Patricia A. Jaffray

In the 1950s, marriage and family were the norm for most American women. Aspirations of college or career were much less common than they are today. So imagine, in 1957, a plucky 18-year-old Billings Central Catholic High School graduate headed to Spokane, Washington, to become a registered nurse. Patricia “Pat” O’Leary Jaffray did earn her nursing diploma from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1960, moved to California, married, and became the mother of two sons. Pat found herself a single mother and provider when the boys were toddlers. She credits her nursing education with her family’s survival for she could always “get a job.” Pat moved back to Billings, Montana, to start a private homecare/staffing service, Professional Nursing Personnel Pool, Inc. (PNPP). Pat credits her success to the loyal, caring PNPP employees spanning almost 30 years. She sold the business in 2005. Pat has shared her time, experience, and resources with Montana State University Billings for many years. Having been a single parent, Pat recognized the life-changing difference education made in her life. In 2011, during the Opportunity Campaign for MSU Billings Scholarships, Pat established the Patricia A. Jaffray Endowed Scholarship. When asked what motivated her gift, Pat said she felt not only a responsibility to give back for what she received through her education but also an obligation to help others achieve success. Sadly, Pat passed away in April, 2017 after a battle with cancer. Earnings from the endowment will provide financial assistance to MSU Billings nursing students for years to come. The first scholarship from the endowment was awarded in 2015-2016.