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UM
mourns prominent president
Despite
the recent passing of Robert T. Pantzer, UM-Missoula’s 12th
president, his name lives on in a campus residence hall and in one
of UM’s most prestigious annual awards.
Pantzer, 90, died Oct. 28 after a four-month battle with respiratory
illness. Cremation has taken place, and his family will have private
services at a later date.
He is remembered for leading the University through tumultuous times
as UM’s 12th president from 1966 to 1974. He was a champion
of academic freedom and expression and of the right of every human
being to be treated with dignity and respect. Pantzer earned a reputation
for being a cool-headed, fair administrator who handled the protests
of the era in a low-key manner.
He also is remembered for outstanding leadership in preserving academic
freedom and expression.
Pantzer earned his bachelor of business administration degree from
UM in 1940 and his juris doctorate in 1947. After practicing law for
a decade elsewhere in Montana, he returned to UM as financial vice
president and also taught business law.
Each Charter Day, UM presents the Robert T. Pantzer Award to someone
from campus or the state who has contributed substantially to making
the University a more open and humane learning environment, as did
the award’s namesake.
UM paid tribute to its former leader in 1995 by naming Pantzer Hall
in his honor.
Pantzer is survived by Ann, his wife of 63 years; sons Robert Pantzer
Jr. and wife Judi of Yountville, Calif.; David Pantzer and wife Marlene
of Missoula; daughter Julia Rossignol and husband Richard of Billings;
five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two nephews and a niece.
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