Montana State to honor individuals with Blue and Gold awards during Homecoming week

BOZEMAN - Five individuals will receive Blue and Gold awards from Montana State University on Friday, Sept. 26, as part of MSU's Homecoming festivities.

The Blue and Gold Award, among the most prestigious granted by MSU, honors individuals who have rendered excellent lifetime service or brought national or international distinction to MSU or the state of Montana. Recipients must have achieved prominence through service to one or more of the following: profession, family, country, world, university, philanthropy or humanity.

The 2025 Blue and Gold awardees are:

Richard "Dick" Harte

Harte, who graduated from MSU in 1970, and his friend Larry Aasheim started Universal Athletic from the back of Aasheim's Pontiac in 1971, dreaming of providing Montana's young athletes with high-quality, specialty sporting goods. Universal Athletic has become the largest independent team dealer in the country, with employees working nationwide and a culture devoted to the spirit of athletics and community service. Harte is the owner or partner of numerous other companies, including AROD Management, Jackpot Casino, Land Holding Company and Skeeter LLC.

Jake Jabs

Jabs graduated from MSU in 1952. He is a self-taught businessman from rural Montana and the CEO of American Furniture Warehouse. Under his leadership, AFW became one of the top retail furniture companies in the U.S. and one of the largest privately held businesses in Colorado. Jabs previously served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and is an active philanthropist who serves many nonprofit organizations, particularly in Montana and Colorado.

Cory and Diane (Knapp) Pulfrey

Cory Pulfrey, a 1982 graduate of MSU, is a partner, portfolio manager and one of the original founders of Cloverlay Investment Management LLC. Previously, he was managing director for Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners and the Weyerhaeuser Company Pension Fund Group. Diane Pulfrey's professional background includes significant contributions to community and philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, animal welfare and support of Montana youth. She graduated from MSU in 1983 and serves on the advisory board for MSU's College of Education, Health and Human Development.

Flint Rasmussen

Rasmussen is a former barrel man in American professional rodeo - one of the most renowned barrel men in the history of bull riding, according to the Professional Bull Riders. He had a long career with PBR and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, earning the title of PRCA Clown of the Year for eight consecutive years. Rasmussen was also a high school coach and math and history teacher.