Graduating senior Nathan Spangenberg highlighted two main achievements during his time at Montana State University: being on the field as a Spirit Squad member when the Bobcat football team won the national championship on Jan. 5 in Nashville, Tennessee, and maintaining a 3.0 grade point average throughout his studies, according to an April 30 announcement.
Spangenberg will graduate May 8 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He said, “Maintaining my 3.0 GPA while doing cheer and all the activities that you have to do with athletics is something I’m pretty proud of.”
Elizabeth Varnes, lecturer and special assistant to the dean of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, said, “As Nathan’s capstone project adviser, I have had the privilege of witnessing his growth and development as an engineering student preparing to go off into his career. His attention to detail, perseverance, optimistic outlook and his demonstrated initiative are exceptional.”
Spangenberg’s capstone project involves creating programmable electronic signs for vehicles that allow direct communication between drivers using displays controlled by a smartphone application. The idea was proposed by Brian Gladden of Mongo Ventures.
The MSU Spirit Squad consists of cheerleaders like Spangenberg who dedicate about 20 hours per week to practice and events. Spangenberg described game days as demanding: “We do a little bit more during game weeks because we get there pretty early for games,” he said.
He reflected on how welcoming he found cheerleading since joining in high school: “That welcoming environment gave me a second family.” He also noted that endurance is one of the most challenging aspects: “The endurance part of cheer is something that not many people see.”
Nicola Norris, head coach of the MSU Spirit Squad, said about Spangenberg: “Nathan is the kind of leader every team hopes for… On game days, his presence is undeniable; he brings a level of spirit, confidence and connection that elevates everyone around him.”
After graduation, Spangenberg plans to work as an electrical engineer at IMEG in Billings. He offered advice for new students: “Don’t always bury yourself in your books… College is that last chance you’re going to have before getting out into the real world to make friends that you’ll have for a lifetime.”
Montana State University leads research funding within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university contributes through volunteer efforts and research aimed at improving lives and environments according to its official website. It ranks among the top five percent globally per Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
Enrollment stands at approximately 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. As Montana’s land-grant university focused on research and outreach addressing key challenges according to its official website, it extends influence across Montana and beyond according to its official website.