DILLON — Maegan Nahrgang, a junior at the University of Montana Western and a member of the school’s rodeo team, is one of seven student-athletes from colleges and universities across the state to receive the 2012 Montana Athletes in Service Award sponsored by the Montana Campus Compact.

Nahrgang plans to graduate in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Tourism. She was the vice president of the Associated Students of the University of Montana Western (ASUMW) in the 2011-2012 academic year. She is currently the president of ASUMW.

“It is my duty to serve and look out for the betterment of the students at the University of Montana Western and those who reside in the Montana University System,” Nahrgang said. “I am honored to be selected as a Montana Western Service Athlete. I feel that it is only fair to invest back into the programs that have invested in me.”

The awards will be presented by Montana Campus Compact Board Chair and Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas, University of Montana (UM) President Royce Engstrom, Montana State University (MSU) President Waded Cruzado and Gov. Brian Schweitzer at the Cat-Griz game on Saturday, Nov. 17 in Missoula.

“These students deserve special recognition for taking time from their busy academic and athletic schedules to engage in projects that improve life for everyone in Montana,” Karas said.

In its 12th year, the Montana Athletes in Service Award commemorates the historic signing of the Presidents’ Declaration of the Civic Responsibility of Higher Education. The first award was made in November 2001 in Bozeman, Mont. The award presentation alternates with the location of the annual football game between the MSU Bobcats and the UM Grizzlies.

“It’s a special time of year for Montana,” Karas added. “Montanans are committed to their communities and they are committed to this long-standing state football rivalry.”

The Montana Campus Compact is Montana’s largest higher education network. The organization works to deepen the ability of colleges and universities to improve community life and educate students for civic and social responsibilities.

— UM Western Sports Information