Angela Brandt
Havre Daily News
abrandt@havredailynews.com
Lynn Hamilton is coming out of retirement to take the position of Montana State University-Northern Foundation executive director. Hamilton said she originally retired to spend time with her children and now they are in college.
“I'm an empty-nester and have a lot of time on my hands,” Hamilton said today.
She will begin her new job on Feb. 1, the same day her seven-year term on the Montana Board of Regents ends. She will replace Tom Reynolds, who is retiring from the full-time position.
Hamilton grew up in Havre and then returned in 1981 to become the public information officer for MSU-Northern. She was named director of college relations in 1986 and in 1989 assumed additional responsibilities as Northern Alumni Association director for six years.
Hamilton said the foundation has a really strong alumni base and it's important to keep people involved with the campus after graduation.
After the university system was restructured in 1994, she became director of university relations, a position she held until retiring in 1997.
“I worked for Northern for 16 years. I know quite a bit of what goes on in that world,” she said.
Hamilton said she is excited to work with MSU-Northern Chancellor Alex Capdeville.
“We are pleased to have Lynn Hamilton join the foundation. She will be a great executive director, as she brings with her much experience and knowledge about the inner workings of the university system,” Capdeville said in a press release.
Hamilton said one of the college's biggest challenges is to have a stable enrollment base.
The MSU-Northern Foundation board of directors chose Hamilton after a search and forums.
The foundation was established in 1977 to raise money for Northern. The foundation coordinates all fundraising activities for the university and supports the university in areas in which state funds cannot be used. Hamilton said the foundation relies mostly on large donations from individuals.
During her first year, Reynolds, will stay on part time in the position of planned gift officer to assist Hamilton's transition. Planned gifts are funds left to the foundation through a will or estate.
Reynolds has served as executive director of the foundation since 1979.
