Letter from the AlumniDirector

“Time, Talent and Treasure.”

That phrase recently stuck me like lightning on an open Montana plain. Now, I’ve been around the University of Montana for over 40 years – including my student time – and I heard this phrase for the first time recently from our new vice president for enrollment and strategic communications, Cathy Cole, referring to the most significant ways alumni can give back to their alma mater. I was impressed with her ability to encapsulate what we’ve formulated at the Alumni Association for over a year now –that we should foster, honor and recognize those who give us their time and talent along with those who give us their financial support. Cathy assured me that the phrase has been around a long time and that it had been used in other places she has worked.

Because I have an innate curiosity forged in the classrooms of UM, I decided to see if I could find the origin of this clever phrase. A Google search reveals that it is a common phrase categorizing support in religious organizations and has some ancillary biblical associations, but the first reference to the three words used together is found in an 1845 newspaper article in th esecular Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette that stated, “Time, talent, treasure and physical strength, which, if applied to the promotion of social improvement, the advancement of science and the furtherance of education, would convert in a very short period the whole earth into a paradise...” There’s a lot of truth in this.

This is a very special edition of the Montanan. It celebrates how donor contributions make UM an incredible, life-changing experience for our students. While monetary contributions are vitally important, so are the contributions of volunteers at recruitment events, those who write cards and letters to admitted students, those who are willing to mentor new graduates when they move to your hometown, those who come back to teach a class or take on a student teacher and those who facilitate gathering Grizzlies together around the country. We are excited about UM’s Campaign Montana and its wonderful message: Think Big. Be Bold. We hope everyone will consider giving what they can to elevate every college, school and program at UM.

We would be equally honored if you, as alumni, would consider giving us your time and talent as well.

Go Griz!

Jed Liston 

UM Alumni Relations Director