University of Montana Foundation

09/30/2026

Can you help us identify this mystery photo?

The mystery photo featured in our most recent issue of Remembering Montana may have stumped our readers, so we're putting it back out there for another look.

Do you recognize anyone or anything in this photo? We'd love to hear any memories, details or insights you can share.

Send your responses to [email protected] and help us solve this mystery!

Stay tuned as we learn more about this photo by visiting https://bit.ly/4rs7flw

09/28/2026

For more than a century, the University of Montana has been a place where artists find their voices, refine their craft and go on to leave their mark on Montana and far beyond.

This Homecoming, that extraordinary creative legacy takes center stage in a new exhibition bringing together generations of Grizzly artists and celebrating the lasting influence of a UM education. “A Homecoming: UM Art Alumni Invitational Exhibition” features the work of 100 alumni spanning six decades and offers a powerful reminder of what is possible when talented students have the opportunity, mentorship and resources to pursue their creative ambitions.

Generous donor support helps make those transformative experiences possible, ensuring that future generations of UM artists can learn, create and carry that legacy forward.

Join us Sept. 28 through Oct. 22 and experience this extraordinary collection for yourself.

Event details: https://bit.ly/3T74ny1

09/23/2026

This fall, UM enrolled 11,319 students — its highest enrollment since 2017 — welcomed its largest first-year class in 12 years and achieved a record retention rate of 77.4%.

“More students are choosing the University of Montana, and more students are choosing to stay. That’s the most encouraging part of these numbers,” UM President Jeremiah Shinn said.

Behind every number is a student pursuing their goals, discovering new opportunities and building a brighter future. From first-generation students and Montana residents to graduate students and dual-enrolled high school students, more learners are choosing UM and finding their place here. Together, we're helping create opportunities that strengthen lives, communities and the future of Montana.

09/21/2026

There's no place like home!

The University of Montana's 2026 Homecoming celebration returns Sept. 29 through Oct. 3, bringing alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends together for a week full of Griz traditions, community and celebration.

From the Hello Walk and Griz on Tap to the Yell Night Pep Rally, Homecoming Parade and Alumni Tailgate, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends, making new memories or cheering on the Griz as they take on Northern Colorado, we can't wait to welcome you back to campus!

Join us as we celebrate what makes the University of Montana feel like home.

Learn more and view the full schedule: https://bit.ly/4rqemeA

09/17/2026

Fifty years after "A River Runs through It" helped shape Montana’s literary and outdoor identity, the UM Creative Writing Program’s Hooks for Books event is bringing that legacy to life.

This year’s event will celebrate the landmark novella’s 50th anniversary and honor acclaimed author and journalist John Maclean, son of Norman Maclean, with the Writers on Water Award. Maclean joins an esteemed group of past recipients, including John Gierach, Thomas McGuane, and Carl Hiaasen.

The UM Foundation recently talked with John as he reflected on his father's enduring impact, Montana's literary tradition, and the story that transformed fly fishing and helped define a state.

Read more about John Maclean inheriting a love of writing from his father and about the Maclean family’s decades-long love affair with the Blackfoot River here https://bit.ly/4xAPCSf

Now in its fifth year, Hooks for Books continues to connect literature, the outdoors, and community while supporting UM's nationally recognized Creative Writing Program. Co-founded by UM Alumni, Tim O'Leary and author Chris Dombrowski, the event has raised more than $500,000 since 2022 to help future generations of writers thrive.

As O'Leary says, "Writers often hold up a mirror to society and help us envision a better future."

Join us in celebrating a literary legacy that continues to inspire readers, writers, and anglers around the world while honoring the writers whose work deepens our connection to rivers, wild places, and the stories they inspire.

09/12/2026

Because of scholarship support, Montana native, Kabe Webster was able to pursue a new dream: becoming a teacher after a successful career in engineering.

Inspired by the educators who shaped his own path, Webster is now preparing to help the next generation discover opportunities, build confidence and develop the skills to lead lives of purpose. Thanks to donor-funded scholarships, he had the freedom to make a career change, gain valuable classroom experience and follow his passion for education.

"Without the support of donors, teachers like me and many others would not have the ability to work in education," Webster said.

Every scholarship opens a door. Every donor helps create opportunity.

This story is part of an ongoing series exploring the impact of scholarships on the lives of students at the University of Montana. Read more at https://bit.ly/4cX4bYX

09/10/2026

When financial barriers prevent students from accessing higher education, Montana risks losing future teachers, healthcare providers, builders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

Together, we can help more Montana students earn a University of Montana certificate or degree and invest in the future of our state.

The For Montana Scholarship Initiative builds on a proud tradition of philanthropy that has opened doors for generations of students. Today, alumni, businesses and friends of UM are invited to join a new collective effort to serve students and serve Montana.

Learn more and make an impact at ForMontana.org.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

09/02/2026

One game down, plenty more to come!

The Griz opened the season in front of a packed Washington-Grizzly Stadium crowd with a win and the debut of a new symbol of support for Montana students.

This year's opener marked the debut of the “For Montana” jersey patch, raising awareness of the For Montana Scholarship Initiative, a historic effort supporting scholarships for Montana students. It's the first branded jersey patch in Grizzly Football and Big Sky Conference history, representing something much bigger than athletics.

As Head Coach Bobby Kennedy said:

"This is an amazing opportunity for Grizzly Athletics to stand up for all Montana students. This is bigger than athletics. These students are our family members, friends and neighbors, and they will go on to become Montana's future leaders and community builders."

As the Griz prepare for another exciting matchup this week, we're grateful for the support of donors and Grizzly Athletics as we invest in Montana students and the future of our state.

We invite Griz Nation to visit ForMontana.org to learn more about the For Montana Scholarship Initiative and its impact.

📸Tommy Martino, Ryan Brennecke, Cassie Evans, Kassidy Gerono

08/27/2026

Missoula is officially the USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice as 2026 Best College Sports Town!

From packed stands at Washington-Grizzly Stadium to championship-caliber programs across Griz Athletics, this recognition belongs to the entire Griz Nation and Missoula community!

And if you're headed to this weekend's home football opener, keep an eye out for the new “For Montana” patch on the Montana Griz Football jerseys. It's a visible reminder that investing in Montana students is investing in Montana's future.

Read more about Missoula's latest win: https://bit.ly/4xigMxK

08/25/2026