As a major Montana business and one of the nation’s largest private timberland owners, Plum Creek Timber Company invested in the campaign because the company is a good corporate citizen of the state and wants to set an example for other commercial enterprises.
Mike Covey ‘80, UM Foundation trustee and former Plum Creek executive vice president, said investment in higher education is a value deeply embedded in the culture of a company that has provided more than $1 million to The University of Montana in the last decade including its recent campaign gift for Forest Measurement Camp at Lubrecht Experimental Forest.
Because the camp is often the first field experience for a forestry student,
it struck a chord with Plum Creek Covey said. “We value hiring
somebody who has initial exposure to the world they face as an industrial
forester. We look for graduates who have practical experience,”
he said.
Additionally, he said, the company wanted to lead by example. “We
want other businesses in the state to stand up and say ‘we also support
The University of Montana.’ Plum Creek plays a role here and
believes others should do the same,” Covey said.