From the Associate Vice President of Development
The University of Montana continues to enjoy tremendous momentum as, on July 1, UM welcomed its 20th president, Dr. Jeremiah Shinn. Dr. Shinn’s arrival promises to bring new successes while building on recent achievements including increased enrollment and retention as well as continued campus and brand revitalization. The future of UM looks bright!
This past year was also a remarkable one for realized gifts from donors’ estate plans. The UM Foundation received nearly $17 million from alumni and friends who believed deeply in the future of UM and chose to support campus through their wills, trusts or beneficiary designations. We honor their memory and are eternally grateful for the impact their giving will make across the University.
These gifts include significant support for the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library affecting nearly every student who relies on the library for academic success, critical resources, expertise and learning spaces. They also include the establishment of a $1 million-plus unrestricted endowment for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation which will provide reliable annual support, empowering the College to expand student-driven research opportunities, and enable hands-on discovery and field-based inquiries. Additionally, we received over $4.5 million to support Presidential Leadership Scholarships, further enhancing the Davidson Honors College’s ability to provide full tuition scholarships to attract and retain top academic talent.
Together, these gifts reflect the extraordinary power of thoughtful planning and a shared belief in the promise of the University of Montana. They also remind us that every legacy gift, no matter its purpose or size, helps shape what is possible for future generations of Grizzlies.