2007 PRESIDENT'S REPORT

2007 Highlights

Hot Off The Reborn UM Press

The UM Press continued its revival with the release of a book of humorous essays, “Last Tango in Melrose, Montana,” by Dan Vichorek.

In the book, the UM graduate writes about the places, farmers, ranchers and way of life in Big Sky Country. Royalties from “Last Tango” are funding a UM journalism scholarship in Vichorek’s name.

The UM Press published its first book in 1955, but the venture foundered and disappeared in the 1970s. In 2004 the book press was reborn under the auspices of the University’s Printing and Graphic Services.

Griz Lacrosse National Champs

For Griz lacrosse the third time was the charm. The men’s team captured the B-division national championship in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association, after near misses the previous two years. Montana beat No. 1 seed St. John’s University with a dominant second half.

Griz lacrosse, which celebrated its 10th season representing UM in 2007, competed in the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League.

The team has become a perennial powerhouse, remaining undefeated in its division since 2004, and with the championship win, moved up to Division A.

Bio Prof Wins National Awards

Professor Carol Brewer accepted the 2007 American Institute of Biological Sciences Education Award for her outstanding efforts in biology education. AIBS noted Brewer’s efforts to improve scientific literacy and reach diverse audiences. The institute also singled out her work heading the educational initiatives of the National Ecological Observatory Network.

In August, Brewer accepted another national honor, the 2007 Eugene P. Odum Award presented by the Ecological Society of America. The award recognizes her ability to relate basic ecological principles to human affairs.

Student Named Truman Scholar

Andy Erickson, an environmental studies major from Missoula, was selected as a 2007 Truman Scholar.

One of only 65 Truman Scholars chosen from a field of 585 applicants, Erickson received an award of $30,000 for graduate studies, as well as leadership training and internship opportunities in federal government.

The Truman Scholarship Foundation, established by Congress in 1975, awards scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding potential for public service and are committed to making a difference through careers in government, nonprofit or advocacy sectors or education.

UM Makes National Honor Roll

UM was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The distinction honors students, faculty and staff for helping to build a culture of service and civic engagement. UM was recognized by President George W. Bush “for extraordinary and exemplary contributions to meeting critical local and national needs through community service and service-learning.”

The honor roll is a project of the Corporation for National and Community Service, whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities and advance civic engagement through service and volunteering.

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