UM’s Newest Class Finishes Busy Week With Freshman Float

The newest class of University of Montana students finished a busy week of Orientation with the second-annual Freshman Float.

By Kyle Spurr, UM News Service

MISSOULA – After a busy week of Orientation and welcoming events, the University of Montana’s newest class kicked back and relaxed Friday afternoon at the second-annual Freshman Float. 

Hundreds of students met near UM’s Campus Recreation building and rode shuttles to the Clark Fork River. The groups of students then floated several miles of river back to campus, where UM hosted a party on the Riverbowl with snacks, games and music. 

Some students who traveled from across the country to attend UM had never floated a river before, while others were well versed in the joy of floating during the summertime in Missoula. 

Addie Glidewell, a freshman student from Missoula, came with a new friend she met during the week, Ashley Sellers, of Stanwood, Washington, north of Seattle. 

“I float the river all the time,” Glidewell said. “I love floating the river because I think it’s a really fun social event.”

Glidewell was excited to share the experience with Sellers, who had never floated before. Sellers got the first taste of her new Missoula lifestyle when she saw the Freshman Float listed as a new student activity. 

“I never had the opportunity,” Sellers said. “It sounded like so much fun.”

Glidewell gave her friend pointers for a successful float. They made sure to wear sunscreen and bucket hats and planned to stay close to each other along the way. 

“For people who don't float this is a good time to connect,” Glidewell said. “This is what the locals do.” 

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Contact: Dave Kuntz, UM director of strategic communications, 406-243-5659, dave.kuntz@umontana.edu