Quinn Cox receives George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship Award
Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement, a network of higher education institutions committed to promoting civic and community engagement, has announced the recipients of the 2025 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship.
Montana Technological University student Quinn Cox is among a select group of students statewide recognized for outstanding leadership, service to others, and a strong commitment to strengthening their campus and community. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their civic contributions.
The George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship honors students who go above and beyond the classroom to serve others and lead with purpose—qualities Cox has consistently demonstrated throughout his time at Montana Tech.
Cox, a software engineering student from Alaska set to graduate in May, has been deeply involved in campus leadership and service, holding a wide range of roles including ASMT senator, vice president, and president; resident assistant; programming assistant for Residence Life; and orientation leader. Central to Cox’s civic engagement has been his long-term commitment to Montana Tech’s student-run food pantry.
“I think that scholarship is really designated for students who not only have leadership experience, but who also give back,” Cox said. “A big part of that for me has been helping run the food pantry for the last four years.”
While Cox did not start the food pantry, he played a key role in sustaining and expanding it—first through hands-on work, and later through administrative leadership. Today, Cox helps manage funding, coordinates donor communication, oversees thank-you outreach, and works closely with student employees to ensure the pantry remains stocked and accessible.
In recent years, Cox has also helped revive food drives and expand partnerships that address food insecurity on campus, including collaboration with Program Manager of Outreach and Belonging Cheyenne Crooker and the Swipe Out Hunger program to ensure students have access to meal swipes.
“Food insecurity is a scary thing,” Cox said. “If we can help take that stress off students’ minds so they can focus on school, that’s huge, especially for international students who are limited in how much they can work.”
The impact of the pantry has grown significantly. According to Cox, food that once sat unused for months is now gone within days. The pantry now distributes roughly $2,500 worth of food every two weeks, funded entirely through donations from community members, campus partners, and local businesses.
“What makes our pantry special is that it’s run by students, for students,” Cox said. “It’s entirely student-operated. Everyone involved is balancing classes and responsibilities, but they still carve out time to help others.”
Beyond the food pantry, Cox’s work as a resident assistant also reflects a commitment to building community. As an RA, he helped mentor younger students, plan educational and social events, and connect residents with campus resources. He often served as a first point of support for students adjusting to college life.
“You’re helping manage a community,” Cox said. “You’re creating spaces where students feel like they belong and want to stay at Montana Tech.”
Cox credits encouragement from Montana Tech staff, particularly Campus Life Director Madeline Thomas, for applying for the scholarship and hopes his experience encourages other students to do the same.
“This is a recurring scholarship, and I would encourage students to apply,” Cox said. “Even if it takes half an hour, it’s worth it. You never know—and we don’t get many applicants from our campus.”
As Cox prepares to graduate, he is focused on leaving strong documentation and guidance for future student leaders to continue the work he helped build, ensuring the food pantry and other student-led initiatives remain sustainable long after he leaves.
“These programs matter,” Cox said. “And the students who come after us deserve to have them continue.”