Brad James Black Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Brad James Black was born on July 4, 1977, in Billings. He grew up west of Billings, attended Arrowhead Elementary and Will James Junior High School, and graduated from Billings West High in 1996. Brad attended the University of Montana College of Technology and graduated in 2000 with a degree in building maintenance engineering. Brad had a passion for the outdoors. An avid fisherman and hunter, he spend countless hours enjoying the mountains, hills and streams that made Montana the perfect place for him. He was a skilled carpenter and could fix or build anything. One of Brad’s greatest qualities was his dedication to his friends and family. On May 26, 2002, Brad was killed in an automobile accident near Helena, Montana. He will always be remembered for a smile on his face, fiery red hair, and a fishing pole close by. In memory of Brad, his parents, Jim and LaVaun Black, established the Brad James Black Memorial Scholarship at MSU Billings in 2009 to provide scholarship assistance to City College at MSU Billings students enrolled in the Industry program of study. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 2010-2011.
Impact
“This award will allow me to purchase necessary items for my classes including some of the required welding equipment. It will also help with other expenses associated with attending college… I am the father of three daughters and am the sole breadwinner in the household. I want to earn a degree in welding and support my family in a comfortable manner. I also want my children to see that hard work pays off. They see struggles now, but soon they will see the rewards.” – Josh T., Welding & Metal Fabrication