Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Eric Hastings, an alumnus of Montana State University (MSU) and founder of a national organization supporting injured veterans, will be awarded an honorary doctorate during MSU’s fall commencement ceremony on December 12 at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
The Montana Board of Regents has approved the honorary degree for Hastings, who was born and raised in Bozeman. Honorary doctorates are the highest recognition given by the university to individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
Hastings began his military career in 1960 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps and enrolled at MSU. After earning a degree in history and philosophy in 1964, he served as a military aviator and leader for three decades. His service included flying 168 combat missions in Vietnam and holding several leadership positions such as commander of the “Black Sheep” Marine Attack Squadron 214 and chief of staff for the First Marine Expeditionary Force under U.S. Central Command during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also taught at both the Naval War College and United States Air Force Air War College before retiring from active duty in 1994.
Throughout his career, Hastings received numerous awards for heroism and meritorious conduct, including two Legion of Merit decorations, an Air Medal with Bronze Star, eleven Strike/Flight Air medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.
After retiring from military service, Hastings founded Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation—a national nonprofit that helps veterans find peace and resilience through fly fishing and other nature-based activities. Speaking about his motivation to continue serving veterans after retirement, Hastings said: “You can’t just walk off into the sunset. This is an honor contract between Americans and the people who were sent to war in their name.”
Retired Marine Corps General Walter Boomer praised Hastings’ impact through Warriors and Quiet Waters: “In all of my experience with veterans groups, I have never seen such success, all due to one man,” Boomer wrote. “(Eric Hastings) has brought service and dedication to his country, his fellow citizens of Montana and honor to his alma mater, Montana State University. I cannot imagine a better candidate for the award of honorary doctorate.”
A veteran who participated in Warriors and Quiet Waters described its influence: “Eric taught me and countless U.S. servicemembers to harness the healing power of nature,” wrote retired Marine Staff Sgt. Joshua Caskey. “His mentorship helped me restore my sense of purpose and has left an indelible mark on the person I am today.”
The foundation also provided support for Hastings himself following personal loss—the death of his wife Jean Schauer Hastings in 2021—by encouraging him to perform a piano recital as a fundraiser for Warriors and Quiet Waters. With training as a classical pianist from Mannes School of Music after his military retirement, he prepared extensively for this event over eighteen months; former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice gave introductory remarks remotely at this performance.
Former MSU adjunct professor Eric Funk commended Hastings’ efforts: “He didn’t undertake this leviathan task for praise or ego… He did this because of his love for humanity, veterans, family, service, honor, goodness and music.”
Hastings led Warriors and Quiet Waters as president/CEO from 2007–2016; he remains active on its advisory board while also supporting other veteran causes such as serving on the national board for Order of Daedalians (a fraternity for military pilots), founding Gallatin Skyhawk Scholarship Foundation (helping future aviators earn private pilot licenses), leading community organizations like Bozeman United Methodist Church leadership team or Gallatin Airport Authority board—and participating with Kiwanis club.
Former MSU adjunct professor Frank Seitz noted: “As a civilian Colonel Hastings has not slowed down his unwavering commitment to helping others… From that passionate mission he refuses to retire.”
Hastings’ ties with MSU go back generations—his father was an entomology professor there; his mother worked as administrative secretary in English department; both sons (retired Marines) are alumni along with one grandchild; now living again in Bozeman with second wife Ilse-Mari Lee Hastings he continues supporting Bobcat athletics.
Details about MSU’s fall commencement can be found online at https://www.montana.edu/commencement/.
