The Lives We Change Will Change the World

People watch a grizzly bear at Yellowstone National Park

Joe Ricketts’ Jackson Fork Ranch Gift Funds Biodiversity Research

A major gift from Joe Ricketts’ Jackson Fork Ranch will fund a multiyear research and multimedia collaboration at UM that seeks to better understand biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Faculty from the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation will lead a series of studies supported by master’s and doctoral students funded through Ricketts’ gift. Missoula-based Warm Springs Productions will film the research for distribution through multimedia channels.

Raising Montana

Raising Montana Newsletter

Enjoy stories from the latest issue of the Raising Montana newsletter and discover the many ways philanthropy is changing lives at UM. Learn how philanthropy is funding a research and multimedia collaboration at UM to uncover insights about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, see how private giving is advancing efforts to support student well-being across campus and more.

Montana dignitaries present an award to Makoto Iyori, the consul general of Japan in Seattle (second from left), to celebrate the establishment of the Mansfield Chair in Japanese and Indo-Pacific Affairs. Also pictured are (left to right) UM President Seth Bodnar, Mansfield Center Executive Director Deena Mansour and Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Japanese Government Establishes Endowed Mansfield Chair at UM

A $5.1 million grant from the Japanese government will establish the Mansfield Chair in Japanese and Indo-Pacific Affairs at UM. The endowed chair position will foster opportunities for multidisciplinary education in Japanese and Indo-Pacific studies, including trade, rural affairs, public health, language, society and culture. Read more to learn about the grant’s impact.