Current Pure Gold Recipients

There cannot be enough said about Amy Kanuch that supports her being Pure Gold. She is THE person behind the scenes who coordinates the Pure Gold program, but that is only one of numerous blue and gold programs she leads. 

Dani is the community director of Hyalite Hall, and I have seen her go above and beyond to make sure students and student staff have an incredible experience. Most recently, she facilitated the move-in of new students at Hyalite Hall, and the department has received countless compliments on how smooth and welcoming the process was.  

One piece of this was a new program for parents started by Dani. She saw how parents wanted to be included in the joy of the start of the school year but sometimes felt out of place in the chaos of move-in. She created a program for every hall, not just hers, for parents to write a letter to their incoming student to be delivered in September, when statistics show students are the most homesick. We received a lot of praise for this program, and Dani made it happen all by herself! We even had to put tissues out at some of the tables because parents were getting emotional. This is just one example of how Dani connects to the needs of our residents and their families and finds a way to make their experience the best it can be. 

Award recieved September 25, 2024. Nominated by Maggie Schmutz.

Tanya Giop is an exceptional payroll associate with the payroll team in the Human Resources Office at MSU, where she manages payroll for 42 different departments across campus. Her remarkable responsiveness, constant patience and kindness make her an invaluable resource to the payroll team and the MSU community at large. Tanya consistently excels at problem-solving, handling even the most complex and timely challenges with a fantastic attitude. My numerous last-minute payroll emergencies have been no match for Tanya, who has always risen to the occasion. Her ability to approach problems with creativity and thoughtfulness has not only resolved issues but also inspired me to adopt a more thoughtful and innovative approach to problem-solving.

Tanya's dedication and her impact on those around her make her a truly deserving recipient of the Pure Gold award.  

Award received September 18, 2024. Nominated by Madison Hebner.

Jodi Duncan, our SNAP-Ed instructor for Glacier County, Toole County and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, consistently goes above and beyond in her service to our communities. She delivers vital nutrition education while tirelessly working to address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles among our most vulnerable populations.

 Jodi's positive contributions touch countless lives. She frequently collaborates with local food banks, but her commitment extends well beyond her official duties – she also volunteers many personal hours to support these crucial community resources. Additionally, Jodi partners with schools to promote sustainable, healthy eating programs. Her unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of community members, especially those facing economic challenges, is truly inspiring. Jodi's commitment and innovative approaches to nutrition education motivate others to become more involved in local food security initiatives and to advocate for healthier food options in our area.

 Well-known and loved by many in our counties, Jodi makes an impact on the community that is both far-reaching and deeply personal, making her an exemplary candidate for the "Pure Gold" program.

Award received September 11, 2024. Nominated by Lisa Terry.

Wesley Smith has stepped up not just for his own department, but for other departments on campus such as the College of Nursing and the College of Arts and Architecture. He is polite, professional, and an excellent role model in terms of IT customer service and technical skill. He may not know it, but he is leading the push in creating a cohesive team environment for MSU's IT services.

I've been inspired by his positive attitude and attention to detail, both of which I will be sure to incorporate as an amateur IT professional at MSU.

Award received September 4, 2024. Nominated by Andrew Lander.

Mitch practices quiet excellence. Everything he does is thorough and thoughtful. He always goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service to our customers. He is a careful researcher and usually finds a solution, no matter how hard or how deep he has to dig to identify the problem. He is a wealth of tribal knowledge. The best thing about him is his demeanor. Never one to speak up, he is always quietly kind and helpful. He doesn't lose patience or get rattled. 

Mitch is Pure Gold, and we are fortunate to have him as the linchpin of our team.

Award received August 28, 2024. Nominated by Elizabeth Olson.

Shannon Bangen, the esteemed Associate Director of New Student Programs at MSU, has made a remarkable impact through her dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment. Overseeing fall, spring, and summer orientations, Shannon ensures that each new, transfer, Veteran, and international student transitions smoothly and feels welcomed into the MSU family. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic planning guarantees that every orientation session is a seamless and enriching experience for not only our students, but faculty and staff. When many of us find ourselves caught up in the details of the day, we rely on Shannon to keep us all on track as she is already planning for next year!

In addition to managing these crucial orientation programs, Shannon also coordinates the MSU Friday visit program, which offers prospective students a comprehensive glimpse into university life. Her exceptional organizational skills and proactive approach to program coordination demonstrate her passion for fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Shannon's ability to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel supported and excited about their academic journey is truly commendable. If coordinating some of the highest profile and largest front facing events MSU has to offer wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Shannon is an integral part of many other formal and informal leadership roles on campus. She is literally everywhere all at the same time! Shannon serves as a deeply invested as a mentor and role model for the personal growth and success of each student. Her empathetic nature and genuine care for student well-being are evident in every aspect of her work. Her investment consistently shines through no matter the setting from serving as instructor of the Orientation Leader course to volunteering in Shroyer Gymnasium the morning of graduation. As shared by one of her orientation leaders, “She really values students and is committed to getting to know us so she can help us grow as orientation leaders and in general.” By cultivating a sense of belonging and community, Shannon plays an instrumental role in helping students navigate their transition to university life with confidence and enthusiasm.

Her unwavering dedication to student success, combined with her ability to manage and enhance key programs, makes Shannon Bangen an invaluable asset to MSU. Her contributions not only enrich the university experience for new students but also set a high standard for excellence in student services. Shannon's leadership and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment make her a true beacon of excellence at MSU.

Driven. Innovative. Inspiring. Shannon Bangen is Pure Gold through and through!

Award received August 21, 2024. Nominated by Joe Hicks and Liz Greenfield.