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$ 560,970 raised 707 gifts
Nursing has raised $ 7,700 from 12 gifts!
Nursing
Investing in Montana Tech Nursing's Growth Through the Nursing Departmental Fund


As Montana Tech celebrates 125 years of educating problem-solvers and community builders, the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing is accelerating its impact on Montana’s health care workforce. We were recently recognized as the #1 Registered Nursing Program in Montana by an independent study, an honor we aim to sustain through innovation, mentorship, and the Montana Tech tradition of hands-on learning.

Growing to Meet Montana’s Needs

This Spring, we expanded our cohort capacity from 30 to 40 students per semester—a 25% increase in students entering the clinical component upon full implementation. This growth is powered by the new Lesar Family Nursing Simulation Center, where high-fidelity simulation and hands-on practice prepare our students to deliver excellent, compassionate care across Montana and beyond.

Direct Pathways for High-Achieving Montanans

Our Scholar’s Edge Direct Entry Program awards high-achieving Montana high school students direct entry into nursing upon completion of prerequisites—eliminating competition for placement. Scholar’s Edge grew from 5 students in 2023 to 25 students in 2025 and continues to expand opportunity for future nurses.

 

 


Flexible funding lets us move quickly where students and faculty need it most. Gifts to the Montana Tech Nursing Departmental Fund help us:

  • Respond nimbly to opportunities and urgent needs with immediately accessible dollars.
  • Equip labs & classrooms with unexpected but essential simulation and skills equipment.
  • Provide emergency scholarship support to keep students on track to graduation.
  • Invest in faculty development, including expanded SIM certification, to elevate instruction and clinical readiness.

During DayOne, thanks to a generous match from Jack '73 and Leah McCarthy, all gifts made to the Montana Tech Nursing Departmental Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $5,000. 

Please consider investing in Montana Tech Nursing students making a gift today to the Montana Tech Nursing Departmental Fund. 

Also be on the lookout, the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing will be celebrating 25 years of RN education in the Spring of 2026.  Details to follow soon!



Thank you for your support and please help us spread the word! Share this project on social media, by email and tell your friends! 



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Montana Tech Nursing Donor Map
Rank State Gifts
1 MT 11
2 AA 0
2 AE 0
2
Match
McCarthy Montana Tech Nursing Match
Thank you to Jack '73 and Leah McCarthy for adding an additional $5,000 to the Montana Tech Nursing Departmental Fund during DayOne. This matching opportunity has been met and awarded all available funds.
Completed
2
Match
First Time Donor Match
This match has been met and all available funds have been awarded. During DayOne first time donors had their gifts matched 1:1 from a match pool of $5,000. This matching opportunity has been met and awarded all available funds.
$5,000 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
Student Donor Match
During DayOne Montana Tech student donors had their gift matched 1:1 from a match pool of $5,000. This matching opportunity has been met and awarded all available funds. Thank you for supporting your passion through DayOne, Montana Tech's giving event!
$5,000 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
McCarthy Second Chance - First Time Donor Match
This match has been met and all available funds have been awarded. Thanks to Jack '73 and Leah McCarthy during DayOne first time donors had their gifts matched 1:1 from a match pool of $5,000. This matching opportunity has been met and awarded all available funds.
Completed
2
Match
McCarthy Momentum Match
Thank you to Jack '73 and Leah McCarthy for driving the momentum and excitement during DayOne. An additional $5,000 has been added to DayOne projects, funds, and scholarships thanks to their generosity. This matching opportunity has been met and awarded all available funds.
$5,000 MATCHED
Completed
$5,000
Faculty Staff Participation Match Challenge
$5,000 was unlocked with the participation of 50 Montana Tech faculty staff members. $100 will be applied to the project to which the original gift was made by the donor. This match opportunity has been met. Thank you to all of our Montana Tech faculty and staff for participating in DayOne 2025 and supporting the students and programs of Montana Tech!
50 / 50 Donors
Completed
$3,000
Kolstad Board Legacy Participation Challenge
Thank you to Gary Kolstad for adding an additional $25,000 to the Montana Tech Foundation Board Legacy Fund and the overall DayOne 2025 total!
Completed
Leaderboard
Departmental Challenge Leaderboard
During DayOne Departments competed head-to-head for a chance to earn extra money towards their department project by bringing in the most donors to their project. The top ten finishers split the pot valued at up to $20,000. Congratulations to all of our departments that competed and thank you to all of our donors supporting your passion through Montana Tech's DayOne 2025 Giving Event.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $5,000 Mining Engineering 127
2 $3,750 Safety, Health & Industrial Hygiene 69
3 $2,500 Digger Athletics 65
4 $2,000 Mechanical Engineering 42
5 $1,750 Geological Engineering 41
Ended
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