October 1, 2016
Delaney Hansen is the second generation in her family to attend Montana Western. She has felt a close connection with the university since she can remember.
Delaney Hansen is the second generation in her family to attend Montana Western. She has felt a close connection with the university since she can remember.
“Growing up I would hear college stories from both my parents who attended Montana Western and remain avid supporters to this day,” Hansen said. “I knew when it came time to choose a university that Montana Western was the only choice.”
Hansen’s parents attended then Western Montana College in the 1990s and her brother Brandon graduated from UMW in 2015. Her father played on the football team and helped coach from 2010 to 2011.
While growing up, Hansen’s family moved frequently, but they returned to Dillon several times over the years. Hansen now resides in Lethbridge, Canada when she’s not in school.
“The tight community of Montana Western is a major reason I love this university,” Hansen said. There is no doubt that Montana Western is my home away from home. I feel comfortable and supported by the campus and community in Dillon – a feeling that is unique to UMW.”
Hansen is the Associated Students of the University of Montana Western president which keeps her very busy along with her studies, but she is also involved in several other on-campus clubs.
In her time as ASUMW president Hansen has worked on restructuring ASUMW elections to be equally representative of all UMW departments and is working on policies and procedures to encourage sustainability. She has also worked to secure the funding to remodel the Student Union Building rec room to provide a fun place for students to gather on campus.
Hansen is pursuing an elementary education degree with a minor in special education.
“Montana Western’s Experience One program allows me to gain real-world experiences relating directly to my future as an educator through a one of a kind hands-on education,” Hansen said.
Hansen is planning to do her student teaching assignment in a third-world country and would like to teach abroad full time after graduating.
“As a teacher I want to make a significant difference with the degree I earn at Montana Western,” Hansen said. “This university has a legacy of exceptional teachers which I hope to continue.”
— Montana Western —
