MSU Billings Announced 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awardees
The university recognized eight individuals for their professional achievements and service to the community.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Awards
Live Poll
Do you feel your local university effectively recognizes and engages with its alumni and community?
The MSU Billings Foundation and Alumni association has named its 2026 award recipients to honor alumni and friends for their impact. These individuals were selected based on their leadership and professional contributions.
Why it matters
These awards celebrate the meaningful influence that MSU Billings graduates and supporters have on the university and their broader communities. The honors highlight the accomplishments of alumni across diverse fields and their long-term commitment to professional service.
Recipients include Ryan Wetzel, Dan Miller, Shanna Tourtlette, Hope Wilson, Jane Deschner, Craig McKenzie, and John and Carol Green. Honoree graduation years range from 1987 to 2014, with the Greens representing three decades of arts advocacy.
The players
MSU Billings Foundation and Alumni
This organization serves as the philanthropic and alumni relations arm for the Montana State University Billings campus.
Ryan Wetzel
He is the recipient of the 2026 Recognition for Exceptional Achievement Award and a 2014 graduate of the institution.
Shanna Tourtlette
A 2003 graduate, she has led the SYNERGY HomeCare branch in Billings and Denver since 2009.
Craig McKenzie
A 1993 graduate, he was selected for the Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment.
John W. Green and Carol L. H. Green
They received a Friend of MSUB Award for their 30 years of local arts advocacy and institutional support.
The details
The MSU Billings Foundation and Alumni association selected recipients for honors including the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alumni Merit Medallion. The honorees, who span various graduating classes and professional backgrounds, will be formally celebrated at a ceremony in the university's Glacier Room.
Timeline
October 10, 2026: Awards ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. in the Glacier Room.
Roadmap
This story continues the institutional tradition of recognizing specific leadership traits established by the Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment. Such honors underscore the university's focus on bridging academic success with long-term regional development in Montana.
Residents and alumni are invited to attend the awards ceremony in the Glacier Room to recognize the accomplishments of the honorees. The event serves as an opportunity for the community to engage with the university's network of professionals and advocates.
The takeaway
The 2026 awards highlight the diverse paths of success available to graduates, ranging from arts advocacy to home healthcare leadership. Recognizing these achievements reinforces the ongoing connection between the institution and the long-term career trajectories of its alumni.
What happens next
The university will hold the awards ceremony at 9 a.m. on October 10, 2026, in the Glacier Room.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic and professional milestones in the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by YPR.
Live Poll
Do you feel your local university effectively recognizes and engages with its alumni and community?
