Catherine Jane Schwidde Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Catherine Jane Schwidde — “Katie” to family and friends — drowned in a catastrophic diving accident in 1976. From that tragedy began a philanthropic family legacy in memory of a loved one whose life was cut short. After Katie’s death, her parents, Jess and Kate Schwidde, created the Catherine Jane Schwidde Memorial Scholarship Endowment at the MSU Billings Foundation, the foundation’s first fully endowed scholarship. The generosity of the Schwidde’s will not only keep alive the memory of their daughter, Katie, but will also provide benefits to present and future students of MSU Billings and help them achieve the potential Katie never realized. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 1977-1978.
Impact
“It was an honor to be selected for the Catherine Jane Schwidde Endowed Scholarship and it has immensely assisted me in achieving my academic goals. This past year, while working three jobs, I was able to raise my overall GPA and make the honor roll and the deans list. Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. I cannot tell you how much it means to me. Because of this scholarship I have been able to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher and be able to really focus on my studies.” — Danielle N., Elementary Education major