Five individuals will be recognized with Blue and Gold awards by Montana State University on Friday, Sept. 26, during the university’s Homecoming week.
The Blue and Gold Award is considered one of MSU’s highest honors. It is given to those who have provided significant lifetime service or brought distinction to either MSU or the state of Montana. According to the university, recipients are selected based on their achievements in areas such as professional work, family, public service, philanthropy, or contributions to humanity.
This year’s honorees include Richard “Dick” Harte, Jake Jabs, Cory and Diane (Knapp) Pulfrey, and Flint Rasmussen.
Richard “Dick” Harte graduated from MSU in 1970. He co-founded Universal Athletic with Larry Aasheim in 1971. The company started small but has grown into what is described as the largest independent team dealer in the country. Harte also owns or partners in several other businesses.
Jake Jabs completed his studies at MSU in 1952. He leads American Furniture Warehouse as CEO and helped build it into a major retail furniture business in the United States. Jabs previously served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and supports various nonprofit organizations through philanthropic efforts.
Cory Pulfrey graduated from MSU in 1982 and is a founding partner at Cloverlay Investment Management LLC. His career includes roles at Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners and Weyerhaeuser Company Pension Fund Group. Diane Pulfrey graduated from MSU in 1983 and has worked extensively on community initiatives focused on education and youth support within Montana. She serves on the advisory board for MSU’s College of Education, Health and Human Development.
Flint Rasmussen is known for his career as a barrel man in professional rodeo events, particularly with Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). He was named PRCA Clown of the Year eight times consecutively and also worked as a high school coach and teacher.
“Recipients must have achieved prominence through service to one or more of the following: profession, family, country, world, university, philanthropy or humanity,” according to Montana State University.
