Flathead Valley Community College has honored Jennifer and Justin Sliter with its 2025 Eagle Award. 

During the annual President’s Dinner on June 19, the college presented the award along with its Transformation Scholarship recipients.  

FVCC President Jane Karas presented Jennifer and Justin Sliter with the award. Each year FVCC recognizes individuals from the community whose generosity and service have transformed FVCC’s campus and the Flathead Valley community.  

“Jennifer and Justin grew up in the Flathead Valley and they continue to give back in ways that are both wide-reaching and deeply personal. They are leaders, volunteers and mentors,” said Karas. 

Justin first connected with FVCC in 1999 by volunteering to prepare the FVCC Foundation’s IRS Form 990. The then-Foundation Director Colleen Unterreiner saw his talent and commitment, so invited Justin to serve as treasurer of the Foundation Board. Even with a full professional and family life, Justin committed to the role during a pivotal period of recovery for the Foundation after the 2008 recession.  

Under Justin’s leadership, the FVCC Foundation expanded its endowed and annual scholarships, reaching the incredible milestone of awarding more than $1 million in scholarships each year to students at that time.  

Jennifer combines a passion for the Flathead Valley with hands-on civic stewardship. Together with Justin, Jennifer led FVCC’s “ONE Campaign” which raised funds for two visionary projects on FVCC’s campus: the Broussard Family Library and Learning Commons, and later, the Wachholz College Center.  

Beyond FVCC, Jennifer has been a steadfast advocate for youth in the Flathead Valley. She and Justin supported the Kalispell school levy, Glacier High School’s speech and debate program and community efforts that enrich the lives of young people across the valley. 

“Whether it’s serving on school committees, supporting youth programs or showing up again and again for causes that matter, they lead with time, energy and heart,” added Karas.  

Also recognized were the four new Transformation Scholarship recipients, awarded by the FVCC Foundation:  

Emma Brannon, a Lincoln County High School graduate, will begin her studies at FVCC this fall with the goal of entering the Associate of Science nursing degree program. Ultimately, she plans to earn a Bachelor of Science nursing degree, then pursue a nurse practitioner license and specialize in pediatric oncology.  

Tyron Byers, a Glacier High School graduate, will attend FVCC in the fall to begin studies in accounting, business and entrepreneurship to realize his career goal of starting his own business. A small business owner since 2024, Tyron was active in extracurricular activities throughout high school, participating in DECA, speech and debate, National Honor Society and French club.  

Ella Contival, a 2002 high school graduate in Taiwan, will begin at FVCC in the fall to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. The immediate needs of her community were always apparent to her and sparked her interest to serve in the medical field overseas in nations with limited access to health care.  

Melissa Simula is an FVCC sophomore enrolled in college’s Associate of Science Nursing degree program. After graduating, she plans to transfer to Montana State University-Northern to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing and return to the Flathead Valley to serve her community as a skilled and compassionate nurse. Melissa has worked as a certified nurse assistant for Logan Health and at Brendan House.  

The Transformation Scholarship awards each recipient up to $10,000 to assist full-time students with financial need in achieving their dream of higher education. Applicants are asked to share their experiences in leadership roles within their communities or special interest groups. They are also asked to outline their academic and career goals, and then describe their personal characteristics they believe will help them achieve these goals. 

“We are continually inspired by the resilience and determination of our Transformation Scholarship students,” said FVCC Chief Development Officer Tagen Vine. “They have a vision for their future, and these scholarships help turn that vision into reality. Behind every scholarship are donors who believe in the power of education and the potential these students hold. It is truly transformational.”  

Approximately 80% of degree-seeking students at FVCC receive financial assistance, and in 2024, the FVCC Foundation awarded over $2 million in scholarships to nearly 700 students. For more information about the FVCC, the FVCC Foundation and ways to get involved, visit fvcc.edu/foundation.