Montana to speak at HU Foundation Annual Dinner
FOR RELEASE: Monday, September 7, 2009
Huntington, Ind.-The Huntington University Foundation Annual Dinner is set for Monday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. with a reception at 5:30 p.m. in the university's Habecker Dining Commons. The featured speaker will be Melissa Montana, CEO/president of STAR Educational Media Network. Montana's presentation is titled "Embracing the Future with Hope and Promise."
The public is invited to attend the event. The cost of the program is $25 per person. Tables of eight may be reserved for $160. To make reservations, contact Barb Baker at (260) 359-4069 or bbaker@huntington.edu. The registration deadline is Sept. 22. Payment should be sent to the Huntington University Foundation, 2303 College Ave., Huntington, Ind., 46750.
Montana, a 25-year veteran of the radio industry, has served as the general manager of STAR 88.3 for 10 years, and she has become a well-known radio personality in the Northeast Indiana area as well as nationally.
In 2009, she became the first female recipient of the 2009 Rob Gregory Award, an honor that recognizes an individual in the radio broadcasting industry for outstanding community advocacy. STAR 88.3 was awarded the 2009 Station of the Year by the Gospel Music Association and Christian Music Broadcasters. In the Fort Wayne Newspapers Annual "Best of," a contest allowing readers to pick their favorites within the community, STAR 88.3 won first place, and Montana was first place in the radio personalities' category.
It was Montana who helped make the transition of new ownership for STAR 88.3 possible as she formed the executive team to purchase the station and won the bid, aided in the alliance formed with Huntington University. Montana is also the founder and host of the annual Adoption Celebration, is a sought-after host for many community functions and a well-known motivational speaker.
Also at the dinner, the foundation will give its Distinguished Service Award. The Huntington University Foundation established this award in 2002 to recognize individuals or organizations that embody the principles associated with the mission of Huntington University. Recipients give substance and credence to the university's beliefs, serve as effective role models for students and receive recognition for the tremendous contribution they make to the Huntington County community.
Since 1938, the Huntington University Foundation has assisted Huntington County residents who attend Huntington University through the annual Huntington County Grant and endowed scholarships. The foundation also supports community arts events.
