For 125 years, Montana Technological University has been an institution of opportunity and innovation a place where determined doers prepare to make an impact in their professions and on our world.

We opened our doors on September 11, 1900, as the Montana State School of Mines with one building (Main Hall) and two degrees (Mining Engineering and Electrical Engineering). Since then, our mission has expanded to embrace the responsible development of natural resources and energy, and today, as Montana Technological University, we serve as Montana’s only Special Focus science and engineering university. Through every era, we’ve stayed true to hands-on learning and our heritage of work ethic, innovation, and opportunity.

Why the Founders Fund—and why now

As we celebrate Montana Tech’s 125th anniversary (now through September 2026), we’re also looking forward—with a new chancellor at the helm and a strategic vision for Montana Tech’s next chapter. The Founders Fund is our flexible, fast-acting vehicle to turn that vision into action.

Gifts to the Founders Fund provide immediate, adaptable resources to:

• Support students with scholarships, emergency aid, experiential learning, and student success initiatives
• Invest in academic programs, labs, and equipment where needs are greatest
• Fuel faculty excellence, innovation, and partnerships with industry
• Amplify 125th anniversary events that connect alumni, friends, and future Orediggers
• Seize time-sensitive opportunities that strengthen Montana Tech right now

This is funding we can put to work immediately—precisely where it will do the most good—so Montana Tech can move boldly and nimbly under our new leadership.

Celebrate our legacy. Accelerate our future.

Your gift honors 125 years of grit and achievement while powering the next 125. Together, we can expand opportunity, elevate excellence, and ensure Montana Tech continues to lead as a premier science and engineering university.

DayOne Match: Thanks to Jack ’73 and Leah McCarthy, every gift to the Founders Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $5,000 during DayOne—doubling your impact.

Thank you for celebrating our past and investing in our future. Please help us spread the word—share this project on social, send an email, and tell your fellow Orediggers!

Our mission expanded in the 1960s to include programs focused on the responsible development of natural resources and energy. Today, as Montana Technological University, we serve as Montana’s only Special Focus science and engineering university. Throughout our journey, we have maintained our enthusiasm for hands-on learning and our heritage of work ethic, innovation, and opportunity.  

To celebrate our history, and our growth, we plan to host a series of events leading up to and during our 125^th anniversary in 2025.  In recognition of this milestone, we are launching the Founders Fund as an opportunity to celebrate our legacy and provide support for future initiatives at Montana Tech. 

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