There is tangible momentum growing at the University of Montana. You can see it and feel it all across campus.

The institution is in the midst of its largest infrastructure investment in recent years, with upgrades under way to residence halls, learning spaces, dining and athletic facilities, and more. Research activity steadily increases; earlier this year UM received Carnegie designation as a Research 1 university, placing it among the top 3.7% of all degree-granting institutions nationwide. And notably, student enrollment and retention are on the rise.

At work as these positive campus developments unfold is the incredibly powerful culture of philanthropy that continues to thrive and drive growth at UM because of you. Your giving empowers UM leaders to spark strategic innovation and prioritize what matters most to students. Your support tears down the barriers to higher education. It enables UM to develop clear pathways for all students to seek success, persist to graduation and pursue meaningful careers.

This newsletter is about showing your impact in action. In this issue, you’ll read how that impact ripples out across campus, propelling Lady Griz athletes, veterans, future pharmacists, Montana’s fisheries, and students seeking careers in the trades. You’ll also see how your giving has enabled UM to break ground on the new Montana Museum of Art and Culture, a 17,000-square-foot facility funded entirely with private support that will be home to the state’s most comprehensive art collection.

Thank you for reading Raising Montana and for being a part of our giving community. I am grateful to be meeting with UM supporters in person and look forward to seeing many of you at Foundation gatherings this summer and fall.

Your continued investment in UM is humbling and inspiring. I am deeply grateful for your generosity, the effects of which will undoubtedly multiply for generations of Grizzlies to come.

Sincerely,