The Montana State University Alumni Foundation is an independent 501(c3) nonprofit corporation with one mission: To create lifelong relationships with our alumni and friends and to secure and manage the resources necessary to advance Montana State University. The MSU Alumni Association, established in 1903, is a membership body that works each and every day to keep graduates and friends of the University connected to one another and to their Alma Mater. The MSU Foundation, established in 1946, raises significant private financial support and serves as the steward for more than $200 million dollars in invested resources and other assets from many generous donors. Montana State University was founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University and is composed of nine academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 15,000 students, including approximately 2,000 graduate students. MSU is classified as one of 108 U.S. Research Universities (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation. MSU is located in Bozeman, Montana, an extended community of about 70,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains in Southwest Montana. In addition to providing access to an extraordinary ecosystem for teaching and research programs, Bozeman is renowned for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities. Named an All American City, Bozeman boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, a symphony orchestra and choir, an annual opera, and nationally known events. Bozeman is listed as one of National Geographic's "World's 25 Best Ski Towns." Bizjournals.com ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dreamtowns - small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles. Bozeman is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley, 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.