The coronavirus pandemic presented MSUB with unprecedented challenges. To protect vulnerable campus populations, the university swiftly reacted to the evolving circumstances. The Montana University System and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education provided guidance. Courses transitioned online, students left to be with their families, and staff worked remotely to quell the progression of COVID-19.
But amidst these uncertain times, one thing became clear. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends stand as the Yellowjacket family to help one another during times of great need.
This series of campus acts of kindness demonstrates the Yellowjackets’ compassion for each other and our tremendous resilience to hardship. We are proud to highlight the kindness and generosity of these groups and individuals who support MSUB and its students.
Campus blood drives exceed expectations.
Vitalant blood drives held recently at City College, and MSUB’s university campus exceeded goals for donation and collection. At the end of both drives, Vitalant collected 85 total products from 75 donors, 33 of which were new donors. Read more…
Student leaders reallocate budgets
Seeing an opportunity to create a substantive positive impact for student clubs and organizations, ASMSUB decided to help. On April 13, Senators Black, Robertus, and Sexton took action and introduced a bill. The bill would allow clubs and organizations to keep their unspent allocated budget. After debate and discussion, the bill moved to the committee by a vote of 9-3. Read more…
Care packages delivered to on-campus students
Staff members in Student Support Services/TRIO (SSS) realized a need that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students they serve live on campus and are alone, isolated, and scared. To quell these feelings in their students, the SSS department decided to create care packages for them. Read more…
Chevy steps up for auto body students
City College instructor Steven Wodrich works each year with the National Auto Body Council for its recycled ride program. Under his leadership, auto body students refinish a donated car to give to a local family in need. When City College closed its buildings this spring, students no longer had a shop to work in. Denny Menholt Chevrolet in Billings, Montana, volunteered to take the car to its shop so students can continue their work. The class will give away the refinished ride at auction in August.
Local VA provides tech packages
For some students, the transition to online courses at Montana State University Billings has been far from easy. To ease the stress, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation Program partnered with several MSU Billings departments to ensure education could continue. Together, they provided complete computer packages to four veteran students. Read more…
Alumna delivers moving boxes to residence halls
MSUB students received instructions to vacate campus residence halls in response to the governor’s shelter in place orders. Unfortunately, many were unprepared for unexpected packing. Alumna and current City College instructor Jessie Perius came to the rescue, delivering moving boxes for students to use.
University Police receive masks from community members
Recently, MSUB’s University Police department was the beneficiary of eight reusable masks from Donna and Steve Tobin. The Tobin’s are connected to campus through their niece Liz Dobson, Rimrock Hall, and Family Housing director. Read more…