Some thank you's
The best thing that ever happened to me was getting married to Iris Ann Wilhelm fifty-eight and-a-half years ago. The second best thing was getting an education at the University of Montana. The third best were friends who helped me achieve those things which give me great pride and joy.
The above statement was made to lay a proper base for the following column, a letter received this past week. The letter thanks me for a gift I did not give. It was written by a young Flathead woman who is the latest recipient of an endowed scholarship at U of M.
That fund was established by friends as part of my 70th birthday party 18 years ago. Leaders in the effort were Ivan O’Neil and Jim Hollensteiner. One of the first contributors was Mel Ruder, founder of this newspaper. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all who made it possible.
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Dear Mr. G. George Ostrom:
I am incredibly honored to receive the George Ostrom Scholarship. Not only is the financial contribution a great help, but the outside support gives me so much encouragement in my studies.
My passion for storytelling has been life-long. I grew up in Bigfork, Montana. My family was very poor when I was younger, and I was raised somewhat alternatively; I spent the first summer of my life living in a tent with my two young parents. It was a very loving household- tenthold, perhaps — and my parents, along with my extended family, taught and pushed me to pursue journalism when they saw I had an interest in writing. I have been thankful for their support as their guidance has made me a better artist over the last two decades.
This coming fall will be my fourth year at University of Montana. I have two years remaining, partially because I am majoring in both journalism and fine arts. These fields draw me in because of my interest in communicating ideas. My hope is to blend journalistic storytelling and visual media to impact viewers in a lasting way. The world becomes a healthier place when we better understand the other people who live here.
I am so grateful to attend the University of Montana. The mentors I have found in the faculty are intelligent, informed, and patient, and their knowledge has drastically improved my work — not to mention how amazing it is to be part of the supportive Missoula community.
The financial aid accompanied with this honor is very significant. I am financially independent from my parents, and work two jobs while in school full time. Your contribution lightens the load of tuition, so thank you. I feel a passion for creating, uncovering truth through multiple mediums and telling untold stories. The George Ostrom Scholarship makes me feel supported in striving to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Halisia Hubbard
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My reasons for putting this in the paper are simple. This is a long overdue thank you to friends deserving credit, thanks to my alma mater for the education it gave me, thanks to the UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA FOUNDATION which helps so many students, and hopefully this will encourage others to support that outstanding school.
Life is good.
George Ostrom is an award-winning columnist.