Meet the UM Advocates!

Hello, from the UM Advocates!  We hope this page helps you get to know each of us a little bit better.  Each person will have answers to any combination of the following questions: 1) What is your hometown? 2) What are you studying? 3) What are your favorite "Griz Hacks"? 4) Why did you join Advocates? 5) What's a fun fact about you? 6)What is your favorite office supply?

2nd Year Advocates

Bailey Cook Spokane, WA

Major - Biology, concentration in Human Bio Sciences

Griz Hack - Finding a time to be active is so beneficial to your body and your mental health! Also make friends with your professors and advisors, they are there to help you!

Office Supply - Post it notes! If you are a list person like me, these are your best friend in college!

Caitlyn Sena Helena, MT

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability, Ecosystem Science and Resotration Concentration, European Studies minor

Griz Hack - Push yourself out of your comfort zone in the first couple weeks (maybe that looks like going to BEAR Fair or maybe it’s asking someone you just met if they want to have dinner with you)

Fun Fact - I have lived in 3 foreign countries (born in Germany, and spent middle school in Italy and Poland)

Ciara Mielke Spokane, WA

Major - Psychology

Griz Hack - Park in the 2-5 parking on the weekends and you'll be in the clear. Also the Food Zoo has some fire banana bread take it to go!!!

Why join? - You should consider doing the UM Advocates because it's an amazing group of students that strive to push each other to grow and be more confident to use their voice. You might also consider it because you will meet some of your best friends that will be there for you on your good and bad days!

Connor Romandine Lena, WI

Major - Musical Theater

Fun Fact - I performed the national anthem in front of 15000 people.

Why join? - To be able to give back to the organization that was the first outstretched hand to our very scared first year of college.

Delanie Schultz Kalispell, MT

Major - Business Management and Communications

Griz Hack - Don’t be afraid to use places like the math learning center or the writing and public speaking center, they can help you immensely.

Why join? - The Advocates introduce you to a wonderful group of people, they help you gain and develop real life experience and they give you the opportunity to help new students learn about college.

Dominic DeMario Kila, MT

Major - Business Marketing

Office Supply - Scotch Tape because you can do a lot of fun things with it.

Why join? - The Advocates are a great organization that will give you many leadership skills and introduce you to new friends along the way.

Eli Caplan Bentonville, AR

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability

Office supply - I love my pink pencils, mostly because they are my favorite color.

Griz Hack - Talk to as many people as you can. Everybody has an interesting story, and you will make tons of friends while you are at it!

Emily Wahl Bismarck, ND

Major - Psychology

Griz Hack - Do laundry at night on a week day. Go exploring around campus to find a good study spot, especially check out buildings you don't have class in. Finding a comfortable space, that’s not a dorm room, to study in is very beneficial. Don’t be afraid to go to tutoring, I was and I paid for it. Same goes with your professors office hours.

Office Supply - Sticky notes! To make teeny tiny origami

James Deacon Mebane, NC

Major - Mathematical Science-Computer Science, Wilderness Studies

Griz Hack - Use the student entrance to the football games, go to the library for group projects, walk around campus before the first day of class.

Fun Fact - I love to read and write poetry.

Kelsey Keersemaker Kalispell, MT

Major - Business Management, Entertainment Management Certificate

Office Supply - Ink Joy colorful pens because I need to make each class I'm taking a different color when I write assignments down in my planner.

Fun Fact - I went to a different high school, in a different state, every year of high school.

Kylie Chimienti Colbert, WA

Major - Elementary Education

Griz Hack - Find different spots to study around campus other than your room so you don't lose motivation!

Office Supply - My favorite office supplies are colored pencils because they never fail to brighten up your day!

Lauren Schulte Spokane, WA

Major - Psychology, Climate Change Studies Minor

Office Supply - Papermate flair felt tip pens. I love (and have collected) all the colors they come in and they are great for taking notes or little art projects! 

Fun Fact -At home, I live on a farm and have goats!

Madeline Durant Grants Pass, OR

Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Psychology Minor

Griz Hack - Use the panini press in the Food Zoo to make some bomb sandwiches.

Fun Fact - My first concert was Hannah Montana in 2009.

Makenna Sadler Las Vegas, NV

Major - Cognitive Neuroscience

Griz Hack - Explore campus to find the best study spots! Go walk around in random buildings, you just might find the perfect spot for you!

Why join? - Being an advocate is the best way to get involved with things on campus and in the community! You will also meet some of the most supportive and amazing people in this organization!

Marissa Sandate Fernley, NV

Major - Integrated Physiology

Office Supply - Sticky notes, you can use them for anything!

Fun Fact - Im 4’ 11"

Marley Miller Kalispell, MT

Major - Business Management and Entrepreunership, Marketing, and Management Information Systems

Griz Hack - Walk up to a dean and asked how to get involved.

Why join? - They are one of the most welcoming and caring groups on campus. Endless opportunities!

Milena McKee Spokane, WA

Major - Business Management, Climate Change Stidues Minor

Office Supply - A planner because I like to know what’s happening 24/7.

Griz Hack - Go to office hours!!!Your professors will get to know you and it will help you in the long run.

Parker Friday Billings, MT

Major - Undeclared, interested in Political Science and Multidisciplinary Studies

Office Supply - Tape; it's pretty versatile- it can be used for repairing (like torn notes) or for creating new things (like scrapbooks).

Griz Hack - If an event or activity sounds even a little interesting, go and check it out (you can bring friends too)! This attitude brought me to a Contra Dance in the UC Commons, planetarium shows in the Payne Family Native American Center, and a ZooTown Cabaret performance, among other things during my first year at UM! Also, visit your professor and/or TA's office hours if you have questions- this will not only help you succeed academically but develop stronger relationships at UM. 

Riane Eisen Olympia, WA

Major - Accounting and Management Information Systems

Griz Hack - Always write things down!

Fun Fact - I played guitar for 8 years.

Sapphire Pilney Missoula, MT

Major - Public Health

Office Supply - Book tabs- If you have to write a paper later you can have quotes ahead of time and color coordinate the information. 

Griz Hack - If you are feeling overwhelmed while studying, take a quick walk, get a little snack, and then go back to your work. 

Sara Schoeffler Corvallis, OR

Major - Elementary Education

Office Supply - Sticky notes because I love writing notes for people and leaving them fun places!

Fun Fact - I am very afraid of moths.

Sydney Emond Billings, MT

Major - Journalism, Photojournalism Concentration

Office supply - Colorful gel pens, they make my notes seem more fun and exciting!

Fun Fact - I can quote all of Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Rickky Bobby.

Wyatt Nelson Missoula, MT

Major - Undeclared

Griz Hack - Use all your time for something.

Fun Fact - I have no documented concussions...believe it or not.

3rd Year Advocates

Abigail Miller Gold Bar, WA 

Major - Integrative Physiology; concentration: Exercise Science 

Griz Hack - Scope out the best bathrooms on Campus early on so you never have to worry. My personal favorites are in the Journalism Building and in The Gilkey Building. 

Why join? - Being a UM Advocate is a really cool way to represent our school and make a difference in students' lives. 

Aby Ripley Spokane, WA 

Major – Undeclared; minor: Human and Family Development 

Office Supply - A stapler! 

Fun Fact - I am afraid of deer and I competed in ice skating for 5 years. 

Addison O’Neill Great Falls, MT

Major - Neuroscience and Psychology 

Griz Hack - Don’t study in your room too often, make a list of things you plan to accomplish for the week, and don’t be afraid to try new things. 

Fun Fact - My favorite flavor of ice cream is bubblegum (especially from big dipper)! 

Allison McJannet Helena, MT 

Major - Art 

Office Supply - I love a good dry-erase marker to write to-do’s on my mirror (the only place I’ll see it)!  

Why join? - They are the biggest group of friends I have ever had and will easily become your best support system! 

Ana Salyards Helena, MT 

Major - History and Political Science 

Griz Hack - Go to events on campus and in the community, get enough sleep, and get to know your professors! 

Fun Fact - I have the biggest sweet tooth. If I could have dessert for every meal, I would! 

Cassie Caldwell Imperial, CA 

Major - Elementary Education 

Griz Hack - Find a good place to study and stick with it! I love the library or UC commons. 

Why join? - I have made so many friends through the Advocates and it’s a great confidence builder. 

Chloe Brown Butte, MT 

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability; minor: Climate Change Studies; concentration: Resource Conservation 

Office Supply - G2 Pens especially if they're colored. They always write so smoothly and I LOVE color coding my notes and flashcards.  

Fun Fact - I dance hula on Sundays with the Pacific Islanders Club. I also like to crochet and do pottery in my free time. 

Dominic Azevedo Carson City, NV 

Major - Accounting 

Griz Hack - Don't be afraid to reach out. Try new things that make you nervous.  

Fun Fact - I love to cook and not to brag, pretty dang good at it.  

Emma Qualls Billings, MT 

Major -  Undeclared 

Hailey Brewer Helena, MT 

Major - Psychology 

Griz Hack - Find your study spot and take breaks every hour or so.  

Fun Fact - I can solve a rubix cube! 

Hannah Merrick Butte, MT 

Major - Political Science; minor: Communication Studies 

Why join? - The Advocates is a great way to get to know the University better and be prepared to help incoming students find their home here. It's also a group full of the kindest people. 

Fun Fact - I'm ambidextrous. 

Julia Brink Erie, CO 

Major – Cognitive Neuroscience 

Why join? - The UM Advocates is a community that provides a wonderful environment for growth as a leader and you get to share with and help other families love UM and take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities we have.  

Fun Fact - I have a small fear of car washes. 

Julia Grzywacz Seymour, CT 

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability; minors: Political Science, History 

Office Supply - Pilot G2 Pens. They are amazing and write so crisp. 

Fun Fact - In high school I was a part of FFA and with that I was on the Milk Quality and Products Team. This meant I had to taste and grade milk. Yes, I know it sounds odd.

Kelsie Ring Lakeside, MT 

Major - Marketing; minor: Communication Studies 

Griz Hack - GET INVOLVED, so basic but so necessary for the college experience.  

Fun Fact - I can bench press 200 pounds. 

Kimberly Neumann Williston, ND 

Major - Pre-Pharmacy 

Office Supply - Colored pens! I enjoy color coding my notes and planner with colored notes. 

Griz Hack - Get help when you need it! Go to office hours, Study Jam, the Writing and Public Speaking Center, or any resource like that on campus. They are here to help you succeed, so use them!!

Laila Sisson Monument, CO 

Major – Theatre Design and Technology, Properties Design 

Griz Hack - Build the things that make you happy into your day-to-day schedule. This way you will always have time to do what you love! 

Fun Fact - I've lived in 7 different states including Hawaii! 

Lily Griffin Billings, MT 

Major – English; concentration: English Teaching 

Office Supply - Paper clips. There are so many different kinds and they are so handy when you need a non-permanent stack of papers to stay together. 

Why join? - The UM Advocates are a great group of people that will be there when you need someone. The group has not only given me a new group of people I love, but has also helped me get to know the University better and has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone in the best possible ways. 

Lindsey Veno Olean, NY 

Major - Integrative Physiology; concentration: Applied Human Physiology 

Griz Hack - Find a good study space on campus! The PFNAC is beautiful and you can see the whole Oval!   

Why join? - UM Advocates is like a home away from home. The community is so supportive and you create amazing friendships. 

Madelyn Bouchard Billings, MT 

Major - Political Science; minor: French 

Griz Hack - If you're offered something for free, TAKE IT. You can never have enough command hooks and get your shower shoes early. 

Fun Fact - I've played roller derby since I was 14. 

Madison Collins Bozeman, MT 

Major - Undeclared 

Meghan Burns Tucson, AZ 

Major - Public Health; concentration: Global Health 

Griz Hack - Don’t be afraid to talk to other students before coming to orientation. It can help make you more comfortable and have an immediate support group. 

Why join? - The Advocates have helped me expand my knowledge about UM and Missoula as a whole. It’s such a good way to meet people and get involved in the greater community. 

Nicole Service San Francisco, CA 

Major - Journalism; minor: Irish Studies 

Office Supply - I like gel pens a lot. Especially purple pens. They bring me joy. 

Griz Hack - USE OFFICE HOURS. Professors aren’t that scary and going into their office hours is helpful.  

Paige Harrison Billings, MT 

Major – English; minor: Business Administration; concentration: English Teaching 

Office Supply - Sticky Notes because I use them for anything and everything. 

Griz Hack - Get involved! Make friends in your residence hall and classes! Be whoever you want to be! Try new things! Take care of your mental health! 

Quinn Lamers Rhinelander, WI 

Major - Finance and Management Information Systems 

Office Supply - A stapler, I feel like I can never find one when I actually need one. 

Why join? - It is a great way to get involved on campus, and the people are amazing. 

Tatum Egan Billings, MT 

Major - Elementary Education 

Griz Hack - Use the panini press in the Food Zoo to make grilled cheeses!!  

Why join? - The Advocates are a compassionate group of people who truly care about others' well-being, why wouldn't you want to surround yourself with people like that? 

Tori Matteson Butte, MT 

Major - Pre-Pharmacy 

Griz Hack - Try out new study locations! There are a ton on campus and it helps to relieve the stress of studying. 

Fun Fact - I am incredibly afraid of needles. 

Trevor Wilson Selah, WA 

Major - Geosciences 

Griz Hack - Put yourself out there and get involved in whatever strikes your interest. Figure out how to manage your time and focus on where your time matters most to you after your horizon has been broadened. 

Fun Fact - I’ve never been to a barber shop or professionally had my hair cut. 

4th Year Advocates

Abagail Phillips Rochester, NY 

Major - International Business and Management & Entrepreneurship; minor: Chinese 

Office Supply - Gel pens, they’re so bold and defined. 

Fun Fact - Growing up, I attended 8 different schools! 

Aliya Peek San Diego, CA 

Major - Public Health; minor: Non-Profit Administration; concentration: Community Health 

Office Supply - I LOVE my planner and PaperMate Inkjoy Gel Pens!! With a good printed planner and colored gel pens, I color coordinate my courses to keep myself organized!  

Griz Hack - Introduce yourself to your professors after the first class and continuously talk with your professors after class or by email throughout the semester so they get to know you and vice vera. And don’t forget to use the Writing and Public Speaking Center!!! They are your best friend if you are struggling or want feedback on any assignment. 

Ann Killen Huntley, MT 

Major - Pharmacy 

Griz Hack - Reach out to your roommate ahead of time and coordinate some things, so you don't end up with 2 microwaves or no mini-fridges! It's also a great way to make a friend and get comfortable with your roommate before arriving on campus in the fall! 

Fun Fact - I LOVE baking, and I can make a mean banana bread! 

Holly Mahon Hamilton, MT 

Major - Public Health; concentration: Global Health 

Office Supply - Post-It Flags so you can always find your place in books! 

Fun Fact - I can recall all of the US Presidents in order and I know every episode of the Golden Girls by heart! 

Jorgie Hawthorne Great Falls, MT 

Major - Political Science; minor: Non-Profit Administration 

Griz Hack - Keep a line of communication with your professors! If they understand who you are and what you’re like, they’re more likely to be lenient when you need something! It’s also a great networking tool. 

Why join? - Advocates are a great way to make friends! It sounds cliche, but we’re just a big happy family.

Keeza Leavens Rapid City, SD 

Major – Social Work; minors: Sociology, Non-Profit Administration 

Office Supply - Sharpie S-Gel because they are so smooth and I like the idea of making a mistake and having to accept it and move on, rather than trying to erase it and fix it. 

Griz Hack - Befriend your RA!!! They know so many tips and tricks. Bring extra chairs for your room so when you have friends over, they have somewhere to sit. Get as involved as possible so campus feels like home and not a strange place. The less time you spend in your room, the better. Always have snacks in your room (use your meal plan).  

Kyle Wonders Newbury Park, CA 

Major - Wildlife Biology; minors: Climate Change Studies, Nonprofit Administration 

Griz Hack - The field next to the Adams Center has some great trees for hammocking, and the bus stops on campus are a great way to get around for those of us who don’t have cars. 

Fun Fact - The first car I ever drove was a police car. If you see me around campus, ask me about it and I'll tell you the story. 

Liv Wilson - Advocate Coordinator Kalispell, MT 

Major - Marketing and Management & Entrepreneurship 

Griz Hack - Going to office hours is totally worth it, bring a vacuum for your residence hall room (you probably will need it), and never be afraid to ask for help! 

Fun Fact - I've traveled to 12 different countries. 

Madeline Staples Butte, MT 

Major - Media Arts; minor: Journalism 

Why join? - Someone should consider joining because it gets you more involved in your college community, helps you meet friends, and it’s fun! 

Fun Fact - Both of my parents and both of my siblings were all University of Montana students. My dad lived in Craig Hall during the fall of 1970, my brother lived there during 2017, and I lived there during 2020.  

Marian Kale Billings, MT 

Major - Music Education; minor: History 

Why join? - The Advocates are such a diverse and welcoming group of people. It's impossible to not make a friend! 

Fun Fact - I have a black belt in taekwondo, and I can't whistle! 

Molly Keller Deer Park, WA 

Major - Management Information Systems and Marketing 

Griz Hack - Go early on chicken strip night in the food zoo, it will always be packed! 

Fun Fact - My grandma's name is Helen Keller. 

Stephanie Kowal Great Falls, MT 

Major – Sociology and Psychology; concentration: Criminology 

Why join? - Because you become a part of a family and learn about your school and receive opportunities to volunteer and interact with other students.

Fun Fact - I am completely deaf in my right ear. 

5th Year Advocates

Siena Cysewski - Advocate Coordinator Kirkland, WA 

Major - Management Information Systems and Theatre; minor: Communications 

Griz Hacks - Saving up meal plan money to get a nice lunch at the UC Food Court, studying at the newly renovated Rise + Rooted, and joining a great student group or two to help make friends! 

Why join? - I joined Advocates because I wanted to get involved with meeting prospective students, to learn more about this school that I love so much and then to be able to help other students make informed decisions, and of course to make long lasting close friends from across all the majors.  

Fall 2023 Graduates

Kasey Questel Bullhead City, AZ

Major - Surgical Technology and Clinical Medical Assisting

Griz Hack - Go to every event. Check the food zoo menu before. Don’t underestimate the gyros!

Why join? - This group will give you the opportunity to explore yourself at UM and help others explore themselves as well!

Spring 2023 Graduates

Ashley Pepper Castle Rock, CO 

Major - Integrative Physiology; concentration: Pre-Athletic Training 

Why join? - The connections I have made through the Advocates have been the most impactful of my college experience so far. I think that having connections like these are very important for any college student, especially for other students who are far away from home like me.  

Fun Fact - I have rappelled off of a 38 story building in downtown Denver as part of a fundraiser for cancer research! 

Brooke DeRuwe Spokane Valley, WA 

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability; minor: Climate Change Studies; concentration: Resource Conservation 

Griz Hacks - GET INVOLVED!!  Don't do all of your homework in your room.  Find a spot on or off campus to do work and study.  My favorite spot on campus is a booth in the University Center atrium. 

Office Supply - Sticky notes and sharpies!!  It’s the best duo because they are SO helpful and fun.  You can be productive AND you can doodle 

Casey Brister Lomita, CA 

Major – Psychology and Sociology 

Why join? - I felt so welcomed and comforted by the university and I really wanted to continue to pass that feeling on to prospective and new students :) 

Fun Fact - I have the script of Grease the Musical memorized and I love train museums (so much) 

Clara Bentler Billings, MT

Major - Political Science; minor: Non-Profit Administration; concentration: Public Administration and Public Policy 

Fun Fact - I am the oldest of 5 kids! 

Office Supply - I love a good planner - keeps me organized

Grace Friend Boise, ID 

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability; minors: Non-Profit Administration, Business Administration 

Griz Hack - Get involved and get involved early! It gets harder later on, so keep connected to people.  

Fun Fact - I am an Eagle Scout

Grace Ravesloot Missoula, MT 

Majors - German; minor: Music 

Why join? - I joined advocates to be a part of what seemed like (and is) a super close knit and fun group of people on campus and be able to make UM a better place and get people excited to come here! 

Fun Fact - I lived in Germany for my senior year of high school! 

Jacey Grange St. Maries, ID 

Major – Communication Studies; concentration: Organizational Communication 

Griz Hack - Go to your professors and teaching assistants during office hours, they are there to help. Arrive to class early so you can be prepared when the lecture begins. 

Fun Fact - I have dual citizenship in both Canada and the U.S.  

Janzen Froehlich Bakersfield, CA 

Major - Microbiology; minor: Biochemistry 

Griz Hack - When studying for a long time, study for 30 minutes then relax for 10 minutes! 

Office Supply - Pens! I use them all the time for labs and it is nice to be able to make my lab reports look nice! 

Madison Biggs Reno, NV 

Major – Management & Entrepreneurship and Elementary Education 

Griz Hack - Make a connection with people in your class so you have people to help you if you ever need it. 

Fun Fact - I have the entire first Shrek movie memorized word by word and in my 8th grade year I read 175 chapter books. 

Hannah Hill Elko, NV 

Majors - Wildlife Biology; concentration: Terrestrial 

Griz Hack - If you have money left on your meal plan at the end of the week, go on a mini shopping spree at the market or corner store to make sure that money doesn't go to waste!! 

Office Supply - Neon ball point pens because they write well and make my notes look fun. 

Zandy Zender Bellingham, WA

Major - Business Management; Spanish Minor

Griz Hack - chegg.com

Why join? - Because it is a group full of amazing people from every different aspect of campus.