UM will interview four candidates for the position of vice president for integrated communications in coming weeks.

The candidates are Scott Ochander, Valparaiso University vice president for integrated marketing and communications-greater Chicago area; Mario Schulzke, founder of IdeaMensch, a digital publication aimed at helping entrepreneurs; Kari Dilloo, group communications manager with Microsoft/Bing; and Libby Eckhardt, chief communications officer for the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State University.

The vice president for integrated communications is the chief communications officer for the University and will provide leadership for UM marketing and branding, licensing, social media and all other communications. This position directly oversees the Broadcast Media Center, Printing and Graphic Services, and University Relations. Read more

Players on the Montana Grizzlies football team are leading an effort to give back to the community with the eighth annual Griz for Kids Toy Drive on Saturday, Nov. 17, at UM.

Fans can drop off new, unwrapped toys or cash donations at all entrances to Washington-Grizzly Stadium before the Griz game against Montana State University. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Those unable to attend the game can make cash donations at all Missoula Federal Credit Union locations and credit union members can donate online. Cash donations will be used to purchase needed items such as clothing for teens and pre-teens, books and art supplies. Read more

UM will launch a four-minute radio program called "Cores of Discovery" to air on Montana Public Radio beginning Friday, Nov. 23. "Cores of Discovery" aims to educate the general public about ongoing scientific research being conducted at the University and how this research can benefit lives.

Producer Katie George said the program is a novel and innovative approach to engage the public with UM's research endeavors. George conducts the interviews in a format that is easy to understand. 

The "Cores of Discovery" podcasts will air at 2:06 p.m. on Fridays on MTPR. Read more

The UM Grizzlies scored 29 points off of turnovers and had four players score in double figures, defeating the visiting Minot State Beavers 82-53 on Nov. 14 in UM's Dahlberg Arena. 

Senior forward Mathias Ward led the Grizzlies with 19 points, while junior guard-forward Kareem Jamar scored 18. Ward made 7-of-12 shots from the field, 3-of-4 three-pointers and both of his free throw attempts, while Jamar was 5-of-10 from the floor, made 3-of-5 treys and was 5-of-7 from the line. Jamar also had a team-high 6 rebounds, while Keron DeShields dished out 7 assists. 

The Grizzlies are at the University of Idaho on Saturday, Nov. 17, with tip-off at 8:05 p.m. (MST). Read more 

The Montana women's basketball team picked up its first win of the season with a 75-45 victory over MSU Northern on Nov. 13 at Dahlberg Arena. The Lady Griz, who lost at Temple on Nov. 9, evened their early-season record at 1-1.

Montana's size -- the Lady Griz had a 39-25 rebounding advantage -- and depth -- UM's bench outscored MSUN's 33-18 -- proved too much for the Skylights, but that didn't mean Montana coach Robin Selvig didn't come away impressed with his opponent in a game that felt more competitive than the final score indicates.

"There were a lot of things we can learn from this game, and I give Northern credit for that," Selvig said. "They were overmatched because they don't have that much size, but they are well-coached." 

Montana plays at Idaho (0-2) at 3 p.m. (MST) Sunday, Nov. 18. Read more