Megan Dalton, 2018 Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Megan Dalton is passionate about physical therapy. A close relationship with her grandfather inspired an interest in helping older adults stay active. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, she volunteered at nursing homes and clinics, and worked as a physical therapist aide. When it came time to pursue her doctorate, Dalton set her sights on the University of Montana. “What appealed to me is the tight-knit community, the school spirit that UM has that you don’t really experience anywhere else, the college-town feel and all of the support. It was just a different feeling when you went there for an interview,” she said.
Megan grew up visiting family in western Montana — along with her twin and fellow GOLD recipient Kaitlyn Mitcham. She always loved taking campus tours, and her time as a grad student strengthened her connection to UM. After graduation, she moved back to Washington to work in the same clinic where she had worked as an aide during her undergrad. Growing her career and taking on a managerial role during the Covid-19 pandemic was a challenge, but Megan says keeping doors open for patients has been a worthwhile reward. As for the highlight of her career so far- Megan believes it’s all about supporting others: “what reignites my excitement for what I do is helping people get to whatever point they want to get to in their careers,” she said. Dalton is hopeful she can help grow and support UM’s physical therapy program in the future.
Wendi Fawns, 2014 Master’s in Educational Leadership
Wendi Fawns grew up around a college campus as a result of her parents’ jobs, and she’s a big proponent of the benefits of higher education. “I think college is one of the best places for young adults to learn to be young adults,” said Fawns. Fawns is the Executive Director of Valley Oak Education Resource Center, which provides support to students in the form of workshops, academic coaching and scholarship assistance. After a career in IT, she became involved in education while working to improve school district resources for her daughter after she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Fawns saw an opportunity to grow student engagement and college readiness, and committed her career to helping students reach their full potential.
Fawns received her Master’s in Educational Leadership from UM in 2014. The coursework provided her with knowledge she couldn’t wait to put into practice. “Every single class I took, from the books I read to the exercises they gave, were incredibly impactful going forward in all the positions I’ve had,” she said.
Fawns believes it’s an exciting time for education in Montana, and is looking forward to introducing more high school students to the possibility of higher education. Witnessing the resiliency of students working through challenges to achieve their goals is a highlight of Fawns’ career. She sees University alumni playing a key role in encouraging more students to pursue a degree. “Alumni have the opportunity to talk about their careers, talk about what they’ve done with their education,” she said. “They can share that experience with them and how the content of the classes relates to that field, because alumni are already in that job, they’re in that field”.
Kaitlyn Mitcham, 2018 Juris Doctor
Kaitlyn Mitcham didn’t know any lawyers growing up, but she knew she wanted to be one. The Everett, Washington native spent many spring breaks visiting family, in Missoula, so when it came time to apply to law school, the University of Montana was the obvious choice. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as her twin sister and fellow GOLD recipient, Megan Dalton, was also attending grad school at UM. As a law student, she interned with a local law firm and the Missoula County Attorney’s Office. “I also made some of the best friends I still have today,” Mitcham says. She is now an attorney with Smith Oblander Meade & Mitcham PC in Great Falls. She’s been active in the Cascade County Board Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Montana. She also volunteers with a program providing support to Army Reserve and National Guard members and their employers. Mitcham credits UM law classes focused on Veteran’s Law and Family Law as guideposts for her pro bono work. “It’s not the type of legal work I normally do, but because I had those foundational classes I was able to provide people with the help they need,” she says.
Being an alumnus of the only law school in Montana has its benefits, including a robust professional community of other UM grads. “First day out of law school I felt like I already knew so many of the attorneys practicing in the state,” Mitcham says. She’s excited to represent UM as a GOLD recipient and is looking forward to more opportunities to connect with current law students.
Hannah Zuraff, 2018 BA in Psychology & Sociology, 2019 Master’s in Public Administration
Hannah Zuraff is the Executive Director of the Families First Learning Lab in Missoula. The position seems like a perfect fit for Zuraff, as she began earning her Ph.D. in public health at the University of Montana last year. She already holds a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology, and a master’s in public administration. “I feel like I will always be in school in some way, shape or form because I really like to learn,” Zuraff said. As an undergraduate student, she developed a passion for nonprofit work while interning with the Missoula Boys and Girls Club. Her commitment to public service earned her the ASUM Student Service Award in 2018, which was presented at a special Charter Day ceremony. “That was a really cool experience for me,” she said. “I’m the first person on one side of my family to go to college. It was a really proud moment for my grandparents to get to see and for my family to be a part of.”
Taking on a leadership role at a young age, Zuraff is grateful for the support she’s received from her team at the Families First Learning Lab, which is housed in the new Missoula Public Library. She’s always looking for opportunities to bring UM students onboard and extend support to fellow Griz. “I have a giant Griz sticker on the window of my office- there’s no doubt there that I’m a Griz fan,” she said. Zuraff is looking forward to continuing her education and building her impact on nonprofit work in Montana.