News - The University of Montana

Tomme Lu Wordern (left), Ty Robinson and Harry Fritz enjoy the barbeque at UM Night at the Osprey.

About 125 UM alumni and friends enjoyed food, baseball and a little bit of cloud cover last night at the UM Night at the Osprey. Temperatures were predicted to sizzle at game time, but a few light clouds passed over and combined with a light breeze to make a perfect evening for watching the Osprey beat the Billings Mustangs 6-4. The event was jointly sponsored by the UM Alumni Association and the UM Foundation. GSA also donated a couple of great gifts as giveaways. Monte showed up to throw out the first pitch and was a hit, as always, with the kids – and lots of older alums, too! Attendees enjoyed barbecue chicken and pork, salad, veggies and the always-delicious deep fried brownie bites! This annual event is always a lot of fun for everyone and we’ll look forward to seeing you there next year!

Susan Cuff  ‘81
Associate Director

Helena Lecture

More than 40 UM alumni and friends gathered at The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology last Wednesday to listen to an informative presentation by UM History Chairperson, Richard Drake, on Terrorism, Past and Present. This is the fifth UM faculty presentation in the Helena area – a tradition we hope to continue for years to come.

One alumna wrote our office to say that Dr. Drake’s lecture / Q&A session was “so fascinating that it seemed to last only 10 minutes.”  Indeed, at times his presentation seemed more like an engaging dialogue rather than a lecture.

The UM Office of Alumni Relations sends out a big thank you to Richard Drake for fitting us into his busy schedule and helping our office maintain ties to our former students.

Jodi Moreau
Off Campus Events Coordinator

Griz Grad 2009 image

Griz Grad Fiesta

The University of Montana Alumni Association was excited to host Griz Grad Fiesta on May 5, Cinco de Mayo.  Held in the UC and open to all graduating and international students, the event featured a Mexican buffet, drinks, and prizes.  Tyler Disburg entertained the 400 guests and gave away prizes including a raft trip for the worst GrizCard. Congratulations Class of 2009!

Nearly 300 Missoula and University community members came together last night for the second installment of the 2009 Community Lecture Series, “Hidden Montana: Dispelling Myths.”  Dean Peggy Kuhr of UM’s School of Journalism discussed “Journalism’s Brave New World,” and deconstructed the myth that Journalism is a dying industry.  Dean Kuhr walked the audience through countless new electronic avenues for news media, and highlighted the effects of these changes in Montana.  A lively round of questions following the lecture proved that this was a timely and pertinent subject for our audience.

The Community Lecture Series continues next week with Rick Graetz’s presentation of “Discovering New Territory: The Simple Grandeur of Montana East of the Mountains.”

Kelsey Crawford ‘07
On-Campus Events Coordinator

  What started out looking like a potentially frigid October afternoon took a much welcomed turn just in time for the football game.  Layers were shed,   eyes were shielded and Grizzly fanatics were granted one more amazing Saturday with our clapping hands unhindered by gloves. The mood was only lifted by what the Griz made to look like an easy victory over Sacramento State.  Final Score: Griz 43, Hornets 7!

Click Here to see game day photos.

Ashley Mitchell
UM Student

The UM Alumni Association and UM Foundation took to the road last night for a Helena Recent Grad gathering.  All UM alums living in the Helena area who graduated in the last 10 years were invited, and we were pleased to see so many come out on a cold Tuesday night.  We congregated for happy hour in the Upper Tap Room at the beautifully remodeled Blackfoot River Brewing-complete with locally brewed ales and delicious hors d’ouvres.

Bob Gardipee ‘00 and Jolyn Eggart ‘99 joined Krista Frederikson of the UM Foundation and Kelsey Crawford of the UM Alumni Relations Office as the evening’s hosts.  A lively crowd mixed and mingled, reminiscing about their college years at UM and updating each other on their current personal and professional ventures.  We were delighted to hear that so many Helena alums remain enthusiastically involved in the UM community.

We have Griz Alum Brad Simshaw ‘80, ‘84, and the entire staff at Blackfoot River Brewing to thank for their generous hospitality and excellent service.  And most of all, thanks to all of the Helena area alums who joined us last night!  Cheers!

Kelsey Crawford ‘07
On Campus Events Coordinator