UMW Students Selected as George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship Recipients

The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) is proud to announce the 2025–26 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship recipients, including Montana Western students Lanie Crabb and Vivian Mayers. This scholarship recognizes outstanding college students across Montana who demonstrate exemplary civic leadership and a commitment to fostering positive change in their communities.

2025-26 Scholarship Recipients:

• Lanie Crabb, University of Montana Western

• Vivian Mayers, University of Montana Western

• Josiah Aimsback, Blackfeet Community College

• Tracie Castro, Great Falls College

• Sarah Fetterman, Montana State University

• Steven Henson, MSU Northern

• Josie Kleman, University of Montana

• LaFaye Lizotte, MSU Northern

• Connor Mace, Aaniiih Nakota College

• Amanda Mazur, University of Montana

• Grace Mock, MSU Billings

• Julie Russell, Great Falls College MSU

• Chayla Russell, Salish Kootenai College

• Grace Thorson, Dawson Community College

• Kennedy Venner, Carroll College

These inspiring students have provided hundreds of volunteer hours to causes close to their hearts and, in doing so, have significantly impacted their campuses and communities. By leading projects that address issues ranging from food insecurity to homelessness and substance abuse, they have mobilized their peers and brought attention to critical needs. Their dedication reflects the values of George M. Dennison, the late president of the University of Montana and one of the founding presidents of the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (then Montana Campus Compact) more than thirty years ago. Dennison championed higher education as a force for civic and community engagement.

“Reading these scholarship applications is simultaneously one of the most inspiring and difficult things we do all year,” said Josh Vanek with the Campus Network for Civic Engagement. “It gives me enormous hope that we have truly amazing problem solvers in every community in our state.”

Lanie Crabb

Lanie serves as the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Coordinator for the PATH Program at Montana Western, planning regular campus events and collaborating with counseling services entirely on a volunteer basis. She also dedicates time to the Rural Fridays Program, supporting rural and homeschooled youth, and has maintained a 15-year family tradition of preparing Quartz Creek Cemetery for Memorial Day.

Vivian Mayers

Vivian has contributed more than 290 hours across three distinct volunteer roles: teaching preschool religious education at her parish, coaching a youth horseback drill team through Minnesota 4-H, and supporting high school athletes as a volunteer pole vault coach. Her service reflects a broad commitment to youth development spanning faith, athletics, and academics.

About the George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship

The George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship was established to honor President Dennison’s legacy and commitment to student leadership. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship. The award is presented annually to students across Montana who exhibit outstanding contributions to civic life and community while maintaining their academic studies. The scholarship has historically been supported by contributions from the Dennison family, Reach Higher Montana, and private donors.

Join Us in Celebrating These Student Leaders

We invite the public to congratulate these remarkable individuals as they continue to inspire and lead efforts to create stronger, more inclusive communities. Their achievements testify to the transformative power of civic engagement.

Support the Scholarship

The George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship relies on the generosity of donors to continue fostering civic leadership among Montana’s students. Your contribution helps ensure the scholarship continues.

Contributions can be made online at supportum.org/give. Please select “Other” in the Designation Choice field and specify “George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship” in the comments field. The University of Montana Foundation manages these funds and supports students across all affiliated institutions.

For more information or questions about the scholarship, please contact MCNCE at info@mtengage.org.