Thank You!

Photo of President Bodnar and graduate

May 3, 2021

UM Family,

Saturday’s Commencement celebration was the 123rd in UM’s history, and it was arguably one of UM’s most historic since our first Commencement ceremony in 1898. In addition to officially conferring degrees to 1,700 UM students who became our newest alumni, we belatedly celebrated many of our 2020 graduates.  

These ceremonies and our students’ reaching of a significant milestone would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of UM’s faculty and staff members. We recently gathered to celebrate our Week of Excellence Employee Award winners, our service pin recipients and our new retirees. Those events reminded me that you are the lifeblood of the University of Montana. Thank you for your commitment to our students, to one another and to our UM family.

These past 14 months have tested us in a number of ways. Together, we succeeded in keeping our students learning, ensuring 4,600 students were able to complete their degrees during the pandemic.

The importance of these collective efforts is reflected in the faces of our graduates. These students’ futures are full of possibilities because of you. You make an impact every day you come to work, and I am grateful. Thank you.

To the Commencement committee, the Registrar’s Office and all of the faculty and staff who helped make Saturday’s Commencement possible, I offer a heartfelt thank you. You made the most important day of the year at UM a celebration worthy of these incredible students.  

Seth

Photo of UM graduates in procession

Photo of UM graduate with mortarboard

Photo of UM graduates in commencement processional

Photo of commencement in Washington Grizzly Stadium

Photo of UM graduate

Photo of graduate with diploma

Photo of UM graduate in stadium

Photo of several graduates

Photo of UM graduate with family