able to offer funding that bridges the financial gap can make the difference between a veteran student with financial need taking time off from school or finishing their degree.”

Administration of the scholarship will be managed by the UM Foundation, the UM Financial Aid Office and the UM VETS Office.

 “When on campus, these veterans deserve nothing less than a fully supportive environment, comfortable places to study and relax, and access to all of the resources available. That’s the role of University of Montana’s VETS office,” said Clearwater Credit Union President and CEO Jack Lawson. “We’re proud and humbled to be doing our small part to help out.”

Lawson said he hopes this initial gift will inspire others in the community to lend philanthropic support so the fund can continue to grow. Clearwater’s gift to the UM Veterans Scholarship Fund should sustain the scholarship for the next 3-5 years. The scholarship awards — $1,000 per semester — will be distributed based on financial need and other defined criteria. Interested students should contact the VETS Office for details and to apply.

Gifts to the UM Veterans Scholarship Fund can be in any amount and from any interested donor, including individuals, families, businesses and private foundations. To give to the UM Veterans Scholarship Fund, contact the UM Foundation at 800-443-2593 or on the University of Montana Foundation site.

The Clearwater Credit Union gift is part of Campaign Montana, a comprehensive, seven-year fundraising campaign that is inspiring more than $400 million in philanthropic giving to UM through 2020. Donors will help achieve UM’s vision of a university that puts student success at the forefront, driving excellence and innovation in teaching, research and learning. The campaign is managed by the UM Foundation and can be found in the Campeign Montana section of the site.