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
Anaiya Tupeck​
Missoula, MT
Major: Biology with a Minor in Physics
Annie Hanser
Billings, MT
Major - Pre-Pharmacy
Aubrey Davis
Boise, ID
Major - Elementary Education
Audrey Austin
Aurora, CO
Major - Psychology with a Minor in Human and Family Development
Briana Machado​
Missoula, MT
Major - Biology and French
Cayenne McCabe​
Dillon, MT
Major - Biology
Claire Lyle​
Cheney, WA
Major - Elementary Education
Emily Brandenburg​
Billings, MT
Major - Political Science
Ethan Smith​
Great Falls, MT
Major - Physics
Grace Golbach​
Wausau, WI
Major - Journalism with Minors in Wilderness & Civilization and International Development
Hailey Anthony​
Woodinville, WA
Major - Biology
Hailey White​
Missoula, MT
Major - Social Work
Haley Schulte​
Spokane, WA
Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Harley Molendyke​
Deer Lodge, MT
Major - Criminology
Haven Kiner​
Billings, MT
Major - Elementary Education
Henry Maskew​
Sherwood, OR
Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability
Heydon Olson​
Havre, MT
Major - Elementary Education
Hunter Yova​
Slippery Rock, PA
Major - Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management with a Minor in Wildlife Biology
Izzy Schmidt​
Missoula, MT
Major - Theatre Education and Elementary Education
Jillian Poe​
Baker City, OR
Major - Theatre and Communications
Jude Juneau​
Missoula, MT
Major - Pre-Pharmacy
Kash Coleman​
Colville, WA
Major - Elementary Education
Mikal Chaussee​
Missoula, MT
Major - International Business and Entertainment Management
Ollie King​
Harrison, MT
Major - Secondary Education
Paige Hunt​
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Major - Psychology and Human Family Development
Payton Frentzen​
Kennewick, WA
Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders with a Minor in Psychology
Thomas Krebs​
New Market, MD
Major - Public Health
3rd Year Advocates
Abbey Visser
Colville, WA
Major - Integrative Physiology and Exercise Psychology
Griz Hack - Take everything one thing at a time
Why join? - Because you get to serve the university alongside some of the best people as well!
Abigail Wagner
Laurel, MT
Major - Political Science; Certificate of Pre-Law
Andy Fagan
Billings, MT
Major - History and Creative Writing
Griz Hack - On weekends at The Lodge, they have self-serve pasta. No long lines involved!
Fun Fact - I am a published playwright!
Anna Aklestad
Helena, MT
Major - Political Science; Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor
Favorite thing to do off campus - I love to go thrifting and get coffee!
Fun Fact - I am really good at parallel parking!
Aubrey VanOrder
Puyallup, WA
Major - Political Science and Business
Ben Kelly
Buffalo, NY
Major - Social Work
Camille Wagner
Billings, MT
Major - Criminology and Acting; Psychology Minor
Griz Hack - You should plan out the classes you need to take semester by semester until you graduate. While it can take time to do, it’s a really awesome resource to know exactly what you need to take. It’s also a fun way to explore what classes UM has to offer and you might find new things to try
Fun Fact - I love art! If I get any chance to draw, I will absolutely take it
Chesney Cook
Lehi, UT
Major - Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management; Business Minor
Why join? - It's such a fun group of people all working towards one common goal
Fun Fact - I have an identical twin
Coco Striefler
Eureka, MT
Major - Business and Psychology
Emersyn DeGroot
Lolo, MT
Major - Pre-Pharmacy
Emme Priest
Grand Rapids, MI
Major - Geosciences and Environmental Sciences
Griz Hack - If you want to meet people, just join a hacky-sack circle on the Oval! Everyone is always super nice and friendly
Why Join? - Being an Advocate is a great way to get to know the campus and the people at UM. It is also an amazing opportunity to gain leadership skills and step out of your comfort zone
Erin Houseman
Buffalo, WY
Major - Integrative Physiology; Sport Psychology Minor
Why join? - This is where you truly find your people and we accept everyone exactly for who they are
Fun Fact - I eat veggies when I'm stressed
Ethan Barnicoat
Helena, MT
Major - Cybersecurity; Business Minor
Jess Reilly
Marlboro, NJ
Major - Communications; Business Minor
Favorite thing to do off campus - Go on a drive through the canyons around Missoula
Griz Hack - I know things are so scare at times. Be scared and do it anyways! So much good comes out of experiences that are nerve-racking at first
Julia Ampe
St. Joseph, MN
Major - Wildlife Biology; Wilderness Studies and Ecological Restoration Minor
Favorite thing to do off campus - Going to Free Cycles and all the other live music events around town
Fun Fact - I've had the same pencil pouch since 6th grade
Larkin Brown
Bozeman, MT
Major - Political Science; Psychology Minor
Favorite thing to do off campus - Enjoy some sunshie and go to cafes downtown
Fun Fact - I can string and shoot a recurve bow, and I love riddles and codes
Lily Smith
Carnation, WA
Major - Criminology
Liv Dehning
Brainerd, MN
Major - Wildlife Biology
Griz Hack - Going to the Wellness Wall in the Curry Health Center is so great, they have so many resources available for free
Why join? - It's such a great group of people that helps you feel more connect with the university and Missoula as a whole
Mackenzie Weisgerber
Kamuela, HI
Major - Accounting
Why join? - The UM Advocates is a great community filled with kind and caring people. Through the Advocates, you will be able to meet new people, get a better grasp on the UM and Missoula community, and you'll be able to make a lasting impact
Fun Fact - I am an absolute weapon on a volleyball intramural team
Madison Davis
Great Falls, MT
Major - Elementary Education
Favorite thing to do off campus - I love to go for walks
Griz Hack - While school is your priority, it is SO important to balance time for fun
Madisyn Covington
Reno, NV
Major - Theatre Design and Technology
Griz Hack - Everyone here wants you to success so let them help you do that
Why join? - Because you won't just find friends, you'll find a family
Quindy Gronley
Kalispell, MT
Major - Pre-Pharmacy
Griz Hack - Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and get involved in anything that interests you. Take chances and work to build a community that both reflects and challenges you
Why join? - Joining the Advocates puts you at the heart of the University and teaches you to be a compassionate, ambitious, and energetic leader
Stella Nicholson
Great Falls, MT
Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Tayten Bright
Sidney, MT
Major - Political Science and Psychology
4th Year Advocates
Alisyn Maloughney
Havre, MT
Major - Music Education
Favorite thing to do off campus - I love taking myself on "Hot Girl Walks"
Fun Fact - I'm forklift certified
Davin Phinney
East Greenwich, RI
Major - Pre-Physical Therapy, International Business and Marketing, Spanish Minor
Griz Hack - Find time to do the things that make you happy — even if they aren’t a part of your school or extra curriculars. Go to office hours and take advantage of the opportunities campus offers you, like tutoring and study groups!
Why join? - The Advocates are a group of people who push you to be a better person and will always be welcoming and caring about each other, others, and the place we live. You will gain many amazing experiences and find lifelong friends in this group.
Evan McComsey
Elkton, MD
Major - Art
Favorite thing to do off campus - Listen to live music.
Fun Fact - I'm an Eagle Scout!
Isabel Beasley
Helena, MT
Major - Psychology, Neuroscience Minor
Favorite thing to do off campus - I love exploring downtown! My favorite coffee shop is Butterfly Herbs
Fun Fact - I can say the alphabet backwards due to my middle school choir teacher
Isabella Abbott
Boulder, MT
Major - Psychology and Social Work
Griz Hack - Get to know your professors and stay organized
Fun Fact - I have six siblings
Katelyn Hauck
Billings, MT
Major - Early Childhood Education
Favorite thing to do off campus - Getting to be in nature, and go hiking
Griz Hack - Be more open to new things. It can be hard, but it can also lead to meeting new people and having great experiences.
Kylie Lopuch
Missoula, MT
Major - Business Management
Favorite thing to do off campus - I love teaching dance and going to concerts!
Griz Hack - Have some sort of planner situation: physical planner/calendar, Google calendar, Google sheets, etc. Stay on top of things and figure out which system works best for YOU!
Layla Sheeran
Whitefish, MT
Major - Journalism and Media Arts
Favorite Thing to do off campus - Go to Freecycles concerts!
Why join? - We are an awesome community that help other communities while also helping each other.
Lily Denham
Kooskia, ID
Major - Integrative Physiology
Favorite Thing to do off campus - Hike to hot springs!
Griz Hack - Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a routine that works for you. Stay active and join a club. Have fun!
Taylor McPherson
Fairview, MT
Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability and Environmental Studies, Economics Minor
Favorite Thing to do off campus - I love taking advantage of the recreational opportunities around Missoula and love going on hikes and have recently gotten into birding with friends!
Griz Hack - I love taking advantage of the recreational opportunities around Missoula and love going on hikes and have recently gotten into birding with friends!
Our Graduates
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.
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 residence hall 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.
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.
Milena McKee
Spokane, WA
Major - Business Management, Climate Change Studies 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.
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.