Current Pure Gold Recipients

As a new hire, the addition of Sarah as my trainer and mentor was one of the best opportunities. In the past three weeks, she has transformed the long list of duties which encompass my position into manageable tasks. Not only has Sarah taken time out of each of her days to help establish me in my position, but she does it while successfully completing her own job responsibilities. She is more than willing and able, extremely patient, and exceedingly pleasant to work with. Sarah Peterson has made my first weeks in this position very enjoyable, and I look forward to continuing to have her as a valued resource to help me learn and grow. - Renee Gabbard

Sarah took on a crucial role in Western Triangle Ag Research Center’s operations during the transition between administrative assistants. In addition to her work at Northwestern Ag Research Center, she stepped up to help us with everything from tracking expenses to research budgeting to hiring protocols and more. Sarah’s generosity and patience with all the new staff at WTARC went a long way towards ensuring the timely completion of important administrative tasks at the research center. We always knew we could rely on her to be there to help us with anything we needed, and her experience was an invaluable resource to us.

Nominated by Megan Wong.

I recently sat on a Graduate Student Panel of Student Success Professionals. When asked which office I most lean on as a campus partner, I was lucky enough to have many come to mind. But the example I shared with the students is the impetus for my Pure Gold Nomination of Keith Hamburg, Senior Financial Coach with the Office of Financial Education. According to research, money is at the top of the list impacting young adult’s mental health, often causing anxiety, depression, fear, and elevated rates of emotional distress in young people. Keith sits as the very crux of crucial and critical conversations with our students, helping them in times of immediate crisis and long-term planning for future success. I have witnessed him build a natural rapport with students and help ease their discomfort when talking about financial planning. Most recently, during bill confirmation week, Keith’s schedule was full, yet he managed to help some of our most financially vulnerable undergraduate students confirm their bill, stay enrolled and make a financial plan moving forward.

For over 13 years, Keith has met students where they are at, using his own personal and professional experience and a lot of heart, coaching students with budgeting, scholarship matches, and financial planning. Keith has also served as a mentor to our Hilleman students, providing financial coaching and resources from their very first days on campus in the summer, throughout their academic journey at MSU. I am so grateful to call Keith one of my favorite, and most important campus partners, student advocates, and an incredible nominee for the Pure Gold Award at Montana State University. #gocats

Nominated by Kate Emmerich.

I am honored to nominate Karie Orendorff, Associate Professor and Health Enhancement Undergraduate Program Lead in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, and Kinesiology. As the department's Business Operations Manager, I work with faculty every day, and Karie stands out for her uplifting presence and genuine care for people. She truly bleeds blue and gold. One moment captures this perfectly. I was waiting outside her office to help with her Chrome River reports (not her favorite task) when I overheard her talking with a struggling student. The student was facing personal difficulties and falling behind in her class. They admitted they had been embarrassed to speak up because many professors hadn't seemed to care.

Karie told them she did care, and then she showed it. She connected the student with campus resources, offered times to work through missing assignments together, and set up weekly check-ins. Those check-ins were to make sure the student was doing okay emotionally and mentally, not just academically. Karie didn't know anyone was listening. There was no audience and no recognition to gain. She saw a student who needed someone in their corner and chose to be that person. That is who she is every day: she wants every student to succeed, and she gives her time and heart to make it happen. For her compassion, her dedication to students, and the warmth she brings to MSU, Karie Orendorff is truly Pure Gold.

Nominated by Skyeler Huntsman.

I am honored to nominate Elizabeth Greenfield for the Montana State University Pure Gold Award. Liz consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities as Assistant Dean for Student Success and Outreach, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to students, colleagues, and the broader MSU community. A particularly meaningful example of Liz's dedication is her work to build a comprehensive student success framework for the College of Agriculture. She has expanded the GROW program, strengthened recruitment efforts, developed new partnerships, increased the college's visibility, and created a four-year student engagement pathway focused on student development and career readiness. These initiatives required significant vision, collaboration, and persistence and were advanced despite staffing changes and competing priorities.

What sets Liz apart is her genuine commitment to helping others succeed. She approaches every challenge with positivity, empathy, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Students know they have an advocate in Liz, and colleagues know they can rely on her support, leadership, and willingness to step in wherever needed. Her work has created lasting opportunities for students and strengthened the sense of community across the college. Liz exemplifies the values of Montana State University through her service, leadership, and dedication to student success. Her contributions have made a meaningful difference, making her truly deserving of recognition as Pure Gold.

Nominated by Jennifer Thomson.

The Great Falls College campus had an accreditation site visit for our Dental Hygiene Program. This program has a satellite location operating out of the Swingle Building on the MSU campus. The accreditation visitors requested a tour of both the Great Falls College campus library and the MSU Library to better understand the relationship between the two campuses. Christina took the time to facilitate a library tour of the MSU Library and meeting with the site visitor in Bozeman as a simultaneous site visit was occurring in Great Falls. We could not have successfully navigated this request from our accreditation body without Christina's assistance.

Nominated by Ashlynn Maczko. 

Tim has been holding things down at MSU for nearly 15 years, and honestly, our department wouldn't be the same without him. He’s easily the funniest guy on the custodial team, but he’s also the one everyone counts on to actually get stuff done. ​He doesn't just do his own rounds as a Custodian II, he takes the lead, shows newer people the ropes, and always jumps in when someone's in a bind. You never have to ask twice if you need a hand; he’s just there. On top of running a tight ship, his attitude completely changes the vibe of the building. He jokes around with the students, keeps staff laughing, and genuinely makes the place feel welcoming instead of just another hallway to walk through. The students love him because he actually notices them and treats everyone like a friend. Having someone show  up for 15 years with that much grit, humor, and work ethic isn't common. Tim is a workhorse, a natural leader, and 100% Pure Gold.

Nominated by David Santos Carrillo.

I am honored to nominate Jane Boyd for recognition of her dedication, kindness, and more than 26 years of outstanding service to Montana State University and the College of Agriculture. In her past role as the Scholars Coordinator for the College of Agriculture, Jane has played an important role in supporting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. Currently, she is often the first person people meet when they enter the Dean’s Office in Linfield Hall, and her welcoming smile, and genuine interest in people make everyone feel welcome. One of Jane’s most remarkable qualities is her gift for building meaningful relationships. She remembers names, personal details, and past conversations, creating connections that leave a lasting impression. Whether assisting a student, supporting a colleague, or greeting a visitor, Jane consistently demonstrates genuine kindness, professionalism, and care. Over the years at MSU, Jane has become a wonderful source of institutional knowledge and history. She knows countless stories about the College of Agriculture and has built relationships with people across campus and the state of Montana.

As Jane prepares for retirement, her absence will be deeply felt. Her contributions extend far beyond her job responsibilities; she has helped create a welcoming, supportive, and connected workplace culture. On behalf of the College of Agriculture, we sincerely thank Jane for her years of service and commitment. She has positively impacted countless lives and is truly deserving of this recognition and appreciation.

Nominated by Liz Greenfield, Sreekala Bajwa, Ethan Igo, and Rima Kumar.

Nikole is one of the people who makes Admissions feel like MSU at its best. She has earned that reputation over years of showing up as the same bright person every day: positive, welcoming, and completely dependable. Prospective students and families often meet her first, and what they encounter is an infectious love for this campus and a real belief in what it can do for a student. Colleagues across campus know her by name, and they know her for the right reasons. She is genuinely supportive of the individuals around her on the team, the kind of colleague people count on without having to ask. She has full buy-in to this university and to the work of bringing students here, and she carries it without need for credit or recognition.

This past season has asked a great deal of Nikole personally, and rather than pulling back, she shows up as reliably as always, giving even more of herself to her team and to the students she serves. She has continued to lift the people around her on days when it would have been entirely understandable to have nothing left to give. That kind of steadiness, dedication to this university she loves, and generosity is not something a workplace can ask for or expect. It can only be given, and she gives it. MSU is better for having Nikole here, and I can think of no one who better embodies what the Pure Gold award is meant to honor.

Nominated by Alyssa Simmons.

Jess is truly deserving of Pure Gold recognition for her exceptional work ethic, patience, kindness, responsiveness, and unwavering support of those around her. Among the many people she supports, Jess is an invaluable resource for all of the Business Operations Managers within Student Wellness. Whenever we run into challenges with ePAFs, payroll processes, or other administrative tasks, she responds quickly and consistently makes time to help. Whether through email, Teams, or jumping immediately onto a screen-sharing call, Jess is always willing to walk us through a process step by step.

What sets Jess apart is not only her expertise, but the way she shares it. She is endlessly patient, approachable, and kind. She never makes anyone feel intimidated or inadequate for asking questions. Instead, she treats every interaction as an opportunity to teach, empower, and help others become more confident and effective in their roles. Jess's positive attitude, dedication to service, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed have a lasting impact on our entire team. She embodies the collaborative spirit that makes Student Wellness successful, and her contributions often happen behind the scenes without recognition. Jess is truly one of a kind, and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of Pure Gold recognition. Thank you, Jess, for all that you do.

Nominated by Kim Brack.

We enthusiastically nominate Dr. Andy Lingley for Pure Gold. Andy manages the day-to-day operations of the Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF), a MSU core facility, which includes growing and improving functionality of the lab, meeting the demands of diverse customers, and supervising an army of undergraduate student workers. His emphasis especially on undergraduate workforce development has drawn the attention of some of the largest semiconductor companies to MSU and provided dozens of students with jobs and internships in the industry. He is also an invaluable resource to MSU researchers and the local Bozeman photonics community, many of whom utilize the MMF. In the words of undergraduate Electrical Engineering student, Alexandra Houseworth, “Working at the MMF under the supervision of Andy has been more than a job. His mentorship has guided me as I try to find my niche in the engineering world. Andy’s genuine compassion for those around him and his enthusiasm for the work he does is infectious and an inspiration to me and my peers”.

We often wonder how Andy does it all. He is truly a champion for his student workers, always finds time to lend a hand in his busy schedule, and is on the forefront of growing the photonics industry in the Gallatin valley. Please help us to show well-deserved recognition for Andy Lingley, because he truly is Pure Gold!

Nominated by Mary Gauvin.

I am nominating Maryalice Trage for Montana State University’s Pure Gold recognition. Maryalice is an outstanding colleague whose patience, professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to doing things the right way make a meaningful difference within the Office of Sponsored Programs and across the university. One of the qualities I appreciate most about Maryalice is her patience. Sponsored programs work can involve complicated regulations, policies, deadlines, and compliance requirements, and it is not always easy to navigate. Maryalice consistently takes the time to explain the “why” behind a requirement rather than simply providing an answer. She approaches questions with understanding and makes people feel comfortable asking for clarification, even when the subject matter is complex. Maryalice also demonstrates an exceptional commitment to compliance. She understands that compliance is not simply about following rules—it is about protecting the university, its researchers, and the integrity of the work being conducted. She applies her knowledge thoughtfully and consistently, while still recognizing the practical challenges that researchers and administrators face. Her ability to balance these responsibilities is something I greatly admire. Beyond her technical expertise, Maryalice is simply a wonderful person to work alongside. She is dependable, approachable, and willing to help others succeed. Her willingness to share her knowledge strengthens those around her and contributes to a positive and collaborative work environment.

Maryalice represents what I believe Pure Gold recognition is intended to celebrate: someone who brings excellence to their work while making the people around them better. Her patience, professionalism, dedication to compliance, and genuine willingness to help others make her incredibly deserving of this recognition. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with her and wholeheartedly nominate Maryalice Trage for Pure Gold.

Nominated by Aaron Mansfield.

Mai Allen has a heart of Pure Gold. Every day, she greets others with a warm smile, cheerful words, and a kindness that brightens the workplace. Mai’s impact on the Research and Economic Development team extends far beyond her job responsibilities. She fosters a culture of collegiality, support, and genuine care. As one colleague shared, “Mai reminds us about the importance of connecting with and caring for one another in the workplace. She treats everyone as more than a co-worker; we are all part of her big Bobcat family.” Behind the scenes, Mai is the coordinating backbone of many of RED’s most important activities. She helps keep the research enterprise running smoothly by organizing meetings, communications, leadership groups, and major university events. While much of her work happens out of the spotlight, her professionalism, responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to service ensure that countless efforts move forward seamlessly.

What makes Mai truly exceptional is the grace and positivity she brings to every challenge. She is patient, thoughtful, solutions-oriented, and admired by everyone who works with her. She can balance competing demands while maintaining strong relationships and helping others succeed. Mai’s kindness is infectious. She remembers important milestones, asks about family members, offers encouragement on difficult days, and consistently makes people feel valued. Simply put, Mai takes care of her people. Her dedication and genuine care for others help those around her thrive and do their best work. And yes, she brings donuts on Fridays. Please stop by.

Nominated by Alison Harmon and the RED Team.

Pamela Trevino Harvey embodies what it means to be Pure Gold. As the Academic Scheduling Manager in the Registrar’s Office, Pamela updates the Schedule of Classes each semester. That's 12,000 sections over the course of a year! Such work demands strong attention-to-detail and great patience as this monumental task requires manual processes, spreadsheets, and open communication. Plus, scheduling MSU's courses is not a one-and-done affair. As enrollment and accessibility needs arise, Pamela finds solutions that meet student and faculty needs. Even in these instances, Pamela's patience, flexibility, and creative problem-solving shine.

In University Studies & Academic Advising, our work with Pamela stretches well beyond scheduling. She has taught us how to use AdAstrato gauge course demand. When we’ve sought improvements to the Schedule of Classes, she's connected with colleagues to see what's possible. When orientationand pre-registration are going full force, she’s right beside us in the labs sleuthing out anomalies and supporting students. Her willingness to share her deep institutional knowledge makes her an invaluable resource. While much of her work is behind the scenes, its impact is visible in the smooth functioning of the entire academic schedule. Thank you, Pamela, for your professionalism, generosity, and steady support!

Nominated by Tara Sewell-Lasater.

Morningstar (Star) Thomas is a Library Technician atthe Vande Bogart Library on the MSU-Northern campus. In just over a year, Star has transformed the Northern Brew Coffee Shop into a vibrant gathering hub that draws students, faculty and staff together, complementing the library's study spaces while becoming a self-sustaining revenue stream. All while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where people genuinely want to spend time together.
Star has also distinguished herself through meticulous stewardship of library resources, upgrading equipment and strengthening policies at the MSU-Northern Copy Center. She approaches her work not merely as a technician but as a community member, asking not what the copy center needs, but how it can benefit the campus community.
After the closure of the Little River Institute (LRI) in January 2026, that had been the cornerstone of support for Native American students due to the nationwide loss of federal funding, Star played a vital role in supporting affected students. She handled the transition with care and intention, ensuring Indigenous students remained a central focus on campus and has continued advocating thoughtfully for their support, representation and connection amid ongoing change.

Also in 2026, Star was named advisor to the student-led Sweetgrass Society, which promotes education and understanding of Native American cultures through mentoring, support and celebration. In this role, Star provided exceptional leadership by planning and executing the 49thAnnual Sweetgrass Society Powwow and is already planning a more ambitious 50th anniversary celebration next April. Her leadership ensured strong team cohesion and a vibrant celebration of Indigenous cultures and traditions. The event also forged meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations beyond the borders of Montana, thus extending the library's reach and positioning it as an active partner in cultural preservation and MSU-Northern's future.

Nominated by Christopher Markus.

Since joining the EHHD Dean’s Office Team as Assistant to the Dean in 2021,Sky Wernik has made such a positive impact to our college and campus community. I marvel at her versatile skill set and capacity to excel across her doctoral studies, daily work, and Staff Senate responsibilities simultaneously. Further, Skyhas proven quite adept at her communication in compiling our weekly Tuesday Times newsletter, Dean’s Office Business Operations, and in providing critical updates on building related matters—Including occasional squirrel and bird alerts! Her dedication extends beyond the workweek as she recently came in on the weekend to allow a painting crew access to ensure timely completion of a classroom space before the start of the semester. All throughout, she models a tremendous calm and patient approach that conveys a high value on human connection. Over the years, Sky has served as an outstanding advocate for her fellow graduate students serving in a leadership role with the Department of Education Graduate Student (DEGS) club and the development of theannual EHHD Graduate Garage Sale to ensure access to essential resources for her peers. Finally, she has exhibited a true curiosity and assumed a high level of responsibility in helping prepare aspects of RTP, NTT Title Advancement, EFAC/CFAC, and most recently assisting with Suspension Appeals meetings. I am inspired by Sky’s commitment to making each interaction meaningful and for the leadership she has provided at so many levels.Sky Wernik is most worthy of this Pure Gold distinction!

Nominated by Joe Hicks.

We nominate Madalyn Eglian, the Academic Services Coordinator of the Department of Ecology. The Department hosts the second largest population of undergraduate students inthe CLS. Madalyn supports over 500 undergraduates and 55 graduate students, and coordinateswith advisors, faculty, staff, and administrators in numerous departments, colleges, and the Graduate School. Additionally, she meets with potential MSU students (high school students) and all incoming freshmen, which isn’t a trivial task. She is the first person that new students see and an outstanding advocate for MSU and the Department of Ecology. All STEM programs in the College of Letters and Science have two positions to cover the work Madalyn accomplishes in the Department of Ecology. She pairs our undergraduate students withfaculty advisors who best align with students’ interests and curricula. Recently, Madalyn established advising sessions where ecology students can drop in and receive one-on-one support from faculty—this speaks to her dedication to advising. She has also coordinated help sessions for some of our students’ most challenging courses, suchas BIOB 170and CHMY 121. Madalyn puts the students’ needs first and is truly a student advocate. She manages course scheduling, enrollment, and wait lists, preparing students and faculty for registration each semester. Madalyn has been a critical “go to” staff member aswe onboard new graduate students and initiate our rolesas advisors to undergraduates. The number of processes and policies to learn can be overwhelming, but Madalyn has gone above and beyond to help us navigate the systems and answer our endless questions. She does all of this with grace, patience, and genuine care. What could be a stressful and burdensome endeavor is smooth and easy because of Madalyn’s knowledge, professionalism, and generous personality. We hope you will consider recognizing her for the “sustained effort of exemplary service” that she provides MSU.

Nominated by Travis Belote.

Jessica is the one person who helps keep DAEE running efficiently and is highly valued for her steady, long-term expertise in budgets related toMAES, Hatch, grants, and Extension within the department. Her longevity and dedication at MSU have given faculty and staff confidence in her extensive knowledge of University and College of Agriculture policies, procedures, and financial processes. Without Jessica, theDAEE would not be the same without her. Jessica has consistently gone above and beyond, especially during periods of staff shortages withinDAEE. She has willingly learned new software, includingSmartBuy, adapted to changing procedures, and taken on additional responsibilities to ensure the department continues to function smoothly. She has also built and maintained outstanding working relationships with Fiscal Operations Managers across the College of Agriculture, fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and helping explain processes that benefit the department. Her professionalism, institutional knowledge, and dedication make her an invaluable asset toDAEE. This is why I am nominating her as Pure Gold!

Nominated by Keri Hayes.

Toby Blake is one of the most phenomenal and student-oriented people I’ve encountered at Montana State University. Even as a College of Engineering student, I regularly trek down to Jabs 110 because Toby consistently goes above and beyond to serve students.Since meeting Toby my freshman year, I’ve personally experienced his impact and encouraged other students to take advantage of his mentorship. One of my friends, a philosophy major, was a finalist for the Cameron Presidential Scholarship. I encouraged him to meet with Toby for a mock interview, and he went on to excel in the interview and earn the scholarship. That story is emblematic of Toby’s impact: he invests in students regardless of their major or career path.

Toby and the Bracken Center have been instrumental in my college experience. He has guided me through every stage of the career process - from resume workshops and mock interviews to career exploration, interview preparation, and introductions to industry professionals. His connections have opened doors to incredible opportunities, but more importantly, he has taught me to walk through those doors with confidence.What distinguishes Toby most is his unwavering belief in students. No matter how ambitious or competitive an opportunity I pursue, he encourages me to go for it and helps me find a way forward. Tobyis more than acareeradvisor. He is a mentor, advocate, and bridge between Montana State and the professional world. His impact reaches far beyond Jabs 110, and Montana State is better because of him.

Nominated by Finn Growney. 

Madison is the Academic Services Coordinator in the departments of Sociology & Anthropology and Political Science. In reality, Madison wears so many more hats than that. Madi is an incredible resource to students, providing with them immediate help rooted in solving problems. Just in the performance of her ASC role, Madi is worthy of this recognition. But Madi also teaches classes in anthropology, assists faculty and staff from other departments, and makes herself available for outreach and engagement events and activities. Madi's enthusiasm for her subject matter and students is infectious for the rest of the department.

As Department Head, I can't count the number of times that I was working with a student, couldn't figure out an issue, and would just say "Madi, are you out there?". Madi has an incredible grasp of MSU policy and procedure related to scheduling, DegreeWorks, and Banner. She makes my job easier every day. Recently, I was meeting with a new transfer student to plot out a timeline to graduation. After talking through everything, the student asked why some transfer credits were notin DegreeWorks. I encouraged the student to reach out to her prior institutions and the Office of Admissions for more information because I could only see what was there. Madi, overhearing the interaction, came in and gave the student more specific advice and recommendations that helped the student feel more positive and empowered about the situation. It really demonstrated the depth of Madi's knowledge on all things "academic" related.

Nominated by Cody Warner. 

Jessi is the embodiment of what it means to be Pure Gold. As the Director of Dual Enrollment at Gallatin College, she is deeply committed to helping students succeed. She not only helps high school students get a head start on their college careers through dual enrollment courses but also guides them in exploring careers. Through her leadership dual enrollment participation has more than doubled during her time at GC.
Jessi also serves as the enrollment manager for GC where she works closely with prospective students and their families. She takes the time to listen, understand their goals and concerns, and helps them find an educational pathway where they can thrive. He thoughtful guidance gives students confidence and reassures parents that their child will be supported throughout their journeyat GC.

Jessi also leads the planning of GC 360, Gallatin College’s largest annual event. Each year, more than 1,000 middle school students attend to learn about Career and Technical Education opportunities and connect with local employers. Coordinatingan event of this scale requires collaboration with business, school and community partners across the Gallatin Valley. Thanks to Jessi’s dedication and leadership, GC360 continues to inspire students to explore exciting career possibilities.Beyond her many accomplishments, Jessi is an exceptional teammate who is always willing to help, support her colleagues, and step up when needed. Jessi truly is PURE GOLD!

Nominated by Charly Malcom and Meredith Allen. 

When I think of Jovanka, the image that comes to mind is her squinting at someone intently, with a small smile waiting to burst into big laughter! Despite managing an extraordinary workload, she finds a way to keep the department's happy side thriving.
During our weekly staff meetings, I am constantly amazed by her decision-making capacity. By the time my auditory processing kicks in and I make sense of what is being discussed, she has already offered a thoughtful solution! As a supervisor, she is genuinely invested in the success and well-being of those around her. She is encouraging, exceptionally supportive, and generous with her time. Thanks to her, I feel respected, trusted, and empowered to do my best.
Jovanka knows MSU extremely well, and MSU knows her equally well. As a new recruit, I once walked with her across campus and watched people stop to chat with her every few steps. I witnessed firsthand how she made each one feel seen and valued. Whether speaking with a student, staff member, faculty colleague, or campus partner, she remembers names, details, and personal connections in a way that creates a genuine sense of belonging.When I joined MSU, Jovanka played the biggest role in helping me feel welcome and connected. Now three months later, I met enough people who feel the way I do to know that she is truly Pure Gold. Through her leadership, warmth, optimism, and genuine care for others, she makes MSU a better place for everyone.

Nominated by Lekha Pillai.

Rebecca's dedication and perseverance shine in her duties as the Program Coordinator and now Program Manager of University Compliance. Her work has encouraged a surge in updating policies, increasing campus safety, and improving employee training, while more than doubling University Compliance's capabilities. Anyone who has worked with her admires her integrity, as she helps hold us all accountable to our deadlines and commitments while providing kind, skilled assistance.Rebecca spreads Pure Gold wherever she goes, and we are lucky to have her as an integral part of University Compliance.

Nominated by Justin Arndt.