Spring 2026
From the President and CEO
As we close another academic year and reflect on the extraordinary support of our donors, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our giving community. We are grateful for your continued advocacy and investment in UM students, academic excellence and reimagined facilities.
Montana Melody
An effort is underway to continue modernizing the University of Montana Music Building, guaranteeing it continues to serve as a vital hub for innovative music education and cultural connection in Montana and beyond.
UM Welcomes New President
On April 14, 2026, the Montana University System Board of Regents unanimously selected Dr. Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana.
Deep Ties
Robert “Lynn” Turnquist’s life was quintessentially Montanan. After moving to Helena at an early age, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in mathematics from UM and spent much of his career teaching at high schools in Lodge Grass, Whitehall and Helena, later joining the faculty at University of Montana-Western in Dillon.
Giving Reimagined
When Steve and Shirley Nelson committed a nearly $1 million gift to Grizzly Athletics this year, they didn’t just invest in renewed facilities and expanded opportunities for UM’s student-athletes.
They made history.
Donors Go Big to Support Big Give
For the seventh consecutive year, donors showed up in a truly “big” way this spring to support students during The Big Give, UM’s annual day of giving.
Shared Path, Shared Prize
As friends and former roommates, UM juniors Vivianne Ostheimer and Cadence Hatten submitted their applications to become Harry S. Truman Scholars side by side.
This spring, the two were among just 55 college students nationwide selected for the award, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country.
Metcalf Named Dean
Dr. Libby Metcalf has been named Dean of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, becoming the first woman to lead the college in its 112-year history.
Looking Forward
Some of Trey Webster’s most impactful childhood memories involve sitting around the dinner table, talking politics with his family.
Honorary Doctorates
Author and educator Debra Magpie Earling and business executive and former chair of the UM Foundation’s Board of Trustees Joe Whittinghill were recognized with honorary doctorates during the University’s Spring Commencement in May.
