Public-private partnership completes fundraising goal for Gallatin College building

BOZEMAN, MT — Governor Greg Gianforte and Montana State University (MSU) announced on March 12th, that MSU has raised $22.5 million in private donations and reached its fundraising goal to construct an on-campus facility for Gallatin College MSU.

“I’m honored to join MSU President Cruzado for this historic announcement which will benefit Montana for years to come,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I thank the Legislature and all donors who helped make this public-private partnership possible. I’d especially like to thank the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, and Lone Mountain Land Company for their generous contributions. Together, we will continue to help students prepare for a successful career in a good-paying job right here in Montana."

In 2023, the Montana Legislature passed and the governor signed House Bill 5, which provided $23.5 million in funding for Gallatin College MSU. The university was required to raise the remaining funds from the private sector for the $46 million facility.

“Gallatin College MSU has been helping students find successful careers and helping the industries of southwest Montana find qualified, highly educated employees for years,” MSU President Waded Cruzado said. “I’m thrilled that it’s finally time for Gallatin College MSU to have the home it deserves to continue to grow and help even more students.”

Major contributions included $11.25 million from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, $4.8 million from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, $4 million from Lone Mountain Land Company, and $1 million from an anonymous local industry partner.

“The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is pleased to support this project that will provide Gallatin College a dedicated home,” Jon Bennion, executive director of the foundation, said. “This new facility will be an important place where students will receive a great education and training for the careers of today and tomorrow.”

“We are honored to partner with Gallatin College as we work together to create opportunities for students in our community,” Matthew Kidd, president of Lone Mountain Land Co., said. “At Lone Mountain Land Co., we believe that collaboration is key to inspiring the next generation of leaders in hospitality and beyond. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and driving innovation, ensuring that that local students are equipped to shape a prosperous future for Montana's industries.”

Gallatin College MSU has been the university’s fastest growing college for years, setting enrollment records semester after semester, including a record 1,101 students last fall. Despite the growth, the college has never had its own dedicated facility — the only two-year college in the state without one. 

“Our gratitude to our donors and supporters throughout the community and region cannot be understated,” Cruzado said. “Their gifts are an investment in the future of Montana students that will strengthen our state tremendously. And we are very thankful to the governor and the 2023 Legislature for their support of Gallatin College MSU as well.”

For more information, please see here for the announcement from MSU.