UM Encourages Community to ‘Paint Missoula Maroon’ Ahead of Academic Year

MISSOULA – The University of Montana is again inviting Missoula to celebrate the community’s healthy and vibrant Griz Pride by displaying maroon and silver for the arrival of students, visitors and fans to the community this fall.

Beginning on August 17, Griz Kits will be distributed by the University to area businesses and neighborhoods to help “Paint Missoula Maroon.” The kits, delivered by UM students and staff, will include UM stickers, yard signs, flags and  window decals for display on cars, in windows and on sidewalks to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and a renewal of Griz pride.

The Paint Missoula Maroon tradition started last year in an effort to recapture community vibrancy following challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of last year’s effort helped lead to a renewed sense of community and UM pride, and it now serves as an annual tradition to welcome Grizzlies back to town after the summer break.

“This is an exciting time of year,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “We are thrilled to again ‘Paint Missoula Maroon’ as we welcome another large first-year class to Missoula and prepare for another exciting year of Grizzly athletics. We are grateful to have a community that supports UM so deeply, and this is just another way that folks across Missoula can express their support for our students.”

If members of the public are interested in a Griz Kit, please drop by the Grizzly Scholarship Association Office located on the first floor of the Adams Center.

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