Grizzly Scholarship Association Newsletter

Spring 2009

Dear GSA Members,

I am pleased to report that The University of Montana's tradition of marketing leadership has continued during the last year. 

The University worked closely with its partner The Collegiate Licensing Company, and its partner retailers and manufacturers to promote the UM brand, leverage the success of UM athletics programs, and expand our brand presence via new outlets and products.  UM also continued to encourage supporters to show their pride in the institution by asking them to purchase and display UM licensed products.  Perhaps you have seen one of the many dozens of Monte stand ups that have been placed in retail outlets throughout the state, which is just one of many unique examples of how UM is getting the word out.

As reported in the past, the sale and display of UM licensed product is an essential part of UM's overall marketing efforts, because there is no better way for the institution to sell itself than having its supporters wearing the gear and promoting the brand firsthand to those that inquire.  The University proudly embraces and appreciates members of "Griz Nation" as highly effective ambassadors for the institution.

UM recently received Gold awards from both the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Admissions Marketing Awards Commission for its commercial video series, which it created in conjunction with Chisel Industries, a Montana-based company.  These honors add to a growing list of state, regional, and national awards received by UM for its commercial video efforts during the last few years.

The University licensing program also benefitted from a watershed year as it relates to protecting the University's brand.  UM has worked closely with student organizations and other concerned members of the community to position UM to ensure that more than 275 manufacturers of UM products adhere to the University's labor standards in the U.S. and abroad.  UM hosted many public forums, which were attended by industry experts from across the country, to discuss the best ways to protect workers involved in producing UM licensed product.  UM is proud of its engagement of this complicated and important human rights issue.

Also, Senator Dave Wanzenried has sponsored an important anti-counterfeiting bill that is currently being considered by the Montana Legislature that will significantly strengthen UM's efforts to protect and build its brand.  While federal laws already provide some protection for trademark owners in the state, this bill, SB-250, will more clearly define trademark rights held by all trademark owners in the state of Montana, and will provide them with more efficient and effective means for stopping counterfeit activity at the local level.  If the bill passes, it would help to protect the University's very significant past, present, and future brand investments.

We wanted to share some the University's marketing milestones with you because you are members of one of the institution's most critical fundraising organizations, and because it wouldn't be possible without the support that you have graciously provided UM over the years.  Your willingness to donate money, purchase and wear UM gear, attend athletics and other campus events, and promote the institution is essential in our partnership. 

Athletics has always played a critical role in UM's educational mission and is vital in binding our community, and promoting our brand throughout the country and beyond.  UM is committed to honoring our partnership with the GSA by effectively leveraging your support and cultivating and providing a top notch educational experience for our student athletes and our entire community.

Thank you for continued support of the Grizzly Scholarship Association.

Go Griz!

James P. Foley
Executive Vice President
The University of Montana