Letter from the Membership Chair

My wife, Dianne, and I met fifty-three years ago as students at the University of Montana. Twelve years ago, we became dual lifetime members of the Alumni Association. Our University has played such an important part in shaping our relationships and furthering our careers, and membership in UMAA is an effortless way to show our gratitude and support.

We’ve enjoyed the benefits of membership through the years, from publications that keep us informed about the worldwide Griz community to the opportunity to form new friendships with other alumni. It wasn’t until I began volunteering as a UMAA board member, however, that I realized the true importance of membership. I’ve learned about the inner workings of the Alumni Association and how the dues paid by members help connect more former students to UM.

Here are a few of the things UMAA members’ dues accomplished last year:

• Thousands of Grizzlies gathered at hundreds of alumni events around the country, including nearly ninety Griz/Cat satellite parties.
• Legacy Scholarships were awarded to four deserving students whose parents or grandparents attended UM.
• The Student Alumni Association more than doubled its membership in its second year and continues to increase student engagement and stewardship.
• Alumni created regional groups to coordinate social and networking events.
• The inaugural group of Montana Treasures returned to campus for its fiftieth class reunion, and alumni of all ages stood together on the field of Washington-Grizzly Stadium during Commencement.
• Nearly 10,000 Griz fans gathered for the Homecoming Parade, and alumni, students, and community members celebrated with a full week of Homecoming events.
• Five Distinguished Alumni were awarded for their outstanding accomplishments, and the Montana Alumni Award recognized a friend of UM for extraordinary service to the University.
• The sixteenth annual Community Lecture Series brought hundreds of alumni and community members to campus to learn from talented UM faculty.
• The House of Delegates was revitalized, allowing alumni representatives to advise and assist UMAA in its outreach programs throughout the U.S. and Canada.

As a member of UMAA, you receive 20 percent off your purchase during Homecoming Week at The Bookstore at UM, access to Griz e-Recruiting and UM Career Services, discounts on alumni events, and many more benefits.

But after years of UMAA membership, Dianne and I can promise that the best rewards are the enriching relationships with UM and many other alumni. Join today to support UMAA!

Thank you for your support, and Go Griz!

Ken Lawrence ’63
Chair, UMAA Planning and Membership Committee