Today marks the 25th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. It's interesting to note that while for many of us, the images of that day are seared into our minds and hearts, most of this year's college freshmen weren't born yet "when the world stopped turning that September day." For me, today's a day to pause, reflect and remember the thousands lost and the many heroic acts of self-sacrifice, service, generosity, and compassion that emerged in the aftermath; those honorable humans inspire me on this September day.
In fact, it's been a week packed with inspiration.
Last evening, Lucille rallied more than 20 DHC'ers at the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center to build 'Empower Packs' (filled with nutritious foods) for local school kiddos who might not have enough to eat over the weekends. Our crew was strong and fast and in great humor when I showed up at the end of the shift. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this good work. Talk about #honorable!
Chris Johns, former editor-in-chief at National Geographic, and Jenah Mead, ELCS Volunteer Program Director and stunningly talented artist, energized our Awe and Curiosity class. Field journals, awe walks, stunningly beautiful photographs, videos, extraordinary stories and incredibly compelling conversations made for an amazing afternoon of teaching and learning.
Introduction to Honors was grounded in 'The DHC Experience' with lots of helpful perspectives and how-tos as our young bears prepare for their academic plans and narratives. Learning Assistants Cara, Colton, and David provided more inspiration with their Woyaksape (words of wisdom and encouragement).
The turnout for Wednesday's first Honors Student Association meeting was terrific and set the stage for what promises to be a great semester. Kudos to HSA officers Kaylee, Rachel, Hannah, and Maddigan for their leadership. Yay, HSA! Next meeting is September 30.
Looking ahead, next Thursday, September 17 at 5 PM is our annual Spaghetti Supper. We still have a few spaces for hungry Grizzlies. RSVP here: 2026 DHC Spaghetti Supper RSVP.
There's also still room in our intergenerational book club (featuring our Griz Read 'Birding to Change the World') with members of the Montana Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Meetings are scheduled for September 23 and October 7 at 7 PM. Sign up here: DHC/MOLLI Book Club RSVP.
Students interested in learning more about experiential learning opportunities should join us for a round of 'lightning talks' featuring some of our students' especially compelling work, next Monday, September 14 at 5:30 PM in the lounge.
Dr. Jennifer Cavanaugh, Dean of UM's College of the Arts and Media (CAM), and I are pleased to invite interested students, faculty, and staff to a special CAM/DHC reception September 24 at 4 PM. Stay tuned for details on this event and on the rest of our college receptions coming up in the weeks ahead.
Our annual All-Honors Summit is coming up September 25. This is our big-tent honors gathering of faculty, staff, administrators, and advisory councils (faculty, student, external), followed by an old-school DHC reception. The summit is a great way for all of us to connect with UM's broader honors community. RSVP here if you'd like to join us.
President Shinn and Provost Lawrence will join us for our annual reception for incoming Presidential, Provost's, and Dean's Leadership Scholars September 29. And we'll ring in October with homecoming festivities 10/2-3. The Office of External Scholarships will celebrate new award winners with its 'Toasting of the Bricks' Friday at 4 PM, followed immediately by the DHC's Distinguished Alumni reception. More on both of these events in upcoming editions of the Bear Necessities.
Dr. Hardy was with us in spirit this morning for our hike up Barmeyer Loop, culminating, of course, at the high-water mark of Glacial Lake Missoula (thanks Eric for the impromptu geoscience mini-lecture!). We even caught sight of a juvenile screech owl. Fresh from our recent rains, it was a stunningly beautiful morning. Here is Mary Oliver's It Was Early:
