January 19, 2024

Dear UM Grizzlies,

Happy New Year and welcome back to our UM staff, students and faculty as we begin the spring semester.  

We enter 2024 with exciting momentum. 2023 was marked by many UM successes, including numerous academic and research accolades, athletic triumphs, impactful lectures and events, impressive student awards, national recognition of UM’s commitment to service, and much, much more. We have many reasons to celebrate as we look back, and as we look ahead.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside each of you in the vitally important work of this university.  

As Grizzlies, we approach the spring semester with energy, and I invite you to join us for a host of engaging events, meaningful dialogue, spirited pride and pep, fulfilling recreation and scholarship.

A few events to look forward to this semester: 

• Iron Griz Community Ski Night, hosted by the Iron Griz: American Bistro and the Missoula Nordic Ski Club, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Iron Griz. 
• Annual N7 Griz and Lady Griz basketball games: The Lady Griz will play their N7 game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in Dahlberg Arena. The men’s team will play their N7 game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, in Dahlberg Arena. 
• Dr. Judith Weisenfeld presents to campus the Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Lecture Series event: Friday, Feb. 1. 
• 105th Foresters’ Ball at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2- 3, at Schreiber Gym. 
• Griz Hockey season continues.  
• Winter pep rally, fireworks and bonfire: Friday, Feb. 16, on the Oval.
• Democracy Summit invites civil dialogue: March 27 (more details to come).  

The year ahead promises continued momentum. Let’s head into 2024 proud of what we’ve accomplished. 

I’m pleased to share with you my top 10 UM moments from 2023.  

Thank you for making possible UM’s successes and bright future. Have a great semester. 

Seth