Bill Patek Leadership Award Endowed Scholarship
Bill Patek was an automotive instructor who served students and inspired colleagues at the MSU Billings College of Technology (now City College at MSU Billings) since 1970. Regarded as an outstanding teacher, Mr. Patek kept pace with technological developments in the automotive industry and successfully conveyed that knowledge to successive generations of graduates of his program. His skill as a teacher was also recognized by other faculty members, many whom emulate him. The Bill Patek Leadership Award Endowment was established in 2001 in honor of Mr. Patek. In 2002, Mr. Patek retired after 32 years as an instructor. He died September 9, 2003, after a courageous six-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 2002-2003.
Impact
“I was very happy and appreciate to learn that I was selected as the recipient of the Bill Patek Leadership Award. I wanted to send my thanks for your generosity and for opening the scholarship to non-traditional students. I’ve been fortunate the last nine years to be a practicing Massage Therapist in Billings, but nearly a decade of deep tissue massage has taken a toll on my hands, and I’ve had to explore new career options. Thankfully, MSU Billings has a variety of healthcare programs to choose from and I have decided to focus my studies in the nursing field. Going back to school at 30 has been a challenge in itself. The financial help that you have provided will allow me to continue to focus on studying to becoming an effective nurse. With the course of study, I will graduate in two years, after which I hope to become a nurse at the naturopathic clinic or in sports medicine. Thank you again for providing this scholarship for me, and for those the last 16 years.” — Ashley Z., Nursing major