Local donations moving Northern stadium forward

Editor’s note: This version corrects the amounts of the donations.

Montana State University-Northern announced in a press release Thursday that local donations are moving the university closer to its goal of building its own football stadium, with two major donations providing siginificant help.

Havre’s Tilleman family and Independence Bank alone have put $550,000 toward the project, with Independence Bank also offering to help more with the fundraising.

The Tilleman family, owners and operators of local businesses including Tilleman Motor Company GM, Chrysler and Challenger dealerships, donated $400,000, while Independence Bank chipped in $150,000 and has offered to finance other pledges.

Before the Homecoming football game on Sept. 28, MSU-Northern plans to publicly announce plans for the university’s new football stadium. Both gifts will support that project.

“Havre has been so good to us,” Mike Tilleman, a long-time Northern supporter and former National Football League player, said in the press release. “We are committed to giving back and helping it grow. We’re excited for what this stadium will do for the university and student life in the years ahead.”

Independence Bank, in addition to making its donation, has agreed to finance all campaign pledges for the full value of the pledge at zero percent interest, which will allow Northern to begin construction immediately after reaching the campaign goal, and donors can make their pledge installments over a number of years.

“As a ‘hometown’ bank, we’re committed to supporting our local communities,” Bill Keller of Independence Bank said. “It is critical to keep Northern strong and I have no doubt this stadium will help us recruit and retain players and students.”

Northern’s plan in the first phase is to construct a playing field to house Northern games, eventually expanding the facility in to a major sports and classroom center.

“These donors have grasped the important role this project plays in moving Northern forward,” Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel said in the release. “They understand that by investing in our athletic programs and strengthening student life, they are contributing to overall student success and the long-term health of our campus.”

“We’re excited to build on that community wide pride by investing in our athletic programs to ensure our student-athletes and our fans have high-quality facilities and a high-quality experience,” Kegel added. “These gifts are a big push toward achieving that goal.”