Ruth Hveem Kronmiller
Hard work and perseverance were common threads woven throughout the fabric of Ruth Hveem Kronmiller’s life. Despite growing up with few advantages, Ruth’s personal motto was, “Look ahead; don’t dwell on the past.” She lived by that motto for 95 years.
Ruth was born and raised on Sand Creek, south of Wolf Point, Montana. The second child of five, her Norwegian immigrant parents were farmers and instilled the small-town values that would carry Ruth through a lifetime of adventures. She was steadfast, never defeated. She was an optimist, never a cynic.
Unfortunately, a college education was unavailable for Ruth. Later in her life, she became deeply interested in helping youth achieve the kind of education she had been unable to access, and she established the Ruth Hveem Kronmiller Endowed Scholarship at MSU Billings in 2002. The first scholarship was awarded in the academic year 2003-2004. Ruth’s generosity gives future Montana State University Billings students the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and realize their potential. The MSU Billings Foundation is proud to carry on Ruth’s legacy through this endowed scholarship fund. Ruth passed away on June 12, 2010.
Impact
“Thank you for restoring my faith in scholarships. I am the lucky recipient of the Ruth Hveem Kronmiller Endowed Scholarship. This money will help me not stress over financial issues which will allow me to work less at my job. I want to focus my efforts on studying and learning as much as possible. Before this scholarship, I was wondering how I was going to be able to work as many hours as I have been and go to school at the same time. I will be a sophomore in energy tech classes in the fall. I will do my best to make sure this money is well spent. Your investment in renewable energy will benefit the world, and I hope to use the scholarship money to be involved with that industry.” — Allen G., Sustainable Energy Technician major