2008 PRESIDENT'S REPORT

2008 Highlights

Washington-Grizzly Stadium Expanded

The latest expansion of Washington-Grizzly Stadium wrapped up just as the 2008 football season began. The stadium’s east side addition provided 2,000 extra seats, raising the capacity to more than 25,000 for the Grizzlies’ 22nd consecutive winning season. The top-tier Canyon Club offers plush, glassed-in seating, while 250 fans enjoy exclusive access to the scenic views of the outdoor Hellgate Terrace. Additional upgrades such as new speakers, restrooms and landscaping have made for “an almost brand-new-looking stadium,” says UM Athletics Director Jim O’Day.

UM, Vietnam Sign Exchange Agreement

UM secured its latest international partnership this year when President Dennison signed a student and faculty exchange agreement with Vietnam. The agreement marks UM’s 86th international collaboration. UM currently hosts 500 international students from 73 countries. Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Le Cong Phung signed the agreement on behalf of his country. He said Vietnam has 7,000 students studying in the United States, a number the country would like to see increase to 10,000.

Top Gun Dennison

President Dennison put a check next to one item on his bucket list in August when he flew at 97 percent of the speed of sound aboard a Navy Blue Angels jet. During the 45-minute flight from Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Wash., Dennison flew upside down and endured almost seven G-forces – all without losing his lunch. He says he would definitely fly again if given the chance. “No one should turn down such an opportunity,” Dennison says.

Peace Corps Honors UM During May Visit

Ron Tschetter, the Washington, D.C.-based director of the Peace Corps, visited UM in May to honor the University for being a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers. Tschetter presented a plaque to UM to hang in the Office of Career Services. Since the Peace Corps was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, more than 700 UM graduates have served as volunteers. UM now ranks No. 10 for producing volunteers among medium-sized universities and colleges. In 2008, 23 UM alumni served in the Peace Corps.

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