March 21, 2022

Dear UM Community,

This past week, we lost a dear member of the UM family, former first lady Jane Dennison. 

Jane served UM alongside her husband George for 20 years and played a crucial role during one of the most transformational periods of our university’s history. She was a lifelong advocate for UM, and the impact of her contributions on our campus will be lasting.

Those of us who grew to know Jane remember her tenacious spirit, her love of western Montana, her commitment to the Missoula community and her passionate cheering for the Griz. A longtime supporter of the UM Alumni Association, Jane leaves a tremendous legacy. Her life and contributions will be celebrated next fall during Homecoming. Details will be shared with campus in the coming months.

Mike Mansfield famously said of his spouse Maureen, “What we did, we did together.” As employees of UM, we know that our spouses, partners, and families commit significant time and effort to the success of our university, much of which happens behind the scenes and can often go unrecognized. But it is vitally important. In my time serving as president of UM, I have learned that this job truly requires a team effort. George and Jane Dennison were a great team for UM.

Jane’s passing also serves as a reminder that we are all stewards of this great university, and our shared success stands proudly on the shoulders of those hardworking leaders who came before us.

Sincerely,

Seth