Montana State University senior Erika Hardy completed her term of service as a Boardroom Bobcat with the Gallatin Valley YMCA this spring, just weeks before her graduation in May. Hardy, originally from Lehi, Utah, is majoring in finance and minoring in international business at the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
The Boardroom Bobcats program connects students with local nonprofits for a full academic year as non-voting board members. The initiative aims to give students practical experience while supporting community organizations. Nearly 100 students have participated since the program began in 2016.
Hardy contributed to the YMCA by applying financial models for future projections and providing input on event planning and budgeting during bimonthly board meetings. She also filled volunteer gaps when needed, culminating in volunteering at the organization’s largest fundraiser, the YMCA’s 5K Color Run on April 25. “We don’t often discuss nonprofit operations in my typical business classes,” Hardy said. “So, I thought (Boardroom Bobcats) would be a good way to get involved and learn more about that world.” She added that she was inspired by volunteers who balance their commitments without compensation alongside full-time jobs and families.
Hardy has held several leadership roles at Montana State University (MSU), including serving as a Jabs Ambassador, vice president of the Finance Club, and treasurer for Women in Business Club. Upon graduation, she plans to continue working as a project coordinator intern at Profitable Ideas Exchange while staying in Bozeman through summer.
Sienna George, director of the MSU Leadership Institute, said: “Erika’s experience with the YMCA is a great example of what happens when students have the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in real community contexts. Her experience in Boardroom Bobcats shows how students gain direct insight into the nonprofit sector while developing the skills they carry forward into their future careers.”
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 outreach designed to enhance lives and improve environments according to its official website. MSU ranks among the top five percent of global universities per rankings from Center for World University Rankings according to its official website. Enrollment stands at approximately 17,165 students evenly split between residents and nonresidents according to its official website.
As Montana’s land-grant institution focused on research, education, and outreach addressing key challenges according to its official website, MSU extends influence throughout Montana and beyond according to its official website.