Carroll College has received a transformative philanthropic commitment that will provide every incoming full-time, first-year undergraduate student with a MacBook Neo laptop, beginning with the Fall 2026 class. The Saints Smart Start Initiative is intended to support future incoming classes in the years ahead.
This gift is made possible by Shelly Goldberg and Ryan McCauley. Ryan is a Helena native and together they spend much time in the Helena community with family and friends. Both share a deep belief in the value of higher education and in the foundational role that Carroll plays in strengthening the communities that its alumni touch. They were motivated to invest in Carroll because it is a bedrock institution that they see as making a meaningful and lasting difference, one where student-centered learning remains at the core.
“We believe deeply in the power of higher education and know how Carroll truly delivers on that promise,” the donors shared. Shelly worked with a team of engineers at Apple to bring the MacBook Neo to life and is excited to share it with Carroll students. “We wanted to support students in a way that reflects who we are and what we value. Providing this technology helps ensure students feel supported from the moment they arrive and are prepared for success from day one.”
The Saints Smart Start Initiative is intentionally focused on incoming full-time, first-year undergraduate students, ensuring that every new Saint begins their academic journey with equal access to the tools they need to succeed. By removing a common financial and technological barrier at the outset, the program reinforces Carroll’s commitment to access, belonging, and student success.
Recently introduced by Apple, the MacBook Neo is a reliable, easy-to-use laptop well suited for college students. It features a 13-inch display and is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip, offering the performance needed for coursework, research, and creative projects. With a lightweight design and long battery life, it supports the day-to-day needs of students both in and out of the classroom.
While a small number of institutions have implemented similar programs, Carroll’s approach stands apart, offering universal access to technology for incoming first-year students with each device fully funded by donors.
Carroll leadership emphasized that the gift not only supports students in a tangible way, but also reflects a broader belief in the role of Catholic liberal arts education in shaping lives and communities.
“We are deeply grateful to Shelly and Ryan for this exceptional and forward-thinking gift,” said Dr. Jennifer Glowienka, Interim Co-President and incoming President of Carroll College. “Their belief in Carroll, in our students, and in the enduring value of a liberal arts education is both affirming and inspiring. By supporting our students in this unique and powerful way, they are helping ensure that every new first-year Saint begins their journey equipped, confident, and ready to learn.”
By providing every incoming first-year undergraduate student with a MacBook Neo, the Saints Smart Start Initiative represents a meaningful investment in student success and a powerful statement about what it means to belong at Carroll. It is also a call to action, an invitation for others to join in supporting the next generation of Carroll students and strengthening the college’s impact in Helena and beyond.
