May 25, 2023
Dear Friends,
By now, you may have heard that Sheila Stearns, our beloved colleague, mentor and friend, passed away on Tuesday morning. I know that you share my feeling of loss and, at the same time, gratitude for her service, leadership and life of impact, especially for Montana – the place she loved so deeply.
Our UM team has met with her family (Hal, Scott and Malin) to discuss their wishes for a public memorial and celebration of Sheila, in addition to private gatherings for the Stearns and MacDonald families.
Please hold Friday, June 2, to join us at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in the University Center Ballroom for an afternoon of “campfire stories” that pay tribute to Sheila’s remarkable life. Doors will open at 1 p.m., and programming will begin at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages people to honor Sheila’s belief in the power of higher education by donating to one of the institutions she loved and/or led.
On behalf of Sheila’s family, I hope you’ll join us as we come together to share a special time in honor of one of our state’s true treasures.
Kind regards,
Seth