T. Eugene Young grew up in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas, but his heart belonged to Montana. After a life-changing visit to Yellowstone National Park in 1937, he returned summer after summer to work as a seasonal ranger—using the income to fund his engineering degree. Eventually, he built a life in Billings, working as a geophysicist and immersing himself in the outdoor beauty and vibrant arts community of his adopted home.

Eugene combined his love for Montana with his desire to give back by establishing the T. Eugene Young Scholarship Endowment at Montana Community Foundation. Although he lived simply and never sought great financial gain, his estate made a transformational gift of just over $500,000 to the Foundation after his passing.

Since then, his endowed fund has grown to more than $689,000—while awarding 259 scholarships totaling over $411,000. This summer, another $29,400 will support 26 new scholarship recipients. One gift. One legacy. Hundreds of lives impacted—and counting.

Today, the T. Eugene Young Montana's Promise Scholarship helps Montana high school students pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), or healthcare—fields vital to the strength and future of Montana’s workforce.

Eugene is one of 141 honored members of the Montana Legacy Society, a group of forward-thinking individuals who have left or plan to leave a gift to support Montana’s future. To learn more about becoming a member, contact our Philanthropy Department at (406) 441-4956.