The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Terry Rae Hazelbaker Scholarship by Terry’s son, Jay Mattfeldt. Created in honor of his mother’s legacy, the scholarship reflects Terry’s lifelong dedication to education, service, and helping others succeed. Through this scholarship, Jay hopes to carry forward those values while helping ease the financial burden for students pursuing their education at Montana Western.
Terry was born on January 4, 1949, in Dillon, Montana, the first child of Clara and Theodore Hazelbaker. She was raised in Dillon alongside her two younger brothers, developing strong family ties that remained important throughout her life.
Terry attended Western Montana College, where she earned her degree in education and began a lifelong commitment to teaching and service. She later made her home in Colstrip, Montana, where she taught high school English for 33 years. Throughout her career, Terry touched the lives of thousands of students and colleagues, leaving a lasting impact through her dedication, kindness, and commitment to helping others learn and succeed.
Beyond the classroom, Terry was an active and engaged member of her community. She participated in Close Up, was involved with Women of the Moose, and served on the boards of various local organizations. Her generosity, leadership, and willingness to give back were evident throughout her life.
“My mom spent her life helping other people reach their goals, many times putting their needs ahead of her own,” said Jay. “She truly believed in education and in giving everyone the opportunity to learn, no matter their background, beliefs, or opinions. One of the things I admired most about her was that education wasn’t about telling people what to think—it was about giving them the knowledge and opportunity to think for themselves. She believed there was always value in learning more, listening to different perspectives, and trying to better understand the world and the people around us. I can’t think of a better way to honor my mom than to help someone else pursue an education and, hopefully, go on to help others just as she did throughout her life.”
The Terry Rae Hazelbaker Scholarship will award its first scholarship for the 2027–2028 academic year and will provide a $1,000 scholarship annually. Eligible recipients must be formally admitted to the University of Montana Western, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a Montana resident, and major in Education. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a strong work ethic, a commitment to their community, and leadership qualities.
Through the Terry Rae Hazelbaker Scholarship, Terry’s legacy as an educator and community-minded leader will continue at Montana Western. The scholarship will provide meaningful support to future educators who embody the qualities that defined Terry’s life: hard work, leadership, service to others, and a commitment to education.
