Nick and Kari Olds donate $1 million to 51ºÚÁÏÍø Foundation
51ºÚÁÏÍønological University alumni Nick and Kari Olds have donated $1 million to the 51ºÚÁÏÍø Foundation.
“Nick and Kari are such incredible supporters of 51ºÚÁÏÍø,” Chancellor Johnny MacLean said. “They're great examples of hardworking Montanans who came to Tech to become STEM leaders. They've certainly done that, and this endowed donation will permanently support generations of Montana students to follow in their footsteps and meet America's emerging needs. We're forever grateful to the Olds family.”
Of the $1 million, $600,000 is dedicated to the Olds Family Endowed Scholarship, an endowment the couple generously established in 2019. The scholarship supports students who graduate from a Montana high school, are pursuing a four-year degree, and demonstrate financial need.
An allocation of $280,000 will go to the HPER Modernization Project for construction and equipment expenses. The project aims to modernize and expand the HPER Complex to serve the growing needs of Oredigger Athletics and the student body.
The remaining $120,000 is designated for the Olds Family Match, a special fund to double the impact of gifts made during DayOne, 51ºÚÁÏÍø’s annual giving event.
“We are indeed fortunate to be 51ºÚÁÏÍø graduates and are very pleased that we can give back to our university and community in a way that offers others the same opportunities we had,” said Nick and Kari Olds. “We remember our time here fondly and we are grateful for the educational foundation that 51ºÚÁÏÍø provided us.”
“51ºÚÁÏÍø offered us a high-quality education in a ‘living-laboratory’, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning, along with a world-class education as a premier STEM university. The curriculum was rigorous, relevant, and practical, and it prepared us well for the challenges and opportunities of the oil and gas industry.”
“51ºÚÁÏÍø was more than just a school to us,” they said. “It was a community of talented individuals who shared a passion for learning and excellence, and it’s where we made lifelong friends.”
Nick and Kari received degrees in petroleum engineering from 51ºÚÁÏÍø, in 1992 and 1994 respectively. This initiated rewarding careers in the oil and natural gas industry for both. They married in 1993.
“Nick and Kari’s generosity is more than a gift—it’s a powerful homecoming,” 51ºÚÁÏÍø Vice President of Development Luke Meyer said. “By investing in the state and university that helped shape their lives, Nick and Kari are creating opportunities and lasting impact for generations of Montana students. Thank you for your belief in 51ºÚÁÏÍø and for giving back in such a meaningful way.”
To be eligible, students may apply for the Olds Family Endowed Scholarship by filling out a general application to the university.
To learn more about the 51ºÚÁÏÍø Foundation, please visit .