The University of Montana Alumni Association (UMAA) has announced the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing five individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields and brought honor to the university, state, and nation.
The awardees are chosen by the UMAA Board of Directors based on their respected careers and community impact.
Dr. Steven D. Capener, ’89 – A celebrated academic and literary translator, Dr. Capener hails from Montana and earned his bachelor’s degree at UM. In addition to his academic achievements, he is a passionate taekwondo athlete, winning a gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games. He holds two doctorates in sports philosophy and modern literature from prestigious Korean universities. As a tenured professor at Seoul Women’s University, Capener teaches and continues to publish essays and translations. His work has received recognition from the South Korean Minister of Culture, and he is a two-time recipient of the Korea Times Literature Prize.
David Enger, ’67, MBA ’72 – A Deer Lodge native, Enger played football at UM before graduating in 1967. After serving eight years in the Army, he returned to earn his MBA. Enger has since become a leading figure in the financial services industry, consulting for banks and teaching at the University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Graduate School of Banking. He is also an active member of eight corporate boards and plays a vital role on the National Advisory Board for Grizzly Athletics, contributing significantly to various projects, including the Hall of Champions.
Dr. Fat Lam, Ph.D. ’87 – Originally from Hong Kong, Dr. Lam faced the challenge of losing his hearing at a young age but remained dedicated to his education. After completing his studies at Gallaudet University, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics before obtaining his Ph.D. from UM. Lam returned to Gallaudet as a faculty member and served as chairman of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department from 2001 to 2007, retiring in 2014.
Robert McKinnon, ’62 (Posthumous) – McKinnon was an inspiring teacher and swim coach who dedicated his life to education and community service. After graduating from UM, he taught in Poplar and Great Falls, spending 28 years at C.M. Russell High School. He was passionate about teaching swimming to children and coaching young athletes. He is remembered for his commitment to his students and community, as well as his work writing novels for children and rehabilitating retired greyhounds.
Steve McNeece, ’80, MA ’88 – A two-time graduate of UM, McNeece began his career as a medical social worker at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. He rose to become the assistant vice president of rural health clinics and later the CEO of the Community Hospital of Anaconda. Under his leadership, the hospital received the Campbell Award for Outstanding Leadership in Local Economic Development and the Dr. Frank Newman Rural Health Award. McNeece now runs a healthcare consulting business, CAH Solutions Group, focused on improving rural healthcare.
UMAA and the University of Montana will celebrate these distinguished alumni during Homecoming week with an awards banquet honoring their achievements.
