Inauguration Weekend: A Celebration of Service
President Bodnar has decided that instead of holding a formal inauguration ceremony at the University of Montana this year, we will host what we are calling Inauguration Weekend: A Celebration of Service. Rather than hosting a series of events that recognize one individual, we will recognize the positive work of the many individuals who make UM such an impactful institution in our community, region and world. We will use this celebration of service to highlight the impressive ways in which we look beyond ourselves to serve others, and we will reaffirm our commitment to serving our local community and the region.
President Bodnar believes that his transition to lead at the University of Montana provides an opportunity to celebrate and nurture our campus’s and community’s long-standing collective impact, as well as to ensure that our valuable resources are focused on supporting the success and impact of our students, staff, and faculty. As President Bodnar stated in the State of the University address, the University of Montana has never been – and never will be – the product of one person or one mind. Rather, the current and future impacts of this great institution are and will be the result of our diverse and collective capacity.
Activities will include:
Friday, Oct. 26
Service Stories - University Center Atrium - All Day
Stop by the University Center atrium throughout the day to see the exhibit of service stories featuring future and current students, alumni and employees who embody UM’s service-oriented, community-minded and impact-focused culture. These stories will highlight the broad and impressive ways in which we serve our community, region and world.
Installation Ceremony - Main Hall - 12:30-12:45pm
President Bodnar will be officially installed as UM’s president. A short public ceremony will take place on the front steps of Main Hall.
*If you would like to request interpretation services for this event please contact the Office of the President at thepresident@umontana.edu or 406-243-2311.
University United Food Friday - University Center Ballroom - 1:00-4:00pm
Roll up your sleeves and help pack non-perishable, nutritious meal items here on campus. Join colleagues and members of the community in a service project to build 50,000 meal packages that will benefit families right here in Missoula. The event is made possible through a partnership with United Way of Missoula County. Training will be provided on-site. Free parking is available for community members. Learn more here.
Family Culture Night Social - Payne Family Native American Center - 5:00-7:00pm
Join our Family Weekend programming in the Payne Family Native American Center. Enjoy some custom-made appetizers and desserts and performances by Native American student and community groups, dance performances by Pacific Islanders Club, and spoken word and poetry by the Black Student Union. Special thanks to Payne Native American Center and Missoula Federal Credit Union for hosting this amazing event.
*Suggested donation of $5.00 for faculty, staff, and community. Free with Family Weekend badge. All proceeds will go to benefit student groups.
UM Jazz Program: Tribute to Duke Ellington - Dennison Theatre - 7:30-9:00pm
Listen and watch the University of Montana Jazz Program presents, “A Tribute to Duke Ellington” with the UM Big Bands, the Downtown Dance Collective, UM Dance, and more. Join us for an evening of big band adventure celebrating the life and music of Duke Ellington with music and dance. This show will highlight our amazing student and Montana talent, as well as provide a magical evening of entertainment at the Dennison Theatre. Purchase your tickets here.
Saturday, Oct. 27
Griz for Kids Donation Drive - Pedestrian Bridge/University Center Ballroom/Stadium Entrances - All Day
Bring your generous spirit to the Griz game on October 27. The “Griz for Kids” toy drive, started in 2005 by UM student and Griz football player Chris Orwig, provides new toys for children in need at the holidays. Volunteers will collect new toys and donations to support children at 11 local non-profit organizations. Please support this campaign by bringing unwrapped new toys and cash donations to the Pedestrian Bridge, the pre-game brunch at the University Center, or at the stadium entrances. The event is organized and coordinated by the Mountain of Giving Foundation.
Pre-game Brunch Celebration - University Center Ballroom - 10:30am-1:00pm
Our Family Weekend’s pre-game brunch is another opportunity at which we will celebrate the many forms of service performed by our community. This event is by invitation only.
Griz Football Game - Washington Grizzly Stadium - 2:00pm kick-off
Grizzly Athletics is hosting a Military Appreciation football game where we honor those we’ve lost, active duty, veterans and family of those serving our country. Military Appreciation is set for October 27th when the Griz host UC Davis in Missoula. We will also be celebrating UM ROTC, as 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of ROTC at the University of Montana.
October 23 - November 30
Community Giving Campaign
The 2018-2019 Community Giving Campaign kicks off on Oct. 23 and will run through the month of November. Every year, hundreds of UM employees support the nonprofits of western Montana through the University’s Community Giving Campaign. All the money donated by UM employees goes directly to the nonprofits that apply for and are accepted into the annual campaign.
Employees are invited to make one-time donations during the campaign or to sign up for payroll deductions that will take place during the 2019 calendar year. Visit www.umt.edu/umgives for information on this year’s participating agencies and a link to the secure online giving website for the campaign.
UM’s organized giving efforts began during the 1986-87 academic year when faculty and staff pledged $25,000. Since then, UM employees have donated more than $2.2 million to local nonprofits through the campaign. Last year, more than 400 employees donated over $106,000 to local charitable organizations.
Questions about inauguration activities? Email thepresident@umontana.edu.