Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field or out in their communities, University of Montana students, alumni and friends have had countless successes to applaud over the years. This fall marks the 20th anniversary of the Montana Grizzlies’ first-ever NCAA Division 1-AA national football championship. To mark the occasion, the traditional colors of copper, silver and gold are making a one-year comeback, and we’re celebrating Homecoming 2015 with the theme “A Tradition of Champions.”

We hope you’ll join us Sept. 20-26 for the full schedule of Homecoming activities, including the annual Kickoff Celebration, Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony, Homecoming Parade and the Alumni Tailgate before the Grizzlies face off against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. More information will be available soon, so make sure to check back at www.grizalum.com.

I would like to specifically mention four outstanding UM graduates who will receive 2015 Distinguished Alumni Awards during Homecoming weekend festivities. The awards are the highest honor presented by UM’s Alumni Association. This year’s distinguished alumni are John Grotzinger, M.S. ’81, of San Marino, Calif.; Jennifer F. Isern ’89 of New Delhi, India; Sheila M. Stearns ’68, M.A. ’69, Ed.D. ’83, of Missoula; and Sidney R. Thomas, J.D. ’78, of Billings.

There also will be several events for Greek alumni, including Saturday’s pre-game tailgate hosted by the Greek Task Force. All fraternity and sorority alumni are invited to stop by the main tailgate area on the east side of the Griz practice fields.

Homecoming truly is a special time of year. We celebrate our UM pride whether we are alumni, students, faculty, staff or community members. Join us for Homecoming 2015 and help us continue “A Tradition of Champions.” Hope to see you there!

Bill JohnstonDirector, Alumni RelationsPresident and CEO, UM Alumni Association

Letter from the Director

Archival images on cover courtesy of Archives & Special Collections, University of Montana-Missoula

Bill Johnston, DirectorSusan Cuff, Associate DirectorMolly Fishburn-Matthew, Database ManagerCarrie Enyeart, Data Support SpecialistTyson Parman, Interactive Media CoordinatorNikita Redfox, Administrative AssistantAngela Weisenburger, On-Campus Events CoordinatorJodi Johnson Moreau, Outreach Coordinator/Board LiaisonAllison Franz, Writer/Editor

Neal Wiegert, Newsletter DesignPrinted by UM Printing & Graphic Services

Left to right: Susan Cuff, Nikita Redfox, Bill Johnston, Allison Franz, Molly Fishburn-Matthew, Tyson Parman, Carrie Enyeart, Angela Weisenburger, Jodi Moreau

Staff

2015 Distinguished Alumni

John Grotzinger, Jennifer F. Isern, Sheila MacDonald Stearns, and Sidney R. Thomas are the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. They will be honored Friday, Sept. 25, at a 5:30 p.m. panel discussion, awards ceremony and reception in the University Center Ballroom. The public is invited.

John Grotzinger ’81, M.S. Geology John Grotzinger, San Marino, Calif., is the former chief scientist for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Mission and the Fletcher Jones Professor of Geology at California Institute of Technology. He has conducted field research on every continent except

Antarctica, and now directs a team of more than 400 scientists as they explore Mars via the Curiosity rover. He currently serves as the Chair of Caltech’s Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences.

After earning his doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, John was appointed post-doctoral fellow at the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory and fulfilled several appointments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His awards include the National Science Foundation’s Presidential Young Investigator Award; the Donath Medal, which recognizes a scientist under 36 for outstanding original research marking a major advance in earth sciences; and election to the National Academy of Sciences; among other honors. In 2014, John received the NASA Group Achievement Award for the Mars Science Laboratory Mission, the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal and the Roy Chapman Andrews Explorer Award.

John is remarkable not only for his scientific achievements but also his superb leadership in collaborative research groups, passion for mentoring students and commitment to clearly presenting scientific research to the American public.

Jennifer F. Isern ’89, B.A. Political ScienceJennifer F. Isern, New Delhi, India, is senior manager of the Finance and Markets Global Practice in the Asia Pacific region for the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. With 27 years of international experience, she is a global expert in

financial sector development, including access to finance for the poorest populations. She has worked in more than 65 countries across all global regions.

Jennifer manages a 40-person team across South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, and co-supervises lending and technical assistance portfolios of more than 60 projects exceeding $2.5 billion. She previously served as regional manager of access to finance for South Asia with the IFC and as a visiting professor at Princeton University. For 13 years, she worked for the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor based in the World Bank Group, including serving on the management team, leading work in Africa and China, and launching several global initiatives. With CARE International, she launched and managed projects in microfinance, small business finance, economic development and girls’ education in Africa.

Jennifer has published widely on international issues, financial sector development and financial inclusion, and is a founding member of the board of directors for PAMIGA, a network of rural microfinance institutions that reaches 1.2 million rural people in Africa.

Sheila MacDonald Stearns ’68 B.A. English, ’69 M.A. History, ’83 Ed.D. EducationSheila MacDonald Stearns, Missoula, was Montana’s longest-serving commissioner of higher education and is a highly respected advocate for educational opportunity. As a vice president at

UM, she led the external relations of the University, including legislative, alumni and foundation relations.

As chancellor of the University of Montana-Western, Sheila supported the faculty as they led one of the most innovative changes in American public higher education: a complete transformation of curriculum from the typical semester structure to the Experience One block scheduling system.

As president of Wayne State University in Nebraska, she enhanced the core curriculum, fostered valuable alumni and donor relationships and investment in facilities and scholarships, and maintained strong support and morale in spite of retrenchment and recession.

As Montana’s commissioner of higher education for nine years, Sheila expanded educational opportunities for Montanans through affordable, assessment-driven practices. She is lauded for her effective communication with key constituencies across the state. She built a strong workforce alignment with Montana’s health care providers and with K-12 education, a focus that is now a best practice recommended nationally. She launched the “College Now” initiative to transform Montana’s vocational-technical colleges into full-service community colleges.

Sheila was named Commissioner Emerita by the Board of Regents in 2012.

Sidney R. Thomas ’78, J.D. Sidney R. Thomas, Billings, is chief judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the nation’s largest judicial circuit. As chief judge since December 2014, Sidney is the administrator for Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,

California, Arizona, Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Sidney was nominated to serve as a judge on the Ninth Circuit by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1996.

He serves on the United States Judicial Conference, which is the national governing board for the entire federal judiciary, as well as on several other judiciary boards and advisory committees.

A Bozeman native, Sidney is widely respected for his friendly, down-to-earth demeanor, intelligence and capacity for hard work. In 2010, he was interviewed by President Obama and placed on the short list for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sidney received his undergraduate degree from Montana State University, and graduated with honors from the UM School of Law in 1978. From 1978 to 1996, he practiced law in Billings with an emphasis in complex commercial litigation.

For 15 years, Sidney was an adjunct instructor in law at Rocky Mountain College, from which he received the Outstanding Faculty Award and an honorary doctorate of law.

The UM Alumni Association, the Office of the President, Grizzly Athletics and the Grizzly Scholarship Association sponsor Community Service Awards each fall. These awards, presented at Grizzly home football games, recognize alumni and friends whose support and service to their communities have brought recognition to UM. This year’s Community Service Award recipients and the UM games where they will be recognized are:

Aug. 29 – Karen Zins Hicks ’84 and Garry Hicks, Helena (North Dakota State)

Sept. 5 – Zane Murfitt ’50, Philipsburg (Cal Poly)

Sept. 26 – Jim Jones ’67, J.D. ’70 and Sody Bell Jones ’70, Billings (N. Arizona)

Oct. 24 – Joni Latze Walker ’05 and Brian Walker, Florence (North Dakota)

Nov. 14 – Cara Olson Simkins ’85 and Larry Simkins ’83, Missoula (E. Wash.)

2015 Community Service Award Recipients

Jim and Sody Jones

Zane Murfitt

Karen and Garry Hicks Brian and Joni Walker

Larry and Cara Simkins

Sunday, Sept. 201-2 p.m. Homecoming Kickoff Celebration, Southgate Mall, Clock Court

1 p.m. Softball: Grizzly Fall Invitational; Montana vs. Columbia Basin, Grizzly Softball Field

5 p.m. Softball: Grizzly Fall Invitational; Montana vs. Carroll College, Grizzly Softball Field

7:30 p.m. String Orchestra of the Rockies Concert: ‘Sweet Italienne’, Music Recital Hall

Monday, Sept. 213-5 p.m. Montana Food Bank Network’s “Hill Fill” on-campus fundraiser to the Feed Montana Stadium Sell-Out; Open to the public, Cost is $10. Participants receive a maroon licensed Griz T-shirt and hike the M

Wednesday, Sept. 232-5 p.m. UM Front Desk decorating contest judging

2:30-5 p.m. Greek House decorating contest

6 p.m. Lady Griz volleyball; Montana vs. Weber State, West Auxiliary Gym

9-11 p.m. Women’s Night at the Wall; Fitness & Recreation Center

Thursday, Sept. 249 a.m.-6 p.m. Homecoming Art Fair, University Center Atrium

9 a.m.-5 p.m House of Delegates annual meeting

10 a.m.-12 p.m. UM Res Life decorating contest judging

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Grizzly Green Market, Mansfield Mall; Open to the public

12-6 p.m. MMAC Exhibition opening: ‘The Intimate Diebenkorn: Drawings 1949-1992, Meloy and Paxson Galleries

5 p.m. Homecoming Buffet Dinner, Food Zoo in the Lommasson Center; Open to the public, Cost is $8.44 per person

5-7 p.m. House of Delegates Social, Canyon Club

7:30 p.m. Miranda Lambert concert, Adams Center; Tickets available at www.griztix.com

Friday, Sept. 258 a.m.-5 p.m. 2015 International Alumni Reunion, Foreign Student & Scholar Services, various

8 a.m.-7 p.m. 2015 Law Alumni Reunion Weekend, Alexander Blewett III School of Law, various

8 a.m.-12 p.m. House of Delegates annual meeting

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Homecoming Art Fair, University Center Atrium

11:30 a.m. Alpha Phi Luncheon, Jaker’s restaurant, for all Alpha Phi actives and alums. No reservations necessary.

1 p.m. Hello Walk painting, sidewalk in front of Turner Hall

2-5:30 p.m. Department open houses and receptions

5 p.m. MMAC Exhibition opening reception: ‘The Intimate Diebenkorn: Drawings 1949-1992, UM PAR/TV Center Lobby

5:30 p.m. Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony and reception, University Center Ballroom

8 p.m. Yell Night Pep Rally on the Oval and lighting of the M

7 p.m.-12 a.m. All-Alumni Social with UM Marching Band, Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown

S C H e D u L eEvents are subject to change. For an updated schedule,

please go to www.grizalum.com

Saturday, Sept. 268 a.m.-5 p.m. 2015 International Alumni Reunion, Foreign Student & Scholar Services, various

9:45 a.m. 8th annual Homecoming Hustle 5K Race, start at Higgins and Broadway

10 a.m. UM Homecoming Parade, along Higgins and University avenues

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Homecoming Art Fair, University Center Atrium

12-3 p.m. MMAC Exhibition opening: ‘The Intimate Diebenkorn: Drawings 1949-1992, Paxson and Meloy Galleries, UM PAR/TV Center

11 a.m. Greek Alumni Tailgate, location TBA

12-2 p.m. All-Alumni Homecoming Tailgate, lot 2 in the River Bowl North

2 p.m. Homecoming Football Game: Montana Grizzlies vs. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks

Sunday, Sept. 2710 a.m.-4 p.m. UMAA Board of Directors meeting, Missoula

Monday, Sept. 288 a.m.-4 p.m. UMAA Board of Directors meeting, Missoula

Greek Alumni eventsFriday, Sept. 2511:30 a.m. Alpha Phi annual luncheonAll actives and alums of Alpha Phi are invited to attend a luncheon at Jakers, 3515 Brooks St., beginning with a no-host social hour. No reservations necessary. Call Marcia Yury at 949-292-1925 for more information.

7 p.m. to midnight – All-Alumni Social and DanceEnjoy the Grizzly Band up real close and personal while mixing and mingling with fellow alumni at the traditional All-Alumni Social and Dance at the Holiday Inn Downtown.

Saturday, Sept. 2610 a.m. – Homecoming Parade Watch the parade at the SAE house on the corner of University and Gerald. The SAEs will provide a breakfast for a nominal charge.

11 a.m. – Greek Task Force TailgateThe Greek Alumni will meet at the GTF Tailgate on the Practice Fields – look for the white “Greek” columns on lot #6 of the River Bowl on the west side of the road leading to the Van Buren footbridge (about halfway between the Fieldhouse and the bridge). Enjoy a beverage and some delicious tailgate food and meet the Greek Task Force Scholarship Fund committee.

Unless designated otherwise, these events are open to all Greek Alumni. If you have any questions please email caitlin1.parker@umontana.edu.

Meet Our Honorary Homecoming Parade Marshal

Don Read

Don Read is considered by many to be the greatest head football coach in University of Montana history. Don coached the Montana Grizzlies for 10 seasons, a career that culminated with the team’s first-ever Division I-AA National Championship in 1995. That year’s team had an overall record of 13-2 and was a perfect 8-0 in the Big Sky Conference. Wearing UM’s traditional colors of copper, silver and gold, the team beat Marshall 22-20 in Huntington, West Virginia, to capture the title on Dec. 16. Led by quarterback Dave Dickenson, that season’s Walter Payton Award winner, the Griz charged toward the goal line in the game’s final minutes, and kicker Andy Larson clinched the victory with a 25-yard field goal. Don was named 1995 AFCA Coach of the Year, and he closed out his coaching career with an 85-36 record with the Griz. He garnered 10 winning seasons and a 54-22 Big Sky Conference record, and the Grizzlies never lost to the Bobcats under Don’s watch. We are excited and proud to welcome Don back to Missoula as our Honorary Homecoming Parade Marshal this year as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1995 national championship.

HOD is a unique outreach program that joins alumni from all over the

world to assist with event planning,

student recruitment, legislative issues, and

so much more!

If you are interested in joining one of UM’s greatest networking programs please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 406-243-4754 or jodi.moreau@umontana.edu

www.grizalum.com

Timothy J. Cullen 1970Alexander Gulde 2002Don Witmer 1983Craig Wilson 1971Ellen Walent Bensman 1997Patti Ann Mehrens 1990Graham Scott 2008Greg Jergeson 1974Tom Mellor 1980Charles “ Greg “ Carr 1997Laura Bianco Hanna 2005Ann Goldhahn 1970Susan E. Smith 1975Coleen Eidel 1968Lisa Larimer Burtis 1984Toni Rehbein 1974Kirk Hash, Jr. 1999Kerry Callahan Bronson 1972Phill Guay 1973Brandon Gebhardt 2014

2015-16 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONCHAIRAlison Hazelwood Fuller ’05, BROOKLYN, NY

VICE CHAIRWayne Nelson ’83, BILLINGS

BOARD OF DIRECTORSKathy Mann Bartlett ’69, MISSOULA

Leon Billings ’59, BETHANY BEACH, DE

Moraine Byrne ’78, ARVADA, CO

T.J. Frickle ’00++, MISSOULA

Denise Grills ’80++, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO

Jennifer Hensley ’98, BUTTE

Dawn Houle ’94, NORTH POTOMAC, MD

Karin Larson-Pollock ’93, MERCER ISLAND, WA

Pete Loftus ’84, OAKVILLE, ON

Colleen McGuire ’79, KALISPELL

Chris Newbold ’01++, MISSOULA

Bruce Posey ’77++, BILLINGS

Kent Price ’65, ’67, DANVILLE, CA

Shelley Robinson ’82, HIBBING, MN

Richard Rolston ’83, ELKHORN, NE

Kathryn Stevenson ’07, BOULDER, CO

Sarah Truman ’04, ’06, BEAVERTON, OR

Patrick Weasel Head ’71, ’73, MISSOULA

++ indicates new directors

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Get a 20% discount at the Bookstore during Homecoming!

UM Alumni Association members receive 20% off UM Griz Logo Wear at the UM Bookstore on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26. Stock up on Griz gear for the Homecoming game and find great gifts for family, friends, and the holiday season. To receive your discount coupon, check in at the Alumni Association table on the first floor of the Bookstore.

If you’re not a member of UMAA, it’s easy to join! Visit www.grizalum.com to fill out our simple online registration form. You’ll also find information about scholarships, programs and services supported by alumni dues and all the great membership benefits and discounts offered by UMAA.

You can also call the Office of Alumni Relations at 1-877-UM-ALUMS to become a member and receive your UM Bookstore coupon. Join UMAA–and thousands of your fellow Griz alums–today!

ALUMNI

HOMECOMING TAILGATESEPTEMBER 26, 2015

On the River Bowl in Tailgate Space #2.

FREE ADMISSION 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Look for the UMAA balloon! I.D. required for proof of age

For more information, contact the UM Alumni Relations Office:

406-243-5211 or www.grizalum.com

Be part of the “Tradition of Champions” at the University of Montana

Come down to the River Bowl before the football game against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks for beverages, food, raffles and fun with your fellow Griz.

Sponsored by the UM Alumni Association and the Office of the President

University of Montana Alumni Association

2016 Community Lecture SeriesNow in its 18th year, UMAA’s popular Community Lecture Series will feature talks by UM’s celebrated faculty members on today’s most intriguing topics.

Lectures will take place 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in the University Center Theater, beginning in mid-February and concluding with an informal reception in late March.

Series tickets are $20$15 for UMAA dues-paying members$10 for studentsSeating is limited

Tickets go on sale in January 2016 and will sell out quickly. For more information, visit

www.grizalum.com.

September4 WelcomeFeast, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the Oval20-26 Homecoming Week 2015 22-25 International Alumni Reunion 25 Geography Open House25 Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, 5:30 p.m., UC Ballroom26 Homecoming Football Game: Grizzlies v. N. Arizona27-28 UMAA Board of Directors meeting, Missoula

October3 Griz/UC-Davis tailgate at Davis22-30 European Hideaways - Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille/Provence, Monte Carlo, Portofino, La Spezia/Cinque Terre, Florence/Pisa/Tuscany, Rome31 Griz/Portland State tailgate at Portland

November2-10 Discover Galapagos and the Enchanted Islands of Ecuador with Adventure Life - Quito, Otavalo, Galapagos, Santiago Island, Rábida Island, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz7 Griz/Idaho State tailgate at Pocatello21 115th Annual Brawl of the Wild, Grizzlies vs. Bobcats, Bozeman Satellite TV Parties, nationwide

February18 Charter Day Celebration and Awards Ceremony23-Mar. 29 Community Lecture Series, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., University Center Theater

May4 Griz Gradfest, 4-6 p.m., Library Mall

UMAA Schedule of Events

Wear your PrideCelebrate your academic achievement and stay connected to your alma mater. The University of Montana class ring is available exclusively to alumni and current students who have successfully completed 60 credits.

The University of Montana Official Class Ring

For more information on design options and ordering, contact your Alumni Relations Office at 877-UM-ALUMS or go to www.grizalum.com.

Along with valuable savings, you’ll enjoy access to benefits like 24-Hour Claims Assistance.

As a graduate of University of Montana, you could receive exclusive savings on auto and home insurance from Liberty Mutual.1

For a free quote, call 800-524-9400or visit www.libertymutual.com/montana

Client #101912

1 Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may varyby state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not allapplicants may qualify.Auto coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty County Mutual Insurance Company,2100 Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX.Home coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Insurance Corporation,175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116.©2015 Liberty Mutual Insurance

WW

Alumni Association (MPR004)Brantly HallMissoula, MT 59812-7920

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMISSOULA, MT

PERMIT NO. 100

September 20-26