Rod and Mary Lee James Endowed Scholarship

When Rod and Mary Lee James decided to join the Montana Technological University family, they were all in.

In 1978 Rod accepted a teaching position in Environmental Engineering at Montana Tech. Rod was an extraordinary faculty member encouraging and atmosphere of problem solving. He made it a point to get to know his students—and so did Mary Lee—and get involved with everything the university had to offer. Together they provided a sense of family to many and dinner at their house became almost a right of passage for Montana Tech student athletes.

For over 40 years they have provided a home away from home for Oredigger student athletes. They have given so much over the years—and while they never asked for anything in return, they would be quick to point out that they have received so much from the students Rod taught, and the student-athletes the Jameses welcomed into their home and wrapped in their embrace.

We are excited to share that donor has made possible a $1,000 scholarship that will carry Rod and Mary Lee James’ names and be awarded in each of the next five years. The scholarship will go to support the educational dreams and ambitions of Tech student-athletes. 

We would like to grow and perpetuate this scholarship and Rod and Mary Lee’s legacy on our Montana Technological University campus by endowing their scholarship. Our initial goal is to perpetuate the scholarship through a $25,000 endowment. 

Participation is key to reaching this goal. You can help by making a gift and spreading the word with your teammates and friends. 

Let’s give back to honor those who have given so much to Tech and to generations of Orediggers. 

For more information about the scholarship, please contact Joe McClafferty, Foundation CEO, at 406-496-4804 or jmcclafferty@mtech.edu.

Thank you for considering making a gift today to the Rod and Mary Lee James Endowed Scholarship. Please help us spread the word! Share this project on social media, by email and tell your friends!