This February, the University of Montana celebrates its 125th birthday.

When the University was chartered in 1893, Montana had just 145,000 citizens – Missoula, 4,000. The city’s most prominent citizens lobbied Helena to establish a university here, citing its culture, natural beauty and “salubrious” climate.

From the beginning, donors made a difference at UM. The 40 acres of historically Salish land at the base of Mount Sentinel was donated by the estate of C.P. Higgins and The South Missoula Land Company (E.L. Bonner) and became our beloved campus.

In the late 1890s, President Oscar J. Craig made what was perhaps UM’s first appeal for support: “Is it not possible that there are public-spirited citizens in Montana who would be willing to win honor for themselves and bequeath means of gaining honor to the children of the state by giving their abundance to assist in the work of higher education in the Treasure State?”

It wasn’t until the UM Foundation was founded in 1950 that philanthropy really flourished. By 1957 the Foundation awarded 24 full-ride scholarships and managed 30 other funds, supporting the pipe organ in the Music Building, an early computer center, the carillon bells in Main Hall and the planetarium, among other things.

The Century Club was formed in 1955 – the precursor to the Grizzly Scholarship Association. By 1969 the club had more than 700 members. By 1964, the Foundation supported a variety of academic areas, scholarships and professorships. Just over ten years later, in 1975, the Foundation managed over $3.1 million in assets.

By 1988, the Foundation funded 250 scholarships, with 155 more established during the Ensuring a Tradition of Excellence capital campaign in the 1990s. More than a dozen campus buildings have been constructed or renovated thanks to private support.

As UM celebrates its 125th year, the Foundation manages over $300 million in assets.  Donors like you helped us award almost $21 million in support to the University last year. You have made so much possible. Thank you for your support!