Montana Tech Receives 1 Million Dollar Gift From Alumnus

Montana Tech announced today a $1 million gift to the university from Ryan Lance, a 1984 graduate of Montana Tech, and wife Lisa. The gift is from The Ryan Lance Family Fund, a donor-advised fund maintained at the Ayco Charitable Foundation. The gift will bring the university’s goal of a Living & Learning Center a major step closer to becoming a reality.

“Ryan and Lisa’s leadership gift in support of the Living and Learning Center is inspirational,” noted Montana Tech Chancellor Don Blackketter. “This gift is a reflection of their extraordinary commitment to Montana Tech. Many generations of Montana Tech students will be impacted by this gift.”

Lance, a Great Falls native and 1984 petroleum engineering graduate, is the chairman and chief executive officer of ConocoPhillips, the world's largest independent exploration and production company based on proven reserves and production of liquids and natural gas.

“I want to thank Ryan and Lisa for being a part of the solution in advancing our extraordinary university,” said Joe McClafferty, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and University Relations and President of the Montana Tech Foundation. “Their support and leadership of the Montana Tech Foundation is incredible.”

"We are proud of Montana Tech's heritage and excited about the future,” noted the Lances. “The Living & Learning Center will help transform the university as it takes ordinary lives and helps them become extraordinary."

Lance’s leadership and passion for Montana Tech was a major key in the successful fundraising for the Natural Resources Research Center and overall advancement of the Foundation. He currently serves on the Foundation Board of Directors and is serving in a leadership role in the Montana Tech Foundation’s comprehensive campaign. He has previously contributed to the Digger Turf project, the Natural Resources Building, the Annual Fund, the Petroleum Department, and scholarships at Montana Tech.

The Living & Learning Center (LLC) on the Montana Tech campus will serve as a vibrant multidisciplinary building creating a new social hub on campus. The LLC will house a state-of-the art resident hall with access to a variety of community lounges and learning spaces. These spaces will be designed to create an environment that will foster leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.