Civically Engaged College Students Recognized with Volunteer Award

November 12, 2019

The Montana Student Volunteer Award, previously known as the Volunteer of the Game Award, is awarded in partnership between the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact campuses to college students across the state who have demonstrated service to their communities while pursuing a college degree or certificate.

“This incredible group of students is certainly deserving of our recognition as they take the time and commitment to be a force of good in their communities,” Governor Bullock said. “I commend these students for what is likely the start of a lifelong commitment to service and encourage others to follow their example.”

This year, 13 student volunteers across Montana will be recognized at a campus event or home sporting event and presented with a certificate signed by Governor Bullock and their college president. Brock Doty, the recipient from the University of Montana Western, will be presented with his award certificate during halftime of the Bulldog football game on November 16 in Dillon, Mont.

2019 Montana Student Volunteer Award Winners:

• The University of Montana Western | Brock C. Doty is a key campus volunteer and mentor for new students. He is a member of the Student Senate and volunteers for the incentive program – “Paw Prints for Success.” He spends time advocating for Montana Western’s “Home for the Holidays” and Experience One programs. Brock has been instrumental in leading new student orientation and preparing freshmen for a successful start at Montana Western.
• Blackfeet Community College | James Clarendon Watts III is the Student Senate and AIBL (American Indian Business Leaders) President. He is involved in AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) and an active contributor to his tribal and campus communities. James sets an example of professional leadership for his fellow students.
• Carroll College | Brett Rotz is a senior and president of Carroll’s Engineers Without Borders (EWB). He has volunteered with EWB since his freshman year, providing clean drinking water in Uganda, building safe structures in Guatemala, and other global service projects. Brett is also an active member of “Christ in the City” (CIC) and Carroll’s Campus Ministry Headlights Immersion trips, serving low income people in Denver and Philadelphia over the past several years.
• Dawson Community College | Riley Caudle is a sophomore actively involved in serving fellow students and community. He is a volunteer freshman softball coach, prepares and serves food at school and community events, and helps new students move into the dorms. Riley volunteers for the college’s semi-annual blood drives and is always willing to help members of the community move when they need assistance. He also serves as an RA and student worker in the Physical Plant Department.
• Fort Peck Community College | Cal Christian is a member of the Student Senate and is actively involved in cultural activities on the Fort Peck Reservation. He is an advocate for tribal students with the ability to build cross-cultural relationships. Cal was a participant at the annual Tribal College and University Capitol Hill visits in Washington, D.C. There he met with state representatives and senators to advocate for funding. He is considered the “go to” student on campus for positions of leadership and service.
• Great Falls College Montana State University | Charmaine Engum is President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She leads Service Saturday and organizes campus blood drives. As the Associated Students Treasurer, she collaborates to provide Thanksgiving meals for low-income students and volunteers for the campus food pantry weekly.  During “Stop the Stigma Week,” Charmaine advocates for addiction and mental health awareness.
• Helena College University of Montana | Courtney Radke is a dedicated Student Ambassador, studying to become a Registered Nurse. She devotes time volunteering weekly in the Tinker Lab at Explorations Works and as a “book pal” for local elementary school students. She has volunteered at Festival of Trees, Special Olympics, and the Governor’s Cup. Courtney served as a tutor with the Lewis and Clark Literacy Council and as a member of Montana Supporting Soldiers. She is a committed student and still finds time to give back to her school and community weekly.
• Miles Community College | Michael Quintana is a full-time nursing student and President of the Student Nursing Association. He volunteers as a coach for Montana’s Special Olympics and Developmental Education Assistance Program. He served as Vice President of the Student Senate, is a member of Montana’s Alliance of LGBTQ, and organizes service projects benefitting underprivileged families in his community.
• Montana State University Bozeman | Callista Schoettmer is an Engineering major, volunteering through MSU’s Office of Student Engagement as the Service Saturday Coordinator. Callista recently lead a project called “Rockin the M,” engaging 90 student volunteers in 340 hours of collective service. As a “Spring Break Breaks Away” leader, she led a group of nine students on a service project working on trails in New Mexico. She consistently shows compassion and willingness to step up and meet identified needs in her community.
• Montana State University Billings | Sari Robertus is the Student United Way President and develops volunteer and work-study projects around education, income, and health. She advocates to address food insecurity, mental health, housing, animal welfare, and the environment. Sari also volunteers as MSUB’s Service Saturday Manager, connecting students, faculty, and staff with high impact service projects in the Billings community. She is a positive role model for fellow students, leading others through cooperation and inclusion.
• Montana State University Northern | Robert Pair III is a Civil Engineering major participating in multiple service activities, while balancing a full course load. He is Secretary for the Association of Student Athletes, a campus tour guide, Student Ambassador, and MSUN Rodeo volunteer. Robert reads to local elementary students, volunteers as a youth wrestling coach, and was awarded the 2019 Student Excellence Award and 2019 NAIA Academic All-American for wrestling.
• Montana Technological University | Zach Torgerson is a Campus Compact AmeriCorps service member and Oredigger football player. He serves over 300 hours a year with youth, assisting them with Science Club, reading skills, and even launching a suicide prevention program in Butte designed for 4^th grade students. His ability to connect with students and inspire his peers to serve has distinguished him as a service member and leader at his university.
• Rocky Mountain College | Bailey Rheaume is a senior majoring in Elementary Education. She is the Student Coordinator of Bear’s Cupboard, an emergency food program she developed while serving as an AmeriCorps service member on campus. Passionate about literacy education, she serves in elementary school classrooms across Billings and advocates for access to higher education. Bailey uses her education to lead others into service.

Nominations for the Montana Student Volunteer Awards open the beginning of fall semester and close in early October. For information about individual award ceremonies, contact the college’s Campus Compact advisory committee member or Josh Vanek ([email protected]) with Campus Compact.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and community volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service. For more information, please visit serve.mt.gov.