Make your DayOne gift before 9/19/26. Click Here!
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! 



2
Match
McCarthy Montana Tech Nursing Match
During DayOne, thanks to a generous match from Jack '73 and Leah McCarthy each gift to the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing Departmental Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $5,000.
2
Match
Student Donor Match
Montana Tech student donor gifts will be matched 1:1 for each dollar given from a match pool of $5,000 thanks to a generous gift from Jack and Leah McCarthy. That means your gift of $50 actually has the impact of $100. To take advantage of this matching opportunity make sure to select STUDENT from the How are you affiliated with Montana Tech question on the giving form. Answers will be monitored for validity. Matching opportunity is available from noon September 9th, 2026 to noon September 11th, 2026 or sooner if the $5,000 match has been met.
$5,000
Faculty Staff Participation Match Challenge
$5,000 will be unlocked at the time 50 Montana Tech faculty/staff members have participated in DayOne 2026. Upon completion of the entire DayOne Giving event $100 will be applied to the project or projects to which the original gift was made for each of those donors.
50 Donor Goal
Starts in
Leaderboard
Departmental Challenge Leaderboard
Montana Tech Departments are competing head-to-head for a chance to earn extra money towards their department by bringing in the most donors to their project. The top ten finishers split the pot valued at up to $20,000.
Department (20)
2
Match
First Time Donor Match
First-time donor gifts will be matched 1:1 for each dollar given from a match pool of $5,000. That means your gift of $50 actually has the impact of $100. To take advantage of this matching opportunity if it is your first time giving to Montana Tech make sure to answer yes to being a first-time donor on the giving form. Answers will be monitored for validity. Matching opportunity will be available from noon September 9th, 2026 through noon September 11th, 2026 or sooner if the $5,000 match has been met.
2
Match
Jacob Simpson Memorial Math Annual Scholarship Match
During DayOne, thanks to Jack '73 and Leah McCarthy, each gift to the Jacob Simpson Memorial Math Annual Scholarship will be matched 1:1 up to $1,000.
$3,000
Anderson Board Legacy Participation Challenge
We are aiming for 800! During DayOne thanks to a generous match to the Montana Tech Foundation Board Legacy Fund by Foundation legacy board member and alum Sundra Anderson, every time we pass a 100 donor total all the way up to 700 we will add $3,000 to the overall DayOne total and if we hit 800 it will unlock an additional $4,000 for a total of $25,000.
100 Gift Goal
Starts in
Leaderboard
Montana Tech Industrial Advisory Board Challenge
The academic program that receives gifts from the greatest number of donors will earn an additional $2,000, thanks to a generous matching gift from Nick '92 and Kari '94 Olds. IAB members: When making your own gift, please make sure to mark IAB member as a Montana Tech affiliation.
Montana Tech Industrial Advisory Board Challenge (17)
Participating Groups
Biological Sciences Business Chemistry & Geochemistry Civil Engineering/Construction Management Computer Science Digger Athletics Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Geological Engineering Highlands College Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences Mathematical Sciences Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Mining Engineering Nursing Petroleum Engineering Safety, Health & Industrial Hygiene CLSPS Dean Fund Lance College of Mines and Engineering Dean Fund Kasperick Emergency and Dean of Students Funds Undergraduate Research Student Clubs Montana Tech Food Pantry Staff Senate Institute for Educational Opportunities Ripple (formerly CFWEP) Scholarships Tech Vision Endowed Scholarship Butte Endowed Scholarship Alumni Chapter Scholarships Class Gifts Founders' Fund Montana Tech Board Legacy Fund Other
Share on social with #RollDiggs!
Montana Tech Nursing Donor Map
Rank State Gifts
1 NONE 0
1 AA 0
1 AE 0
Don't forget to share!

Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at spanisko@mtech.edu.