May 2004

Dennison reach milestone
One of President George Dennison’s greatest loves is history. He is, after all, a historian by training.

It’s only fitting that last month Dennison made history when he became the longest-serving president in The University of Montana’s 111-year existence. On Sunday, April 25, he broke the previous record held by former UM President Charles Clapp — 13 years, eight months and nine days — who served from 1921 to 1935.

The milestone earned Dennison a gig as this year’s Commencement speaker. A UM alumnus himself, Dennison ushered a new class of alumni out into the world as speaker at the University’s 107th Commencement ceremonies on May 15.

Dennison became UM’s 16th president on Aug. 15, 1990. He received his bachelor’s degree with high honors in history from UM in 1962 and his master’s degree in 1963. He earned his doctorate in history from the University of Washington in 1967.

“I simply could not have imagined myself as President of The University of Montana when I was a student on campus in the early ‘60s,” Dennison said recently. “I sometimes wonder if I am dreaming today.”

During his tenure, external research funding has increased from $7 million annually to more than $60 million last year, and this year, it is expected to reach the $70 million mark. He has overseen the biggest building expansion project in UM’s history, and, with the UM Foundation, led the most successful fund-raising campaign in Montana history, raising more than $71 million in private money.

For information, contact:
Rita.Munzenrider@mso.umt.edu
University Relations
(406) 243-2522

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