Alumni

About Alumni

Distinguished Alumni

Distinguished Alumni

Meet five exceptional alumni who boldly embody the spirit of UM through leadership.

Around the Oval

President's Perspective

President's Perspective

UM President Seth Bodnar shares his hope that each student at UM develops a confident personal voice.  
Recent UM News and Highlights

Recent UM News and Highlights

Recent UM news and highlights
Award ceremony with banners

Distinguished Alumni

This year, the University of Montana Alumni Association has selected seven recipients for its Distinguished Alumni Award.
Griz Nation

Griz Nation

Grizzly Athletics shares how the pandemic impacted UM student athletes
griz sweatshirt

Where's Your Griz Been?

UM alums show their Griz pride around the world
a gloved hand holding a pipette

UM Research Addresses COVID-19

UM secures more than $12 million in federal funding for research into public health.
A UM student in a face mask in a lab

UM Responds to the Pandemic

UM responds and adapts to COVID-19 with innovation, creativity and compassion. 
Award ceremony with banners

Grizzlies of the Last Decade

The University of Montana Alumni Association highlights seven alumni who represent the best of Griz spirit through their trailblazing service and leadership.
Griz Nation

Griz Nation

Grizzly Athletics shares how the pandemic impacted UM student athletes
griz sweatshirt

Where's Your Griz Been?

UM alums show their Griz pride around the world
Dennis and Gretchen Eck in front of Eck Hall

$1.25M Gift Transforms Lives

Eck gift launches S.E.A. Change for UM Students and provides seed funding to renovate Jeannette Rankin Hall
SEA Change logo

Be a Part of S.E.A. Change

Learn how you can be a part of S.E.A. Change!
Barbara Blegen stands at piano about to sing

Odyssey of the Stars to Honor Blegen Sisters

Barbara and Judith Blegen Return for Celebration of Artistic Journeys
Environmental studies Professor Neva Hassanein

Awards and Accolades

Accomplishments from UM faculty, researchers and students
Tori Stahl at the Ranthambore National Park in India

Where's Your Griz Been?

UM alums show their Griz pride around the world
Griz Family Table

Griz Family Table

A local reader shares his winning recipe for our Griz Family Table.
Awards and Accolades

Awards and Accolades

Recent accomplishments from around campus
Facetime:  Dateline's Shane Bishop '86

Facetime: Dateline's Shane Bishop '86

Shane Bishop leads from behind the lens at "Dateline"

Interview by Courtney Brockman 

UM Creates Native STEM Program

UM Creates Native STEM Program

New program plans to train, recruit Native STEM talent

10 UM Physicians Graduate

10 UM Physicians Graduate

Seven plan to practice in Montana

Where's Your Griz Been?

Where's Your Griz Been?

UM alumni take their Griz gear to unique places around the world
UM Researchers Combat Nation's Opioid Addiction

UM Researchers Combat Nation's Opioid Addiction

UM’s pioneering opioid vaccine lands $3.3 million National Institutes of Health grant
UMAA Highlights Grizzlies of the Last Decade

Grizzlies of the Last Decade

Four exceptional alumni who boldly embody the spirit of UM through leadership
Griz Family Table

Griz Family Table

Submit your recipe!
Women attend suffrage rally in 1900s

UM Launches S.E.A. Change Initiative

UM effort commits to promote societal change that empowers all women
The Adams Center stands are full as fans cheer on the Grizzly men's basketball team

DeCuire Enters Fifth Season

Men's basketball coach Travis DeCuire re-ups for three more years
Denise Juneau waves to the crowd at UM Commencement

UM Confers Two Honorary Doctorates

Denise Juneau, Dr. Bill Reynolds recognized at Spring Commencement
Dave Dickenson limited edition Griz Gear

Trademarks and Licensing Earns Top National Award

UM receives 2019 Synergy Award from the International Collegiate Licensing Association
UM's AIBL chapter receives its award at the national conference

Awards and Accolades

Recent accomplishments from around campus
Missoula artist Stephanie Frostad

Facetime: Stephanie J. Frostad M.F.A. '94

Painter Stephanie Frostad makes her living as an artist in Missoula
Sharon Presthus Tandberg and her husband, Rolf

Where's Your Griz Been?

UM alumni take their Griz gear to unique places around the world
Montana Attorney General Speaks at UM's First-Ever Fall Commencment

Griz Nation Holds First Fall Commencement

More Than 150 Graduates Participate in Event
President Seth Bodnar speaks at the November Board of Regents meeting in Missoula.

The President’s Perspective

A message from Main Hall
UM alumna Emily Graslie

‘Odyssey of the Stars’ Honors YouTube Star

Emily Graslie Returns for Celebration of Artistic Journeys
UM Lands $10M Contract to Fight the Flu

UM Lands $10M Contract to Fight the Flu

Researchers to Use National Institutes of Health Award to Develop Universal Vaccine
Notable & Quotable

Notable & Quotable

Campus notes and faculty quotes
The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

UM news by the numbers
Grizwald stands proudly while bobcat slinks away in background

Grizwald

Meet Grizwald, UM's cartoon bear.
UM President Seth Bodnar finishes the Missoula Marathon

The President’s Perspective

A message from Main Hall
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard on stage at Washington-Grizzly Stadium

A Night to Remember

Pearl Jam stuffs stadium with 25,500 fans
Rex Boller shows off his Griz pride in Kamchatka, Siberia

Where's Your Griz Been?

Travelers take Griz Nation on the road with them
UM grad Bob Carlson

Law Grad Elected ABA President

Bob Carlson selected to lead the American Bar Association
Montanans Return from El Salvador Exchange

Montanans Return from El Salvador Exchange

Montanans serve as citizen ambassadors in El Salvador
Grizwald, UM's cartoon bear

Grizwald

Meet Grizwald, UM‘s cartoon bear.

Homecoming Art Show, Sale

Show featuring art by two outstanding UM alumni will be held Homecoming weekend
Rugby club members and alumni gather

Rugby Reunion

UM Rugby Club marks 50 years of scrum
Notable & Quotable

Notable & Quotable

Campus notes and faculty quotes
UM President Seth Bodnar, left, works to prune a tree with campus arborist Adam Coe.

The President’s Perspective

A message from Main Hall
Five-year-old Cianna Belle DesRosier of Browning (Maatsui Suipoyaukii “Loon Woman” in Blackfeet) enjoys UM’s 50th annual Kyiyo Celebration.

Still Dancing: Kyiyo Turns 50

Kyiyo Celebrates Native Culture for 50 Years
Bobby Hauck speaks at news conference

Bobby’s Second Act

Hauck returns to lead Griz football team
Television producer Casey Kriley will highlight the 18th annual Odyssey of the Stars.

Odyssey of the Stars

Event to honor award-winning producer and director Casey Kriley
Washington-Grizzly  Champions Center Opens Doors

Washington-Grizzly Champions Center Opens Doors

State-of-the-art training facility serves all varsity athletes
Dennis and Gretchen Eck

Eck Hall Takes Shape

South wing of LA Building renamed in honor of donors
Education College Addition

Education College Addition

$10 million gift to expand Phyllis J. Washington Education Center
The Bottom  Line

The Bottom Line

Significant numbers, statistics and rankings regarding UM
Charlie Russell (Photo courtesy Gilcrease Museum)

Russell's World

New MontanaPBS documentary explores icon of the American West 

Five Receive 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award

The outstanding accomplishments of five UM alumni are being recognized with the University’s 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Notable & Quoteable

Campus notes and faculty quotes from around campus

The Bottom Line

Significant numbers, statistics and rankings regarding UM
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Mike McCready rock out at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, in April. (Photo by Getty Images)

Rock Royalty

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame beckons for Pearl Jam
Biologist Doug Emlen in a scene from “Nature’s Wildest Weapons: Horns, Tusks and Antlers” (Photo by Stuart Dunn)

Wildest Weapons

UM biology professor stars in BBC’s ‘Natural World’

Montana Rep actors perform a scene from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which the theater is taking to China this spring.

Setting the Scene

Montana Rep celebrates 50 years with trip to China

Fred Olness ’66 and his wife, Judy, recently returned from a 10-day visit to Cuba, where Fred brought along the Fall 2016 Montanan.

Where’s Your Griz Been?

Fred Olness ’66 recently returned from a 10-day visit to Cuba, where Fred brought along the Fall 2016 Montanan

Top Chef

Katie Barnes, a second-year culinary arts student at Missoula College, earned a silver medal Student Chef of the Year competition
The Washington-Grizzly Champions Center is under construction,

Taking Shape

Construction of the Washington-Grizzly Champions Center is moving along. 

Notable & Quotable

Campus notes and faculty quotes from around campus

The Bottom Line

Significant numbers, statistics and rankings regarding UM
Bill Johnston gets a hug from a well-wisher at his retirement party in August, which was held at Caras Park in Missoula. More than 300 people were in attendance.

President's Perspective: A Farewell to Remember

Tireless UM advocate Bill Johnston retires after 36 years of service to alma mater

Corbin trains in Hawaii. (Photo by Corbin Brands)

Facetime: Linsey Corbin '06

World-class athlete Linsey Corbin talks about her upcoming world championships, returning from injury and what it takes to be a professional Ironman

Four Receive 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award

Choate, Conver, Fishbaugh, Seekins ’74 receive highest honor presented by UM Alumni Association

J.K. Simmons speaks at UM's Commencement in May.

J.K. Simmons: Be Here Now

Academy Award-winner J.K. Simmons delivers stirring Commencement address
New Lady Griz basketball coach Shannon Schweyen answers questions at a press conference in August.

Best Replaces Best

Schweyen selected as Selvig’s successor to lead Lady Griz

New turf at Washington-Grizzly Stadium

New Turf Spruces Up Washington-Grizzly Stadium

 In a unique twist honoring a longtime Montana tradition, a No. 37 logo appears at the 37-yard line on each sideline

The Bottom Line

Campus notes and faculty quotes from around campus

UM Foundation Sets Fundraising Record

UMF brings in more than $50 million for third straight year
Ryan Bell

Facetime: Ryan Bell, M.F.A. ’14

Get to know Fulbright-National Geographic Fellow Ryan Bell, who earned his M.F.A. in creative writing from UM
Larry Gianchetta has worked at UM’s School of Business Administration for forty-one years.

An End and a Beginning

As business school Dean Gianchetta retires, next leader will assume UM’s first endowed dean’s chair

President Royce Engstrom prepares a crystal sample for the state-of-the-art X-ray diffractometer inside the lab of Assistant Professor Orion Berryman.

President's Perspective

A letter to readers from UM President Royce Engstrom
The Academic Student Choir Pedavoces of Finland performs in the Music Recital Hall during the 2013 International Choral Festival. The triennial event celebrates its tenth anniversary this summer.

In Perfect Harmony

UM partnership ever-present as International Choral Festival rings in tenth anniversary

Breanna Wilson ’08 dons her Griz gear in Cologne, Germany.

Where's Your Griz Been?

Take a look at where our readers took their Griz gear.
Kayleigh Valley shoots

Griz Nation

Keep up to date with the Montana Grizzlies
A view from outside the new Gilkey Building

New Gilkey Building Opens Doors

New facility home to Enterprise and Executive Development, Global Leadership Initiative, and UM Foundation
Grizwald the chemist

Grizwald

Meet Grizwald, UM‘s cartoon bear. In frequent issues of the Montanan, we provide a drawing of Grizwald that needs a creative, original caption

The Bottom Line

Significant numbers, statistics and rankings regarding UM
Emily “Smokey” Brine, left, poses triumphantly atop the 14,505-foot Mount Whitney with her hiking partner Shelly “Queen B” Bruecken on July 23, 2015.

Facetime: Emily Brine '15

Get to know Emily Brine '15, a recent graduate who just finished hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
Allison DePuy, left, of Inspired Classroom; Brian Kerns, an instructor at Missoula College; and Kelly Barton, a senior scientist at Missoula’s Rivertop Renewables, speak to classrooms across Montana from a Missoula studio as a part of Montana STEMFest.

STEMFest Connects Professors, Pros with High Schoolers

Virtual conference links high school students with industry representatives and academic experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Syrian refugees arrive at Dortmund Central Station in western Germany last summer. At the peak of the past year’s refugee crisis in Europe, it was reported that almost 10,000 people a day sought asylum in Germany. (Photo by Shane Thomas McMillan)

Documenting History

UM students to report on Syrian refugee movement in Germany

George Gogas (Photo by Photo by Geoff Sutton)

Odyssey of the Stars Honors Gogas

Annual event features UM alum and celebrated artist George Gogas
The new Grizzly Student-Athlete Academic Center

Hitting the Books

New academic center gives Griz a boost in the classroom

Grizwald the cartoon bear

Grizwald

Meet Grizwald, UM’s cartoon bear. 

Dan Woodard ’79 dons his Griz sweatshirt at the ABBA museum in Stockholm, Sweden.

Where’s Your Griz Been?

Readers share photos of taking their Griz gear to amazing places

The Bottom Line

Significant numbers, statistics and rankings regarding UM
UM chemistry Professor Mike DeGrandpre and Sunburst Sensors CEO James Beck hoist the trophies the team claimed for winning the XPRIZE competition.  (Photo courtesy of Mike DeGrandpre and Sunburst Sensors)

Making Waves

Sunburst Sensors device takes home prestigious XPRIZE for measuring ocean health

Martin Iosefo makes his first appearance with the U.S. national team in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Dubai. (Photo by Ian Muir)

Facetime: Martin Iosefo '15

Get to know Martin Iosefo, UM's rugby star who has a chance at representing the U.S. at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio
The UM School of Law officially became the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana as a result of a  $10 million donation from Alexander “Zander” and Andrea “Andy” Blewett of Great Falls.

'Wonderful Generosity'

Blewett family's $10 million gift transforms UM School of Law

Four Receive 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award

Grotzinger, Isern, Stearns, Thomas awarded highest honor presented by UM Alumni Association

Where's Your Griz Been?

Where's Your Griz Been?

Readers share photos of taking their Griz gear to amazing places
Head Coach Travis DeCuire

Tracking the Griz

News from Griz Nation

The Bottom Line

Significant numbers, statistics and rankings regarding UM
Katie Weinner ’01, who holds three degrees from UM, tests her culinary skills during an episode of Top Chef. (Photo by David Moir/Bravo)

Facetime: Katie Weinner '01

Katie Weinner has cooked up quite a career since graduating from UM. A recent “cheftestant” on the twelfth season of Bravo’s cooking competition television show, Top Chef,  the Rosemont, Minn., native currently lives in Salt Lake City, working as the chef/owner of local pop-up restaurant SLC Pop.
Pat Wilson ’81, Bozeman, took his Griz gear to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in August 2014.

Where's Your Griz Been?

Pat Wilson ’81, Bozeman, took his Griz gear to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in August 2014. 

Family Medicine Residency Program Excels

UM program earns  highest level of accreditation

President Royce Engstrom and a group of veterans display the award naming UM a Purple Heart University.

UM Named Purple Heart University

UM becomes the only school in the Northwest designated as a Purple Heart University
Grizwald

Grizwald

Grizwald, UM‘s cartoon bear. In frequent issues of the Montanan, we provide a drawing of Grizwald that needs a creative, original caption.

Record Year for UM Fundraising Means More Scholarships for Students

Private support of UM reaches an all-time high this year
Patrick Memoli, an employee at Rivertop Renewables and UM graduate, checks for spotting on glasses in one of the company’s Missoula labs.

Charging Ahead

Rivertop Renewables lands $26 million in investments

In this photo taken by UM student Kaci Felstet, Suhani Vithar fills up the water buckets for the day. Her family lives in a slum called Wadarvadi in Pune, India. The water is only turned on for a couple of hours in the morning, so every morning is spent making sure they have enough water to get through the day. Suhani was one of the many people Felstet and other UM students met on their study abroad trip.

Striving for Excellence

Fund changes lives, one opportunity at a time 

Former Griz guard Will Cherry

Tracking the Griz

News from Griz Nation
New Griz men's basketball coach Travis DeCuire

Back to School

Former Griz DeCuire returns to UM as new men’s hoops coach

Five Receive 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award

Sprunk, Kohlstaedt, Hood, Juneau, Murray honored by Alumni Association
More than 1,000 boxes of former Senator and current Ambassador to China Max Baucus’ papers recently were donated to UM.

Baucus Donates Official Papers to UM

Engstrom says donation advances goal of building a University focused on leadership, distinct opportunities
Paul McCartney

Maybe We’re Amazed

Sir Paul McCartney thrills fans with unforgettable concert at UM

The UM Foundation and the MMAC thanked the Crockers with an oil painting, Clouds Over Many Glacier, by Montana artist Greg Scheibel. (Photo by Aaron Rosenblatt)

An Artistic Vision

Couple expresses love of Montana and art through generous gift
Students work on the smoke jumper fitness standards project in McGill Hall.

Nifty Fifty

Missoula Technology and Development Center, HHP celebrate half-century of partnership

$11 Million Gift Provides Scholarships for UM Students

A 1953 UM alumnus recently committed $11 million of his estate for academic scholarships at UM.
UM Blackstone LaunchPad Director Paul Gladen speaks with the media.

Taking Care of Business

New Blackstone LaunchPad Boosts Entrepreneurial  Spirit of Students, Alumni
Angela McLean, Montana’s new lieutenant governor

Facetime: One Giant Leap

UM Alumna Angela McLean Dives Head-First into Politics

Kali Lindner

Facetime: Kali Lindner '06

Kali Lindner, a 2006 UM graduate in international business and Spanish, went on to create one of the most popular workout trends.

Artifacts

Dick Powell

UM's Evolving Fight Song

The storied history of UM's famous fight song
Honoring Long-Lost Love

Honoring Long-Lost Love

UM alumna ensures her husband's legacy will endure
UM student Meshayla Cox

Finding True Identity

UM's African-American Studies program turns 50

 

Emma's Dress

Artifacts: Emma’s Dress

Emma Sansaver has an incredible story—one of courage, tenacity, perseverance, and hard work.

Bookshelf

Books on a shelf

Bookshelf

Featuring 10 new books with UM connections. Compiled by Ginny Merriam.
Books on a shelf

Bookshelf: New Titles from UM Authors

Featuring 10 new books with UM connections. Compiled by Ginny Merriam.
Books on a shelf

Bookshelf: New Titles from UM Authors

New titles from authors with UM connections
Books on a shelf

Bookshelf: New Titles from UM Authors

New titles from authors with UM connections

Compiled by Ginny Merriam

Books on a shelf

Bookshelf: New Titles from UM Authors

New titles from authors with UM connections
Bookshelf

Bookshelf

New titles from authors with UM connections
Bookshelf

Bookshelf

New titles from authors with UM connections

Feature

President's Perspective

President's Perspective

UM President Seth Bodnar shares his hope that each student at UM develops a confident personal voice.  
Mimi Eiden, a black-student athlete

Voices of the Moment

Black student-athletes in Grizzly Athletics share their vision for a brighter future for all. 

Photos by Tommy Martino
Amy Sings In The Timber

Justice For All

The new director of the Montana Innocence Project has a UM law degree, a gift for fundraising and a lifelong commitment to racial and social justice.
The New Big Sky Singers

All In The Band

The New Big Sky Singers look back at 50 years of musical memories, friendship and a band of brothers that began at UM.
Larry Hufford

Facetime: Larry Hufford

Managing a college is complex task, but Larry Hufford, evolutionary biologist and the new dean of UM's College of Humanities and Sciences, is used to life's intricacies.
Robby Beasley

On the Cover

Robby Beasely, a UM freshman on the men's basketball team, shares his reflections and hopes for a brighter future.
President's Perspective

President's Perspective

UM President Seth Bodnar shares how Grizzlies are rising to the challenges posed by the pandemic with innovation, courage and selflessness.
A Recipe for Good

A Recipe for Good

Tobin Miller Shearer parlays the personal and professional into his students and scholarship as a white man directing UM's African-American Studies department. It's not easy. But nothing important ever is.
Ahead of the Data

Ahead of the Data

UM’s College of Business pivots in programs and curriculum to maintain its standing as the top business college in the Big Sky Conference, relying on innovation to prepare students for the rapidly changing world of business.

From Kafka to Climate Change

From Kafka to Climate Change

Celebrating the impact of 50 years of environmental studies at UM.

Facetime: Ryan Hansen

Facetime: Ryan Hansen

Ryan Hansen, UM alumnus and entrepreneur, operates LumenAd, one of the country’s top software companies. He says the journey from UM to recognition in Inc. magazine takes some Montana scrappiness and Grizzly grit.

Rhys McKinstry

On the Cover

Rhys McKinstry, UM alumnus, shares his reflections on graduating from UM in the time of COVID-19.
President's Perspective

President's Perspective

UM President Seth Bodnar and Dr. Chelsea Bodnar share their vision for S.E.A. Change
The Long Haul

The Long Haul

For one UM alumna, a career in the male-dominated trucking industry took some Montana grit and a liberal arts degree.
UM Special Victims Unit Detective Shelagh More

SAFE

S.E.A. begins with 'S' because safety rests at the heart of the University of Montana's mission to provide access to a quality education.
S.E.A. Change Spotlight: Libby Metcalf

S.E.A. Change Spotlight: Libby Metcalf

Through teaching, mentoring and leading, Metcalf advances S.E.A. Change at UM
student leaders visiting the capitol

UM Trailblazers

Front-runners, trailblazers and fearless champions for others. At a sweeping time for women, here are seven UM student leaders making their mark.
WLI participants gathered in a classroom

Programs that Empower and Accelerate Women

Learn about campus programs that support all women while advancing gender equity

Karen King at Harvard

Divine Scholarship

Karen King keeps the faith in the liberal arts at Harvard. 

Advocates in 1979

Moxie at 50

When the UM Advocates lead others  ̶  they find passion and purpose.

Colton Smith and Jack Steward share the wonder of America's National Parks.

Adventure with an Audience

UM duo shares the wonder of America's national parks as hosts of award-winning television series "Rock the Park."
Mountains and personal meld for Sue Purvis.

Lost and Found

Sue Purvis recovers the fatal and finds herself.
The dawn sky behind Main Hall lightens as the sun rises.

A Campaign for UM

Historic effort invites supporters to Think Big. Be Bold.
Scholarships Launching Lives

Scholarships Launching Lives

Donors have gifted and pledged more than $100 million for student support during Campaign Montana.
Programs for Programs

Programs for Progress

New UM programs have far-reaching impacts.
Placing students at the center of UM.

Student Success: The Heart of Everything

Our mission is to ensure a high-quality education is accessible to all walks of life.
Dynamic spaces for an innovative education.

Thinking Big With Buildings

Building dynamic spaces that are conducive to innovative learning.
Funding Elite Educators

Funding Elite Educators

Supporting UM's legacy of research and public education.
Lynne Avril illustrates on her deck in Polson as character Amelia looks on

Coloring Outside the Lines

Lynne Avril illustrates bestselling children’s books, composes museum-quality paintings and sketches strangers on bar napkins. She also plays the blues.
UM student Ellie Hanousek spent her summer interning at Nike Inc.

The Business Builder

In the past 100 years, the College of Business has helped 20,000 graduates launch careers
Dave Dickenson throws a pass in Griz uniform

15 Looks Back

Griz Great Dave Dickenson reflects on his career as he enters the national College Football Hall of Fame
UM Associate Professor Rosalyn LaPier

Native Knowledge

Blackfeet Scholar at UM a Rising Star in Ethnobotany
A Century of Soldiers

A Century of Soldiers

For 100 years, ROTC cadets have attended regular classes at UM while also training to become U.S. Army officers
Lee-Gray Boze ’07 explores the interior of a glacier

To the Arctic and Beyond

UM Geoscience Grads Succeed in a Changing Field

Fireworks over Main Hall

125 Years and Counting

UM celebrates milestones of academics, achievement and growth
UM alumnus Holly Andres

The Big Picture

Photographer Holly Andres cultivates dual careers in fine art and high-end editorial worlds
New UM President Seth Bodnar

Mission Accepted

New President Seth Bodnar brings passion for service and high achievement to UM
An art mosaic decorates an outside space.

A River Runs By It

New Missoula College Building opens doors to students

Harvest on Prairie Heritage Farm involves many crops, including heritage and ancient grains.

Riding the Lentil Underground

An insider’s view of what ‘renegade farming’ looks like in Montana

A young vendor ties a bracelet on Morgan’s wrist in the Copper Canyon area of Mexico in 2011.

A Traveler's Path

Determination, adventurous heart help Brian Morgan build a business around doing what he loves best – exploring the world

Today, more than 23 gardeners ensure over 300 species of native flora blossom and thrive in the areas designated as their habitat.

50 Years and Growing

UM's Botanic Garden manages to flower 50 years after its initial planting in 1966
Erick Greene checks out the Hellgate Canyon nest near the new Missoula College Building this past spring.

Flying Lessons

Montana Osprey Project brings beauty,  knowledge, inspiration and a bit of  drama to fans worldwide

A Bugs Bunny mural is painted on a wall inside a bunker below a U.S. Air Force base. “The painting is an homage to a World War II bomber crew,” says Jeff MacDonald, a CIRE investigator pursuing his doctorate at UM.

Preserve and Protect

Boosted by a $45 million research award, UM’s Center for Integrated Research on the Environment works with Army Corps of Engineers to solve problems across the country
Dani Walker, a former star at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge, races to first base.

It’s A Whole New Ballgame

Built from scratch, Griz softball team is off to a hot start

Tim Ryan Rouillier picks his guitar while chatting inside UM’s Dennison Theatre. Ryan, a country music artist in Nashville originally from tiny St. Ignatius, will debut his symphonic memoir, “Play Me Montana,” inside the same theater on June 17.

Circles Never End

‘Play Me Montana’ brings Tim Ryan Rouillier back to where it all began
Raelynn Cameron, a master’s student in early education, wears a GoPro camera while she works with Henry Hamilton, age 4, at her in-home family child care center in East Missoula.

Shaping the Future

UM takes innovative approaches to prepare the teachers of tomorrow

UM Regents Professor of Marketing Jakki Mohr sits in her office on the third floor of the Gallagher Business Building. Mohr has taught at UM since 1997.

What Makes a Great Teacher?

We sought out some of UM’s best and brightest to shed light on the topic

Art Almquist teaches a drama class at Tucson Magnet  High School in Tucson, Arizona.

If You Can Read This, Thank a Teacher

From Arlee to Arizona and beyond, UM-trained teachers educate, inspire and make adifference
UM’s 1929 Yell King Nelson Fritz, center, and his Yell Dukes and Duchess, from left: Billie Burke, Alexis Anderson, Edith Conklin and George Husser.

Artifacts: Traditions Unlike Any Others

Traditions are part of what makes UM unique and help build lifelong memories and connections 

Dr. Megan Svec graduated in July as part of UM’s first class of family medicine residents. She recently started practicing  medicine in Ronan. (Photo by Michael Gallacher/Missoulian)

In the Best of Health

New initiative aims to open opportunities for UM to solve the most pressing medical issues plaguing  our population

UM photojournalism student Kira Vercruyssen, right, and translator Aimal Noori interview a group of young people living in a refugee shelter in the Berlin neighborhood of Karlshorst.

Learning by Doing

UM students travel to Germany to gain hands-on experience telling stories of refugees

Selvig coaches his squad – which ended up being his last group – this past winter.

Thats All, Folks

Legendary coach Robin Selvig calls it quits after nearly four decades with Lady Griz

The Grizzly Battalion ROTC cannon sits in front of Schreiber Gymnasium.

Artifacts: Behind the Boom

Learn the history behind one of the loudest sounds you'll hear at a Grizzly football game
UM Professor David Firth, left, and Tom Stergios, vice president of Advanced Technology Group, have created a unique partnership that helps keep talented UM graduates in Montana working high-paying, high-tech jobs.

The Cutting Edge

UM partners with growing high-tech sector to create high-paying jobs, keep talented graduates right here in Montana

A sign welcomes visitors to Libby on a bridge crossing the Kootenai River. Residents of Libby are ready to move on from its tarnished past and focus on the future.

The Rebirth of Libby

With help from UM, a small town in Nothwestern Montana takes on a rebranding effort to heal from its rocky past

Lily Gladstone on campus

Center Stage

Lily Gladstone is a star on the rise, but her Blackfeet identity and UM roots keep her grounded in the capricious world of showbiz

Dr. Jack Burgess, who played basketball at UM in the early 1940s, went on to play in The Secret Game in Durham, N.C., in 1944. (Photo courtesy of Burgess family)

Planes, Brains, and Civil Resistance

To measure how tall  Dr. Jack Burgess ’43 stood, look no further than  The Secret Game  he played in an  empty gym in 1944

Carla Dove, who graduated from the University of Montana in 1986, works at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History studying bird collisions with airplanes for the sake of making travel safer. David Price/Smithsonian Institution

Her Name Says It All

Carla Dove ’86 soars as the nation’s top expert on identifying birds that collide with planes, even when only “snarge” remains

The First Folio (Photo courtesy of The Folger Shakespeare Library)

Artifacts: Friends, Grizzlies, Countrymen, Lend Me Your Ears

Shakespeare's First Folio set to visit UM
UM produces alumni who work, study, and discover new knowledge across the universe, include Mars, Pluto, and beyond.

The Last Best Space

UM graduates are unlocking the mysteries of space—what other planets look like, how astronauts can visit them, and whether there is, or ever was, life beyond Earth

Whitney Williams ’94, founder and CEO of williamsworks, walks along a street in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Williams and actor Ben Affleck started the Eastern Congo Initiative in 2009. (Photo by Fredrick Coubert)

Just Ask Whitney

When some of the world’s most powerful people want help changing it, they call Whitney Williams ’94

UM alumni Charlie and  Barbie Beaton own the Big Dipper, the popular ice cream spot on Missoula’s Hip Strip.

What's the Scoop?

From humble beginnings to its iconic status today,  Big Dipper Ice Cream has grown into one sweet success story for UM grads Charlie and Barbie Beaton

Staff Sergeant Adam McCaw, now a student at UM, poses at the Fallen Soldier Memorial on campus.

A Multilingual Military

Right here at UM, one of the nation’s best intensive language programs teaches our military the languages of war—and of peace

Pearl Jam poster from 1998

Music to Our Ears

Readers respond with memories of their concert experiences at UM
Lindsey Hall ’14, a former Montana Grizzly track and field star who now trains professionally with the Mountain West Track Club, runs on a high-speed force treadmill inside UM’s Biomechanics Lab, which is directed by Professor Matt Bundle, right. UM senior Madi Worst, left, and graduate student Michelle Buechner, rear, control the treadmill and measurement tools through computers.

Healthier & Happier

In a wide array of studies, UM’s HHP Department makes significant impacts on the well-being  of the people of Montana and beyond

J.K. Simmons in a scene from Whiplash (2014)

Family Ties

On the biggest stage in Hollywood, Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons ’78 delivers a simple yet potent message: Call your mom and dad, because he can’t call his

Artifacts: For Those About To Rock

Artifacts: For Those About To Rock

Hopefully the posters pictured here will conjure nostalgia and spark memories. Please share your stories by sending an e-mail to themontanan@umontana.edu.
Christensen helps a young fan spin a basketball on her finger at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Photo by Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc.)

Hoop Dreams

Scooter Christensen dribbles, drives, and dishes his way to stardom with the Harlem Globetrotters

Hank Green

Don't Forget to be Awesome

Internet sensation Hank Green aims to decrease ‘worldsuck’ one nerd at a time

UM Press Club, 1918-19

The More Things Change

100 years later, UM School of Journalism imparts new skills, timeless values

Students explore hats from around the world at Lewis and Clark Elementary School in Missoula.

A Man of Many Hats

Udo Fluck’s Global Gateway program inspires K-12 students to learn global competence 

Renee Haugerud

A True Trailblazer

Renée Haugerud turns lessons learned at UM into unique success on  Wall Street
Aaron Thomas, a chemistry professor at UM, directs Indigenous Research and STEM Education, a program that seeks to bring more Native American students into science, technology, engineering, and mathematical fields.

Native Knowledge

Program inspires future generation of Indian scientists

MOLLI students act out a scene

Extended Learning

MOLLI breathes new life into continuing education at UM

Students listen to UM Professor Michael Murphy in the Understanding and Making Movies class.

Planting A Seed

High schoolers get taste of UM at Schwanke Institute

Student with crosscut saw

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

Boondockers Day Generates Excitement for Foresters’ Ball
Comedian Chris Fairbanks

Good Humor

Stand-up Comedian, UM Alumnus Chris Fairbanks to Entertain Crowds at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

Angela McLean, Montana’s new lieutenant governor

One Giant Leap

UM Alumna Angela McLean Dives Head-First into Politics

soldiers at Fort Missoula

Riding Through History

Mansfield Library Exhibit Delves into African-American History

Career in comedy comes full-circle for UM grad Maggie Carey

Funny Girl

Career in comedy comes full-circle for UM grad Maggie Carey

Letters

Letters: Readers Write

Letters: Readers Write

Montanan readers weigh in.
Bugs Bunny mural on bunker wall

A Missileer’s Master’s Degree

I found the mention of Whiteman Air Force Base (“Preserve and Protect,” Spring 2017 Montanan) and Minuteman missiles interesting.

Something's Missing

Since graduating from UM in 1956, I have enjoyed reading the Montanan. However, I am bothered by an omission from campus.

Lessons Learned

Just wanted to say I really enjoy the Montanan, especially the Winter issue devoted to teaching.

Great Shots

Wow! Todd Goodrich takes the mundane photo shoot and makes it work with his sharp photographer’s eye. 

Career Opportunities

For a guy who used to carry a fly rod in my backpack so I could fish between UM classes, to have had an option to remain in a place I loved so much would have been special.

The Right Choice?

Maybe. Maybe not. I’ll probably never really know.

This self-portrait of Curiosity shows the rover at the Big Sky site on Mars.

Letter: Written in the Stars

In the Montanan article, Brian Nixon said, “Most of Western Montana is now represented on Mars.” He can add Polson, because that’s where I’m from.

Letter: Montana Love

Take a look at what readers have to say about the Montanan.
Nancy Halverson Cabe and Linda Phillips Knoblock in Peru

Where's Your Griz Been?

Nancy Halverson Cabe and Linda Phillips Knoblock took their Griz gear to Peru this past May.

Names Transposed

I did notice a small flaw in the [winter 2014] About Alumni section. The names of Bob Holton and Steve Sanders were reversed on the photos.