Zane Smith

Alumni - UMAA Board member; 1955 BS Forestry

What are you doing now?

Retired US Forest Service and serving on the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and as Pacific Field Representative for American Forests.

Greatest Griz moment?

It would have to be meeting my wife Betty McLeish serving dinner in the basement cafeteria for Corbin Hall (men’s dorm) and the women’s North Hall (now Brantly Hall) - leading to now 54 years of marriage.

What is the biggest difference between the campus when you were a student and now? 

Enrollment - one spring quarter during my time it was only 1600!

What made you get involved with the Board of Directors? 

The sudden realization that I needed to give back to the University and the Forestry Dean’s suggestion.

Why is giving of your time to UM important to you? 

Montana is Betty’s home and my adopted home.  UM gave me my start to a successful and rewarding career.  We are interested in seeing UM continue on its track of excellence so that it will be available to our grandkids.