Campus Traditions: What Makes Us Montana
The University of Montana, established in 1893, has several time-honored traditions. From mysteriously placed pumpkins atop Main Hall to an old-fashioned logging town that hosts the Foresters’ Ball – these campus traditions add to the culture and memories of attending UM.
Discover some of the most cherished UM traditions below:
Freshman Float
Students splash through a wave as they float toward campus during the Freshman Float.
After enjoying a week of hands-on Big Sky Experience, all incoming first-year students take a trip down the Clark Fork River. The light rapids and cool water offer a refreshing break as summer comes to a close and the semester kicks off. If you haven’t had the pleasure of river tubing in Montana, you’re in for quite the ride.
Pumpkin on Main Hall
Toward the end of October, a pumpkin mysteriously appears atop Main Hall.
Keep this one a secret, and keep your eyes on Main Hall throughout October. That’s because, unapproved by University officials, someone spikes a pumpkin onto the highest spire of this historic building. Very few people know who pulls off this daring caper (seriously), although members of our rock-climbing community are suspected culprits.
Foresters’ Ball
UM's Schreiber Gym is transformed into a century-old logging town for the annual Foresters’ Ball.
The Foresters’ Ball is a century-old party hosted by the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Forestry students spend a week transforming Schreiber Gym into an old-fashioned logging town for this rootin’ tootin’ good time, featuring live music, dancing and even fake marriage ceremonies.
Brawl of the Wild
The Montana Grizzlies secured the Great Divide Trophy in 2023 with a win over their rivals.
The most anticipated football game of the year sees the formidable Grizzlies face off against their in-state rivals, the Montana State Bobcats from Bozeman. The energy leading up to this game is palpable, and come game day, it’s nothing but football fever throughout the entire state.
Can the Cats Food Drive
The 2023 food drive raised 1.5 million pounds of food for food banks across the state.
The annual food drive, better known as Can the Cats, coincides with the Brawl of the Wild football game. This philanthropic food drive brings our community together to outraise food donations versus our in-state rivals, Montana State University. At the end of the drive, everyone wins from this campus tradition.
Firepits and Ice Skating on the Oval
The ice rink on the Oval brings skaters of all abilities.
Students returning from winter break or starting school in the spring semester are welcomed to campus with two of our favorite cold-weather events – ice skating and standing by a bonfire on the Oval. Ice skates are available to rent in the UC, or you can bring your own and enjoy the ice for free.
Kyiyo Pow Wow
The Annual Pow Wow Celebration draws Native Americans from across the nation.
The Kyiyo Pow Wow, hosted by the Kyiyo Native American Student Association, has celebrated over 50 years of bringing communities together. This annual event typically occurs in April and features dancing, singing, storytelling and rich heritage on display. Anyone is welcome to attend this culturally important celebration.
The No. 37 Tradition
The honor of wearing No. 37 must be earned.
Griz fullback and Plentywood native Kraig Paulson kicked off this football tradition in 1983, and ever since, one deserving Montana-born football player earns the No. 37 jersey every year. Kraig Paulson was known for many things, including his hard-working attitude and toughness – a.k.a. the Montana Spirit.
Griz Fight Song
Learning the words to the Griz Fight Song is a favorite activity at Orientation.
Up with Montana boys, down with the foe! The Griz Fight Song has a long and storied history, first mentioned in a 1914 version of the student newspaper. Whatever its origins, expect to hear Griz Nation belting out the quirky, old-school lyrics after every athletic win and beyond.
Bertha the Moose
Fun fact: Bertha the moose is a female moose with antlers affixed to her head.
Bertha the Moose, AKA the First Lady of Forestry, is a mounted moose head and the unofficial mascot of the Forestry Club. Bertha’s origins date back to the 1920s when renowned forester Dr. Carl Schenck donated it to the forestry department. Today, Bertha is the frequent target of friendly kidnappings and an integral figure of the Foresters’ Ball.
Share Kindness Day
Share Kindness Day at UM aims to spread joy through random acts of kindness.
While you don’t have to wait until May to do something kind, we devote a specific day toward giving maximum gratitude. Whether that’s kindness to strangers, friends or yourself, several campus activities throughout the day encourage compassion and thoughtfulness.
Pizza with the Prez
Hurry back to the student section after halftime if you want pizza from President Bodnar.
UM President Seth Bodnar delivers pizzas to the student section during the third quarter of Griz football games. These pizza-pick-me-ups are always well received at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, adding to the vibrancy that transforms home games into a signature community event.
Hello Walk
The Hello Walk painting happens around Homecoming but the tradition of greeting people you see on the walk continues all year!
Hello, howdy and bonjour! The Hello Walk is a longstanding Homecoming tradition dating back to 1924. Students, faculty and staff adorn a sidewalk with several ways to say hello during the onset of the fall semester, doing well to represent our friendly and welcoming campus. Tradition holds that when you pass a stranger on the Hello Walk, you exchange greetings.
Winter Bonfire and Pep Rally
Winter just means you need a bigger fire at your party.
Stay toasty at this newest UM tradition. The winter bonfire and pep rally happens near the beginning of the spring semester when the flames light up the winter evening. The bonfire marks the conclusion of a full slate of winter activities, including ice skating and a Welcome Back Party.