Weber named 2025 Paris Gibson Award winner

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Jenn Rowell

Jane Weber has been named the 2025 Paris Gibson Award recipient.

In the early 1990s, Weber was appointed as the liaison between the Lewis and Clark Forest Service and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Fund, which was emerging as a committee for building an interpretive facility along the Missouri River dedicated to the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition.

Nominations open for Paris Gibson Award

The goal was a completed facility in time for the 2004 bicentennial of the expedition’s passage through the Great Falls area.

Due to Weber’s “hundreds of volunteer hours, leadership, resources and motivation provided to the group, she became the element that guided everyone through many challenges to see the project to completion, with the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center opening on May 3, 1998,” according to a city release.

Van Tighem selected for 2023 Paris Gibson Award

Weber became the the center’s first director, “working to develop interactive programs for visitors and children, working with volunteers, and garnishing funding for programs. By the time she retired from her position in 2010, she had become a true inspiration to both staff and volunteers of the center,” according to the city’s release.

After retirement, Weber was elected to serve two terms as a Cascade County Commissioner and is currently a state legislator.

She serves as chair of the Big Sky Country National Heritage Area Committee.

Bud Nicholls this year’s Paris Gibson Award winner [2022]

“Jane Weber, too, has recognized the city’s potential and has spent many years making good on its unfolding possibility. Her work and dedication make her most worthy to receive the Paris Gibson Award,” her nominator Patricia Kercher wrote.

To be eligible for the award, selected by previous Paris Gibson Award winners, a nominee must meet the following criteria:

currently a resident of Great Falls
provided significant impact to the city
provided leadership for the community through volunteerism; and
performed selfless action for the betterment of the community

The winner receives a $500 check provided by Jimmy and Debbie Filipowicz of Steel Etc., which may be given to a local charity of the winner’s choice; a tree, donated by Steve Tilleraas of Tilleraas Landscape Nursery, planted in their honor, with a granite marker donated by Montana Granite; a plaque donated by Greg and Leanne Hall; a dinner for two at P. Gibson’s, donated by the restaurant; and a ride in a 1918 Model T Ford at the July 4th Parade provided by Kurt Baltrusch of the Skunk Wagon Club.

Formal announcement of Weber’s award will be made at the first concert of the Great Falls Municipal Band season at 7 p.m. July 25 at the Gibson Park bandshell. The concert is free and open to the public.

Former winners are: