FROM THE PRESIDENT
During 14 years as president of The University of Montana, I have found it necessary to manage a challenging transition in the financial support of the institution and its programs. In 1990, something like 65 percent of the total budget came from the state, whereas only about 12 percent comes from that source in 2004. Diversification of revenue to assure self-sufficiency became absolutely essential, and private philanthropy made a huge difference. In addition, 10 years ago the Regents created the four-campus University, granting a new charter

for UM to serve the people of the state. Much of the progress and success over the intervening years has come as a result of philanthropy — private giving that supports the University. To cite
a prime example, the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences not only survived the threat to its continued existence 16 years ago, but launched a remarkable transformation due in large part to the generosity of private donors. Now the school ranks seventh in research funding among all pharmacy schools in the country, with its graduates prized around the

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globe. Each of the feature articles in this report highlights the accomplishments of people or organizations made possible in large part through private philanthropy. Any president serving a University blessed with such deep and generous support will trumpet the positive effects in the annual report.

George M. Dennison
President, The University of Montana