McClafferty announced as Fall 2025 commencement speaker

Butte native and Montana Tech alumnus Joe McClafferty will deliver the university’s fall 2025 commencement address. McClafferty will speak on the topics of servant leadership, purpose, gratitude, leading, and aiming higher.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 am in the HPER.

"It's my honor to welcome Joe McClafferty back to Montana Tech's campus to serve as the speaker at my very first Commencement,” Chancellor Johnny MacLean said. “Joe has taught me about Butte's heart and soul, and no one has been a bigger supporter of Montana Tech. He is an incredible example of how a hardworking kid from Butte can leverage a Montana Tech education into an amazing career. Our graduating students will be inspired by his message."

Joe McClafferty grew up with big dreams of going to college and playing basketball. As a young boy, he would sneak into the Montana Tech gym to play, chasing the spark of possibility. That spark became a fire when he had the opportunity to play for legendary coach Kelvin Sampson. Under Sampson’s leadership, McClafferty was part of three championship teams that are now enshrined in the Montana Tech Hall of Fame. Those years taught him not just how to win games, but how to win in life.

“I am honored and thrilled to be the commencement speaker for Montana Tech,” explained McClafferty. “Montana Tech has inspired and empowered me to win in life and for that I am eternally grateful. I have great hope for the world because of the people who attend and graduate from Montana Tech.”

Following college, McClafferty spent 20 successful years in the investment industry, building strong client relationships and growing assets under management. Alongside this career, his passion for sports carried him into broadcasting, where for 15 years he delivered play-by-play and analysis—first on radio, then on television. Coaching youth was always at the center as McClafferty has volunteered coached for over 20 years.

In 2006, McClafferty returned to his alma mater as director of athletics at Montana Tech, where he brought to life his “first-choice vision”: making Digger Athletics the first choice for student-athletes, coaches, parents, fans, partners, and donors. His leadership sparked many successful initiatives, always rooted in purpose and teamwork. Highlights included:

• Writing the children’s book “How the Diggers Got Their Name” and creating the enduring Charlie Oredigger brand, built on the values of excellence, leadership, dedication, and pride.
• Launching the first corporate partnership program.
• Revitalizing the Digger Auction.
• Tripling athletic scholarships and creating a thriving tailgating tradition.
• Leading Project Dreams, which remodeled the arena, established Kelvin Sampson Court, renovated the football stadium, added Digger Vision, and transformed Bob Green Field.
• Renovating workout facilities and locker rooms.
• Established a big-time game day experience.
• Created multiple sustainable revenue streams to support the athletic department.
• Twice earning Frontier Conference “Athletic Director of the Year.”

McClafferty’s impact grew further when he became vice chancellor of development and university relations and CEO of the Montana Tech Foundation. Over the next decade, he helped reshape the campus, spearheading fundraising and vision for projects that continue to shape the student experience today:

• Raising more than $10 million to enhance the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing with its state-of-the-art simulation center.
• Leading the creation of the Natural Resource Research Center.
• Helping to establish the Student Success Center—a true campus gem.
• Driving branding and marketing that told the Montana Tech story through the “Ordinary Beginnings, Extraordinary Lives” campaign.
• Tripling the university’s endowment and doubling scholarship support for students.
• Serving as the catalyst for Ryan and Lisa Lance’s transformative philanthropic gift.
• Establishing Montana Tech’s Day One Giving Event
• Dreaming up and launching the Butte Endowed Scholarship, which provides first-generation scholarships to Butte students, changing lives and altering trajectories.

McClafferty recently finished his second children’s book, “The Bison and Firefly,” a wonderful story of belonging, grit, and finding your purpose. The characters in the book are now the mascots Hope and Thunder at Shodair Children’s Hospital. McClafferty loves to speak to teams and leaders about culture, servant leadership, purpose and reviving the concept of team.  

McClafferty’s leadership journey has extended beyond investments, athletics and higher education. He has served in top executive roles in healthcare and the manufacturing/sales industry. Currently, Joe leads Harrington Companies as CEO. This Montana-based organization includes Harrington Bottling Company, Golden West Vending, and Harrington Restaurant Supplies—three businesses united by their focus on service, community, connection and fun.

McClafferty believes that all real challenges are accomplished with team. His best teammate in life is his incredible wife, Therese, together they have raised three loving, kind purposeful people. McClafferty is thankful for every team and teammate that he has learned from and who has helped him in his journey.   

At every stage of his career, McClafferty has been guided by a simple philosophy: lead with purpose, choose positivity and gratitude, and embrace the growth mindset to always aim higher.