Davidson Honors College - The University of Montana - DHC

Last, but certainly not least, we toast to our scholars from Idaho, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Virginia. Montana awaits!

The Kermit and Kathleen Schwanke Institute is just around the corner. We can’t wait to welcome 36 students from across the country to Missoula this week. Many thanks for Bethany, Lucille, and Josh for their tireless efforts. Stay tuned for more Schwanke content over the next two weeks!

Today we feature our Presidential Leadership Scholars from Alaska to Colorado. Join us in welcoming these stellar students to the DHC!

We are thrilled to welcome these scholars to Missoula in the fall!

The UM Davidson Honors College has selected 28 elite high school students for the Presidential Leadership Scholarship. As UM’s most prestigious academic recognition for incoming students, the scholarship provides four years of funding for students joining campus this fall. The Presidential Leadership Scholars represent eight states, including 15 from Montana. We’re glad they chose to go The Montana Way! Go Griz!

View the PLS winners: bit.ly/UMpls2026

Our Truman scholars met up with their cohort in Liberty, Missouri last week. Dr. Kylla Benes flew down to celebrate in person. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, it’s that rainy and green season in Missoula. Such a beautiful time of year.

We couldn't be prouder of these terrific THREE Udall scholars!

👏Three University of Montana students have been named 2026 Udall Scholars, earning national recognition for their leadership, academic excellence and commitment to public service.

Susan Connelly, Elannah Flat Lip and Vivianne Ostheimer join an elite group of students nationwide selected for the prestigious scholarship, which recognizes future leaders in health care, tribal public policy and environmental sustainability.

Their goals reflect the values of the Udall Foundation and the University of Montana:
• Connelly plans to advance Indigenous health equity through public health work.
• Flat Lip hopes to become a pediatrician serving Native children and families in rural and tribal communities.
• Ostheimer aims to help communities transition to renewable energy through local government leadership.

With 51 Udall Scholars to date, UM continues to hold the distinction of leading the nation in the number of Udall Scholarship recipients.

https://bit.ly/UMUdall

The Western Regional Honors Conference was such an incredible experience! We are proud of everyone who represented the DHC. Everyone showed up with passion, curiosity, and excellence.
From engaging presentations to meaningful connections, this weekend was a true reflection of what it means to be . 🐻✈️

Last week, DHC’s Wellbeing Support Coach, Lauren Schulte, hosted a Relaxation Retreat at the DHC 🧘‍♀️🐾 From yoga and therapy dogs to fun prizes, it was the perfect chance to unwind. Thank you to everyone who showed up and took time for themselves. You deserve it! 💛

Through the DHC’s Love class, and with the incredible support of DHC students and VolunteerUM, we had the opportunity to give back to the YWCA Family Housing Center.
It was a meaningful week filled with compassion, teamwork, and community.

DHC students are making an impact all across the University of Montana campus and the Missoula community 💫 From research to leadership and everything in between, they’re showing up in big ways.
We’re especially proud of our UM STEM students who were recently featured in a Student Spotlight. Go check it out! Link in our bio!