- Editorial Offices
- 203 Brantly Hall
- Missoula, MT 59812
- (406) 243-2488
- themontanan@umontana.edu
1990s
Amber Koester ’90, Helena, moved to Helena to work for eGovernment services provider Montana Interactive as a technical writer. Over her 26 years in Great Falls, she worked for the Great Falls Tribune, the financial services firm D.A. Davidson Companies, and nonprofits NeighborWorks Montana and NeighborWorks Great Falls.
Vonda Franklin ’96, Boise, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching – the country’s highest recognition for a K-12th grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teacher. Franklin, who has been an educator in Idaho for 15 years, is pictured (second from left) at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in October.
Lacey Griffiths ’98, Vancouver, WA, is Washington State Assistant Principal of the Year last year. For the past 20 years, she has worked in at-risk schools as a teacher and administrator, helping change the trajectory for students and creating systems to increase the state graduation rate. “Representing the state in this capacity has been humbling and an honor,” she says. “My roots will always be firmly planted in Missoula and as a Griz as I was born and raised in this beautiful town.” She is in the running for National Assistant Principal of the Year.
Deborah Livesay J.D. ’98, Atlanta, GA, became a partner at Taylor English Duma LLP. As an attorney, she has represented management in employment-related litigation and claims for 19 years.
Sheila Cornwell ’99, Missoula, is the sole owner/operator of Missoula-based startup Montana Adventure Shuttle, LLC, which she founded three years ago. Cornwell says she serves both locals and visitors and stays true to her UM College of Forestry roots. “I have worked with various aspects of the USFS to ensure safe transportation of passengers who are here to learn about our forestry techniques, contribute to conservation and/or simply enjoy the outdoors,” she says.
Terrel Jones M.A. ’99, Troy, works as a Montana artist after retiring as a Troy School District art and foreign language instructor, where she worked from 1983 to 2005. Jones spent 10 years living and teaching in Lima, Peru, and credits South American Native art for her preferences in choices of color and patterns. Jones’ unique style of merging landscape and figures has gained her recognition in Montana and surrounding areas.
