Northern Foundation names Founders' Excellence Award recipients

Press release

The Montana State University-Northern Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2024 Founders' Excellence Awards, honoring Fran Baltrusch and Pam and Dave Wilson and bestowing a posthumous award on Vickie Clouse for their outstanding contributions to both Montana State University-Northern and the broader community.

The 2024 Founders' Excellence Award celebrates individuals who have shown remarkable professional achievements, steadfast loyalty and exceptional service, all of which have significantly fostered the growth and development of Northern. This year's awardees embody these traits, having dedicated themselves to advancing the university's mission and positively impacting the lives of many.

"Our award winners represent the spirit of MSU-Northern. Their dedication and service have not only elevated our university, but have also bettered our community." Foundation Director of Development Melanie Skoyen said.

The public is invited to attend the award celebration April 26, which will take place at Northern's Student Union Building. The evening will commence with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $40 per person, and attendees are kindly requested to RSVP by April 19 to secure their spot.

People who wish to join in celebrating the 2024 Founders' Excellence Award recipients are asked to reserve their seat by calling the MSU-Northern Foundation at 406-265-3711 or sending an email to [email protected].

For more information about the MSU-Northern Foundation or the 2024 Founders' Excellence Awards, people can contact Melanie Skoyen at 406-265-3711 or email [email protected].

Vickie Clouse

Vickie Clouse was born and raised in Havre, graduating from Havre High in 1974. She received training as a veterinarian tech and worked off and on with various veterinarians for several years. She eventually attended Northern Montana College where she studied science and secondary education and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1989. During her undergraduate years, she was awarded a Student Excellence Award in 1986. Clouse was also recognized as the 1986 Business and Professional Women's Woman of the year. She also was a founding member of the Math and Science Club. She served on the Board of Regents as a student regent for the academic year 1989-1990.

As evidence of her excellence as a student and educator, Clouse was a teaching assistant in the science department assisting with anatomy and physiology, earth science and paleontology courses from 1989-1994. During this time, she also studied from 1991-1994 at Montana State University under Professor Jack Horner where she honed her interest in paleontology. She was a research assistant from 1992-95 for the Museum of the Rockies at MSU. During the summers of 1991 to 1997, Clouse was the director of the Dinosaur Research Expedition. People from all over the world traveled to north-central Montana, where they endured arid conditions and wildlife, to participate in excavations of fossils.

Clouse then came back to Montana State University-Northern where she pursued and earned her Master of Education ­- Learning Development. She served as an adjunct instructor teaching biology and earth science courses 1990-2002. Shortly after finishing her degree, in 2002, Clouse was hired as an assistant professor in biology to teach anatomy and physiology, earth science and paleontology. She continued to do so until her retirement in May 2021.

Clouse also served on the Nursing Advisory Board, Curriculum Committee, Financial Aid Committee, and the Northwest Accreditation Steering Committee at different times during her tenure at Northern. Additionally, she had three published articles that focused on dinosaur eggs and nesting from 1993-1998.

Clouse educated and impacted many students during her tenure. Her enthusiasm and compassion for teaching was contagious to her students and colleagues. One of her students even made Clouse a plaque inscribed with the words, "Behind every student who believes in themselves is a professor who believed in them first." Clouse continued to take Northern students out fossil hunting, even after she retired, because she always inspired passion and wonder in those she worked with.

Clouse was a "benefactor of Northern by giving moral support and service." She spent a lifetime helping Northern students and supporting Northern faculty.

Fran Baltrusch

Fran Baltrusch is a 1953 graduate of Northern Montana College and earned her degree in Elementary Education. She grew up in Kalispell, and was always bound and determined to be a teacher. When it was time to select a college, Northern was highly recommended for elementary education and was a quick train ride away from home. Baltrusch said she is a proud alumnus and is eternally grateful for the education she received at Northern. She utilized her degree teaching elementary students for a number of years and even spent many years substitute teaching. She knows and sees the value and importance of education every day. Baltrusch has a love for books and reading and has spent countless hours reading to the kids at the Boys & Girls Club, or even better, having them read to her. She believes books are power.

Baltrusch has been an excellent supporter of Northern and recently made a substantial gift hoping to create a ripple effect that will encourage more students to attend Northern and hopefully make Havre their home. She realizes the "brick by brick" vison of the university in building a campus that encompasses quality education and student life. Baltrusch said she sees the growth and future of Northern and knows how much this community benefits from having a university right here in Havre.

Baltrusch is humble, gracious, grateful and thoughtful and will leave a long-lasting legacy at Montana State University-Northern.

Pam and Dave Wilson

The two embody the true spirit of volunteerism, and they have definitely made Northern a better place through their service.

Where you find one, you find the other. Always working together. They are always asking if they can do more to help the coaches, help with the athletes. The goal, is that the athletes take what they have learned from these two volunteers and apply it to their future life.

They believe volunteering is the best reward in life and strive to give back to the community at large.

The Wilsons have volunteered their time on the chain gang at football games for 23 years, they are the primary ticket takers for Armory home events and rodeos since 2014, and were team hosts for the men's and women's basketball teams at the Frontier Conference Tournament.

Pam and Dave Wilson organized the climbing wall for people of all ages for years, and they were highly involved in helping run the Northern pool, where Pam Wilson taught lessons and served as a lifeguard. Both taught classes at Northern, affecting the lives of hundreds of students along the way. Pam Wilson was an employee at Northern for more than 30 years, and she was also a college basketball official in the Frontier Conference, often refereeing MSU-Northern games.

In 2018, Pam and Dave Wilson were honored by the Frontier Conference with the Champion of Character Award. This award is given for constant dedication and over 20 years of distinguished service to the Frontier Conference.

"This award could not have gone to more deserving people," Head Women's Basketball Coach Chris Mouat said.

The Wilsons were heavily involved in the Havre Red Cross and taught First Aid and CPR classes in Havre and at MSU-Northern and were awarded the Leadership Award in 1999 for 20 years of volunteer service.

Their other volunteer roles include, Havre Girls Softball Association, American Heart Association, Montana and American Alliance for Health and Physical Education and Recreation Association, Hershey Track meet, St. Jude Basketball and Volleyball Concession stand, Havre High Basketball games, guest dance instructor, track meets, swim meets, fastpitch softball and cross country meets. They were the Lewis and Clark Missouri River canoe class facilitators, and even volunteered and helped establish the first Havre marathon.

When asked why they volunteer, their answer was simple, they said they love to give back.

"Our kids were athletes and many people volunteered to help for their events. We give back so parents, grandparents, family and supporters can watch their athlete shine. We have garnered many friends along the way from NAIA nationals to the arenas here at Northern. We want to make sure that those in attendance feel welcomed to the campus. We take pride in the community of Havre." Pam Wilson said.

"Dave will have you believing that I roped him into volunteering for HPS and MSU-N, but he was right there beside me saying 'yes' let's help," she added. "What a blessing and use of our time."