Bryan Mussard To Receive UMW Alumni Distinguished Service Award

The University of Montana Western’s 128th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Saturday, May 10, will honor Bryan Mussard with the University’s Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

Mussard was raised in Dillon, Montana and graduated from Beaverhead County High School. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Business from Montana Western in 1991 and has remained a proud alumnus and dedicated supporter of the university and community ever since. Bryan and his wife, Marcia, reside in Dillon, where they own and operate Big West Management and Reminisce Angus Ranch with their family.

For nearly four decades, Mussard has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and innovation in ranching and business. A successful entrepreneur, he founded Gorgeous Vodka, an award-winning, 93-point-rated brand that has earned five gold medals. He also founded Cattle Baron Cigars, a nationally distributed line rated between 91–93 points, and Reminisce Angus Beef, which supplies premium beef to high-end resorts along the Rocky Mountain Front, as well as grocery stores across Montana and the United States.

Mussard credits Montana Western for helping to shape the direction of his life. As a senior at UMW, he developed a business plan that led to the creation of the Mussard Bull Development Center, a business that focused on the development and performance testing of bulls from across the United States for nearly a decade.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mussard has supported Montana Western and the Dillon community for over 30 years. He has been a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association for more than 20 years, serving as president in 2017 and 2018.

“Bryan’s leadership, entrepreneurial success, and mentorship of the next generation reflect a lasting commitment to both his industry and our community. The University of Montana Western is proud to recognize him with the 2025 Alumni Distinguished Service Award,” said UMW Foundation Executive Director, Roxanne Engellant.

The Montana Western Alumni Office will host a social at the Dillon Elks Lodge on Friday, May 9, at 5:00 p.m. to honor Mussard and the Montana Western classes of 1975 and 2000. The cost to attend is $10, and please call 406-683-7303 to RSVP. The Commencement Ceremony will begin the following day at 10:00 a.m. in Bulldog Stadium on the University of Montana Western campus.

For more information, please contact Jolene Robbins in the Montana Western Foundation and Alumni Office: 406-683-7303 or jjolene.robbins@umwestern.edu.