Program aims to maintain scholarship funds

The UM Foundation, in partnership with University Relations and the UM Alumni Association, has launched a fundraising program to raise $1.2 million to ensure the economic slowdown does not affect students who rely on privately funded scholarships.

During the 2009-10 academic year, as many as 1,000 UM students will be at risk of having their educations interrupted or discontinued. The “1,000 Promises to Keep” program is designed to supplement endowed scholarship funds to keep students on track for success.

“Our students work hard to achieve excellence and meet their goals,” UM President George Dennison said. “We have an obligation to make sure that today's economic slowdown doesn't slow down our students.”

The value of most scholarships at UM is between $500 and $2,000 per semester. Many students receive several scholarships through different endowed scholarship funds to pay their tuition and expenses.

“Now more than ever students rely on private assistance to meet their financial responsibilities,” said Laura Brehm, president and CEO of the UM Foundation. “These are challenging times, but we’re optimistic the University’s generous supporters will do all they can to keep our students in the classroom.”

Two committed volunteers have agreed to chair the fundraising effort:

• Deborah Doyle McWhinney, CEO and president of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. McWhinney was the national campaign chair of UM’s successful, five-year “Invest in Discovery” campaign, which concluded in December 2007.

• Pat Risken, a Spokane-based attorney, current UM Alumni Association board president and former chair of the UM School of Business Administration Business Council.

For more information or to make a donation, call the UM Foundation at 406-243-2593 or 800-443-2593 or visit http://www.umt.edu/umf.

Established in 1951, the UM Foundation serves as a charitable nonprofit organization and is the official development office for the University. The mission of the foundation is to ensure UM’s excellence, access and affordability through a public/private funding partnership.