Carroll College has announced that Kennedy Venner, a senior from Billings, Montana, has been named one of 15 students across the state to receive the 2025–26 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship. The scholarship, which provides $1,000 to each recipient, is awarded annually by the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement and honors college student volunteers who show strong civic leadership and dedication to community service.
The scholarship is named after the late George M. Dennison, former president of the University of Montana and an early leader of Montana Campus Compact. It was established over thirty years ago in recognition of his belief in higher education as a tool for civic and community engagement.
Venner has logged more than 140 hours of service in several areas. She provided adaptive educational support for elementary students with disabilities and served as President of Carroll’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In that role, she initiated a Mental Health Awareness Week and helped organize blood drives and food initiatives in the community. Additionally, she coached middle and high school softball and basketball players in her hometown.
Josh Vanek from the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement commented on the selection process: “Reading these scholarship applications is simultaneously one of the most inspiring and difficult things we do all year,” said Vanek. “It gives me enormous hope that we have truly amazing problem solvers in every community in our state.”
The Dennison Scholarship recognizes students who contribute significantly to civic life while continuing their academic studies. Recipients are involved in a range of activities including informal acts of kindness, church outreach programs, nonprofit work, student group leadership roles, and campus-based initiatives.
In addition to receiving this award, Venner was recognized as a 2025 Montana Athletes in Service recipient last November. She was also nominated for Carroll College’s Hunthausen Outstanding Citizenship Award in 2024.
Further information about the scholarship can be found at https://mtengage.org/.
