2006 PRESIDENT'S REPORT

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

Another year and new challenges. A friend observed some years ago, “Thank goodness for challenges! They keep us busy.” I have found, as I believe my colleagues on the campus have, this preoccupation continues to make life very interesting. More importantly, because the campus community works well together, The University of Montana has made very good progress toward the goal of maintaining a “University for the 21st Century.”

The comprehensive campaign noted in my report last year has gone well, with more than $90 million in hand and counting. We will complete the campaign – successfully, I trust – on Dec. 31, 2007. However, we still have a number of critical projects included within the campaign that I commend to those who have yet to participate. Titled “Invest in Discovery: Connecting People, Programs, and Place,” the campaign priorities once realized will assure supporting linkages among those critical components that comprise The University of Montana. I urge everyone to review the priorities and identify a role to play. Success in this effort guarantees the fulfillment of founding President Oscar J. Craig’s challenge: “The University, It Shall Prosper.”

To provide alumni, friends, and the larger public with a better sense of the University and its people and programs, we have launched a new outreach effort. This report provides a preview of that effort, introducing some of the faculty and students who have made the programs so successful. The people and programs featured have brought national acclaim to The University of Montana, enhancing our reputation for academic excellence and research prominence.

As you peruse the report, please give consideration to your involvement in this final push to completion for the campaign. As I mentioned earlier, the University has done well and can do more as our alumni and friends provide the benefit of their guidance and support.

Sincerely,

George M. Dennison
President

UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA LEADERS

George M. Dennison, President
Teresa Branch, Vice President for Student Affairs
Robert Duringer, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Daniel Dwyer, Vice President for Research and Development
James P. Foley, University Executive Vice President
James Staub, Associate Provost
Arlene Walker-Andrews, Associate Provost
David Aronofsky, University Legal Counsel
Laura Brehm, University of Montana Foundation President and CEO

Local Executive Board
Arlene Breum
Deborah Frandsen
Leonard Landa

Board of Regents
Stephen M. Barrett, Vice Chair
Heather O’Loughlin, Student Regent
Lynn Morrison-Hamilton, Chair
Clayton Christian
Janine Pease
Mark Semmens
Lila Taylor

Ex-Officio Members, Board of Regents
Brian Schweitzer, Governor of Montana
Linda McCulloch, Superintendent of Public Instruction
Sheila M. Stearns, Commissioner of Higher Education, Montana University System

Cover and faculty and Grizzly sports profile photos were provided by J.P. Gabriel and Yarrow Kraner of CHISEL Industries. Images were taken from UM’s regional and national award-winning television commercial campaign created under the direction of Executive Vice President James P. Foley.

This report was produced by Rita Munzenrider, Alex Strickland, Brianne Burrowes, Erik Leithe, Cary Shimek, Patia Stephens and photographer Todd Goodrich of University Relations, and graphic designer Neal Wiegert of UM Printing and Graphic Services. Freelance photographers Laurie Schendel Lane and Steve Hocking and writer Holly Fox also contributed to the publication. Printing by UM Printing & Graphic Services. Web site design by Patia Stephens.

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