Campus Traditions: What Makes Us Montana

FALL Traditions

Griz Welcome 

The beginning of the Fall semester at UM is always a celebratory time stacked with longstanding and new traditions. Griz Welcome encapsulates it all, offering many events and opportunities for incoming and returning students to settle into campus and make new friends. Some of the many events include Shakespeare in the Park, River Rendezvous and a party night at the University Center. 

For first-year students, Griz Welcome also includes our award-winning orientation, also known as the Big Sky Experience. Enjoy your First Meal at the Lodge Dining Center with your family, meet other students with small-group activities and tap into the Grizzlies-Give-Back ethos with service-learning activities on campus and throughout the larger community. 

Learn More: Griz Welcome  

River Rendezvous & Freshman Float

The University of Montana's award-winning new student orientation, better known as the Big Sky Experience, includes feasts at The Lodge Dining Center, the Bear Fair at The Oval and several small- and big-group activities to start building your Grizzly community. And capping this week of welcome before the first day of classes is the traditional River Rendezvous and Freshman Float down the Clark Fork River next to campus. Tubes and shuttles are provided. Good times are guarantted.

Learn More: Big Sky Experience Schedule of Events

The No. 37 Tradition

Griz fullback and Plentywood native Kraig Paulson kicked off this football tradition in 1983, and ever since, one deserving Montana-born football player earns the No. 37 jersey every year. Kraig Paulson was known for many things, including his hard-working attitude and toughness – a.k.a. the Montana Spirit. Athletes from across the state have repped the #37 ever since, always bringing a game-winning attitude to Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Learn More: The #37 Tradition - Grizzly Athletics

Homecoming

Homecoming at the University of Montana is a week-long celebration of current and past students. Featuring a spirited parade, a Yell Night Pep Rally with glowing luminaries, and of course, a homecoming football game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium -- there's enough Grizzly Pride during homecoming to fill our 25,000-seat stadium to the max. It's hard not to feel the excitement during homecoming, whether it's your first year on campus or you're a celebrating alum enjoying the Alumni Tailgate party.  

Learn More: University of Montana Homecoming 

Hello Walk

Hello, howdy and bonjour! The Hello Walk is a longstanding Homecoming tradition dating back to 1924. Students, faculty and staff adorn a sidewalk with several ways to say hello during the onset of the fall semester, doing well to represent our friendly and welcoming campus. Tradition holds that when you pass a stranger on the Hello Walk, you exchange greetings. 

Griz Fight Song

Up with Montana boys, down with the foe! The Griz Fight Song has a long and storied history, first mentioned in a 1914 version of the student newspaper. Whatever its origins, expect to hear Griz Nation belting out the quirky, old-school lyrics after every athletic win and beyond. Learning the words to the Griz Fight Song is a favorite activity at Orientation.  

Learn More: University of Montana Fight Song

Pumpkin on Main Hall

Keep this one a secret, and keep your eyes on Main Hall throughout October. That’s because, unapproved by University officials, someone spikes a pumpkin onto the highest spire of this historic building. Very few people know who pulls off this daring caper (seriously), although members of our rock-climbing community are suspected culprits. Keep your eyes out come October for this mysterious gourd's appearance. 

Brawl of the Wild 

The most anticipated football game of the year sees the formidable Grizzlies face off against their in-state rivals, the Montana State Bobcats from Bozeman. The energy leading up to this game is palpable, and come game day, it’s nothing but football fever throughout the entire state. Choose your side wisely and enjoy the friendly competition for the most-watched sporting event in the state of Montana.

Read More: It's Great to be a Griz: Your Guide to the Brawl of the Wild 

Can the Cats Food Drive 

Can the Cats is the state's biggest annual food drive, pitting the University of Montana against our in-state rivals, Montana State University, to see who can college the most food donations. This big event lines up the Brawl of the Wild football game, and the winners are announced during halftime. There are no losers when these two schools try to outgive each other. Donations to UM help stock our food pantry and our local Missoula Food Bank. Over a million pounds of food donations are raised every year.  

WINTER Traditions

Firepits and Ice Skating on the Oval

Students returning from winter break or starting school in the spring semester are welcomed to campus with two of our favorite cold-weather events – ice skating and standing by a bonfire on the Oval. Ice skates are available to rent in the UC, or you can bring your own and enjoy the ice for free.

Read More: Winter Activities to Keep You Cozy 

Foresters’ Ball

The Foresters’ Ball is a century-old party hosted by the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Forestry students spend a week transforming Schreiber Gym into an old-fashioned logging town for this rootin’ tootin’ good time, featuring live music, dancing and even fake marriage ceremonies. Every and all students and community members are welcomed to attend this time-honored event. 

Read More: From Forest to Dance Floor, UM Students Power the 107th Foresters’ Ball

Bertha the Moose

Bertha the Moose, AKA the First Lady of Forestry, is a mounted moose head and the unofficial mascot of the Forestry Club. Bertha’s origins date back to the 1920s when renowned forester Dr. Carl Schenck donated it to the forestry department. Today, Bertha is the frequent target of friendly kidnappings and an integral figure of the Foresters’ Ball.

Learn More: Bertha the Moose

Winter Bonfire and Pep Rally

Stay toasty at this newest UM tradition. The winter bonfire and pep rally happen near the beginning of the spring semester when the flames light up the winter evening. The bonfire marks the conclusion of a full slate of winter activities, including ice skating and a Welcome Back Party. Be sure to grab tickets to the Griz and Lady Griz Basketball games happening on the same weekend. This event is popular with students and the community alike.  

Read More: Winter Pep Rally Returns on Feb. 14, in-between Griz-Cat Basketball Games

SPRING Traditions

Kyiyo Pow Wow

The Kyiyo Pow Wow, hosted by the Kyiyo Native American Student Association, has celebrated over 50 years of bringing communities together. This annual event typically occurs in April and features dancing, singing, storytelling and rich heritage on display. Anyone is welcome to attend this culturally important celebration.

Learn More: Kyiyo Native American Student Association 

The Big Event 

While the Fall Semester starts with the Big Sky Experience, the Spring finishes with The Big Event. This new campus tradition emphasizes our Grizzlies-Give-Back ethos with a whole slew of service-learning projects across campus and our broader community. The Big Event is a great way to celebrate with old friends, make new friends and put some serious good karma points in the bank - all in tune with our motto "Servi Deinde Celebra" (Serve, Then Celebrate). 

Learn More: The Big Event

Share Kindness Day

While you don’t have to wait until May to do something kind, we devote a specific day to giving maximum gratitude. Whether that’s kindness to strangers, friends or yourself, several campus activities throughout the day encourage compassion and thoughtfulness.

Learn More: Share Kindness Day - UM Advocates

Campus Thrift

Campus Thrift occurs near the end of the spring semester. This event is an opportunity for anyone departing the residence halls to donate any items they don't want to pack out, and the Office of Sustainability then hosts the extremely popular Campus Thrift in Schreiber Gym. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come check out all the stellar savings on clothes, furniture and decor. Be sure to show up early to get a spot in front of the line. 

Learn More: Campus Thrift - Office of Sustainability 

SUMMER Traditions

Hike the "M"

School might be out, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. The summer is a great time to catch up on reading, do a little traveling and check off one of the most quintessential activities in Montana -- hiking the "M" hiking trail directly behind campus. This steep ascent features 13 switchbacks and plenty of sitting benches along the way. Do it for the exercise, do it for the view, and do it at least once during your time at the University of Montana.

Read More: Take a Hike! Best Hiking Trails around Missoula