Let’s get to it, y’all ready. We have Arwen on deck, Arwen is from Idaho, but she has deep roots in Montana and a special connection to the university. Arwen is studying Musical Theater and English Literature. And when she’s not in class, you’ll find her outdoors soaking up all the outdoor recreation Western Montana has to offer. Take it away Arwen.
– Thank you, Alex, and hello everyone, welcome to Montana. This is where my grandparents met, and I am happy to share my perspective on the University of Montana as a third generation student. I always knew that I wanted to be a performer and a writer. When I toured campus, I learned that UM offers creative challenges and intellectual opportunities, and a deeply connected community. At the school of theater and dance I performed in five theater productions, helped write musicals, tried my hand at opera, taken dance classes and perform my own choreography and got to learn from seasoned professionals. UM is also home to the Montana Repertory Theater, a professional touring company that offers hands on experiences for students. Here at UM, I’ve also had the chance to connect my interest in ecology with my major in literature, taking classes like eco-criticism and exploring the environmental humanities. Some of my poetry and photos were even published in UM’s literary magazine, The Oval. So if you wanna blend the arts and culture and outdoor recreation like this, Missoula is the place for you. We enjoy hiking, skiing, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking. You can hike up Mount Sentinel to watch the sunset or drive just 10 minutes to Pattee Canyon or the Rattlesnake Recreation Area. There are tons of hot Springs in the area and huge swath of public lands. Or you can just walk down to the Clark Fork and enjoy an evening paddle or swim. The University of Montana has helped me make strides in my chosen field of study. And it’s helped me clarify the kind of person I want to be. I don’t have to choose between the arts and ecology or between a thriving city center and a connection to Western wilderness. It’s all here at my back door, literally. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Arwen, musical theater and kayaking, you really know how to make the best of your time here at the University of Montana. Thanks for showing us what it’s like being a student at UM, Arwen it sure seems like you found a special place here in Missoula, that was amazing.
Okay, next, let’s head over to Ridgway University Center to meet Will. He’s a junior majoring in Music Education. Yes, he has quite a course load between his classes at the Music Conservatory and student teaching, but he has so much energy and passion for UE. He still is engaged in student life, and won RA of the Year last year. Will, we’re ready to hear about your experience at UE. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. The University of Evansville is well-known as a prestigious school, but what really surprised me was how affordable it was. And from the minute I stepped on campus, I knew that this was my home. Now, I’m a Music Education major. So first, let’s talk about music here at UE. My experience with the UE Music Conservatory first began when I was a senior in high school. I started taking private lessons, and was immediately greeted by all the faculty. They really made me feel like family. Since then, I’ve had so many opportunities to grow as a musician from small, five-member ensembles to an entire symphony orchestra. I get the experience to hone my skills in an open, welcoming environment, without fear of judgment. And best of all, I’ve made friendships that’ll last me a lifetime. Now, when it comes to education, UE does it better than anyone else. For my first week of classes as a freshman, I got involved with the local school system. I got hands-on experience with students K through 12, from all different backgrounds, better allowing for me to prepare for my future teaching career. I also get the chance to meet new incoming educators through our Education Ambassadors Program, a program specifically designed to introduce prospective students to our campus and welcome new students to their home away from home. I also get the chance to be a Resident Assistant, allowing me to practice those highly valued interpersonal skills. College decisions can be stressful, and it may take years to find your dream school. It may be daunting, but when you make your decision, UE is here to welcome you home. Back to you, Alex.
– Will, great job. The variety of experiences available to students on this campus is so impressive. It sounds like no matter what your interests are, UE has something for everyone. Cheers, Will.
Okay, now we’re going to hear from Justin. He’s a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and he’s going to tell us about the real world projects that engineering students can get involved with through all four years of their undergraduate experience. Wait until you hear about the internships and hands-on learning that is accessible for engineering students at UE. Okay, Justin, you’re up.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up, everyone? Coming from a small Illinois high school with a graduating class of only 100 students, I knew what was important to me entering the college search. I was looking for a university that could offer me a tight knit, caring community. And that’s exactly what I found at UE. Within just a few weeks into my first semester, I was placed on a project team with other mechanical engineering students, where we worked closely with a faculty advisor to explore real, practical engineering methods. The project required us to create thorough design sketches, mathematical analyses, and detailed CAD models to satisfy the project objectives. We ended up with a fully functioning tennis ball launcher, utilizing only surgical tubing, an air cylinder, and common construction materials. This early exposure to an in-depth example of the engineering process has equipped me with skills that I have carried with me throughout my coursework here at UE. This includes my senior-led engineering project, where we are performing unique research on our thermosiphon device to present data at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. Another more recent and exciting engineering project on our campus is the Walnut Streetscape. A few years ago, the city of Evansville announced the project on the street that runs directly through our campus. The design featured five new pedestrian crosswalks, raised speed tables, upgraded signage, upgraded lighting, and a pedestrian plaza. This project has been completed, and it is a huge improvement on our campus. I couldn’t be more grateful to have selected such an amazing university to grow me as both a student and a future engineer. Back to you, Alex.
– That was fantastic, Justin. Thanks for telling us about those great projects. We appreciate you being part of The College Tour and sharing your experiences here at UE. Take care.
Are you ready to take a trip to England? Well, you can as a UE student. Let’s talk about it with Brea, who just graduated with a degree in Communications. She’s going to tell us all about Harlaxton College, the University of Evansville Study Abroad Center located in Grantham, England, which is just 90 minutes from London. Students can spend a full semester or a summer living and learning at Harlaxton. It’s a magnificent manor house located in the English countryside. Take it away, Brea.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. I fell in love with filmmaking during high school and decided to pursue it as my college degree through UE’s Communication Program. I was able to combine my passion for filmmaking with my desire to travel, giving me an education well tailored to my interests. My first experience traveling outside of the country came with an opportunity to travel with UE’s Habitat for Humanity group to Guatemala. I traveled with our team for nine days, filming everything from interviews with locals, to the bill, to the surrounding landscape. After a semester-long edit, the doc premiered on campus to a group of students and faculty. Later that summer, the film won a Student Emmy. I was also able to travel to Harlaxton College, which is UE’s Study Abroad Center in England. Harlaxton is consistently ranked as one of the best study abroad programs in the nation, and has a 50-year history of sending students abroad to live and study in this historic manor house. Over my semester at Harlaxton, I traveled to seven different countries, took a video course, filmed a documentary over the history of the manor, and directed and lensed 30-minute short film. Europe is a cinematographer’s dreamland. So of course, I had my camera with me everywhere. Over the semester, I accumulated imagery from my travels and wrapped up both of my short films before heading back state side. Film school was a big consideration for me, but I was able to hone my craft sharper with a degree in Communications from UE. I was able to accumulate hours on set, pursue passion projects, and utilize high quality resources to further realize my dream of becoming a director of photography. That’s a wrap. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Brea, that is a transformative experience that you will remember for a lifetime. By the way, I want to go. It’s remarkable that you were able to study abroad and integrate your multimedia experience, all while creating positive change. Very impressive. Thanks again, Brea
Okay, everyone let’s meet with a UM student who traded oceans for mountains. Kennedy works in campus gardens and labs to lessen UM’s carbon footprint and emerge as a leader in environmental sustainability. Growing up in Hawaii, Kennedy developed a deep passion for protecting the natural environment, at UM you can find her working to create a more sustainable future for her community.
– Hello Alex, I’ve always enjoyed spending time outside, whether in the beaches or tropical forest of Kailua or in the mountains and valleys of Montana. I’ve traveled to Montana every summer since I was 11. And after spending so much time exploring outside, I knew that I wanted to come here after high school. Adjacent to study environmental studies and sustainability science because I deeply value the environment. And I also believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore while breathing clean air and drinking clean water. The University of Montana has taken strides to better the planet in multiple ways. The first is by creating opportunities for students to learn both inside and outside the classroom through experiential learning. The campus has also invested in sustainable practices through their gardening programs, solar panel installations, electric buses, and more than 10 student groups focused on sustainability. UM also converts 24% of waste into recycling and compost. While I always believe there’s room to improve, UM is headed in the right direction for a sustainable future. In my environmental citizenship class, a group worked with an afterschool program to increase sustainability education. Another group wrote a grant to fund eco-friendly lighting on campus. My group started a sustainability network within the Montana University system. Both the professors and staff on campus provide experiential learning and create change with students. Here at the University of Montana, there are many opportunities to learn about sustainability and you can see it on campus firsthand, and you can be a part of that change. I’ve learned here that there are so many opportunities and if there’s something that you want to do, you can contact a professor or a staff member and you can do it. Alex, back to you.
– Thank you, Kennedy. It is inspiring to see that you can develop your interests at UM and transform them into action. We know with UM’s commitment to environmental sustainability students, like you are leading the way to a better world. Cheers Kennedy.
Next up, we’re gonna hear from Lauren. Lauren is a junior who transferred to UM to study elementary education. She grew up in California and now competes on the UM Rodeo Team. Lauren is gonna tell us more about her experience in the arena and in the classroom at the University of Montana, Lauren.
– Hey everyone, I’m a transfer student from central California studying elementary education. I first came to UM for a softball camp. And right then I knew I was always meant to be a Griz. All the recreational opportunity and surrounding beauty is what made my decision and easy one. I am on a university’s Rodeo Team and my experience has been nothing short of awesome. I grew up in a Rodeo family, so it has always been a huge part of my life. I compete in the breakaway roping and barrel racing events. Being on the Rodeo Team has made my experience here at UM so much better because I’ve been able to make connections and travel across the state for Rodeos. I am looking forward to our Annual Rodeo Team Fundraiser, the Cowboy Ball. It is one of the biggest Western events in the state. And our team works hard to create a banquet in the indoor practice arena. The Cowboy Ball has been a part of the program for 29 years. Our guests can bid on auction items, The Rodeo Team is introduced and the night ends with dancing and live music. The Cowboy Ball is just one way that the greater Missoula community shows it support for UM students. I have really enjoyed my experience so far at the University of Montana, and I cannot wait to see where my elementary education degree will take me. Developing connections through rodeo has made a big difference in my experience here. And now back to you, Alex, I’m outta here.
– Thank you, Lauren, competing in college Rodeo looks breathtaking. You know, Rodeo is just one of the many clubs sports that UM offers. Clubs sports, provide students with the opportunity to compete and represent their university in the sports that they love. That was absolutely excellent, thanks again, Lauren.
Next up, let’s hear from Amy, a third year doctoral student in UM School Psychology program. Amy’s experiential learning includes working in partnership with Montana’s tribal communities, as you will soon learn spending time in this setting compliments what she is learning in the classroom. Take it away, Amy.
– Thanks Alex, hi everyone. As an undergraduate student at a small private college back east, I became passionate about the intersection between education and social justice. My desire to help all students access and benefit from an education led me to the University of Montana and the field of school psychology. The welcoming community and immersive learning experiences made it clear that it was the best place for me to continue my studies. I’ve been involved in an ongoing community-based research project, supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of native American students in a nearby reservation community. This involves everything from sharing locally sourced meals with community members to interviewing teachers in the district and observing elementary classrooms to writing manuscripts for peer reviewed publication, collaborative research like this engages community members as partners to solve problems that they’ve identified. By collaborating with members of the local community, the result uniquely utilizes their strengths and meets their needs, providing the best support for these particular students. The experiential learning opportunities at the University of Montana allow me to see what community engaged and culturally centered education look like. Helping me learn to provide the best support for students and families from minoritized backgrounds in my future career. That’s all for me back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for another great example of the State of Montana as a classroom. It sounds like UM offers lots of personal and up-close opportunities to learn from its indigenous peoples and create meaningful change for healthy communities. Good luck to you, Amy, and thanks again.
It’s time to connect with journalism Major Addie. Addie is from Helena and she wasted no time in chasing her passion for storytelling by becoming a student reporter shortly after arriving on campus. Now she’s Editor in Chief of the Montana Kaimin, UM student run newspaper, give us the scoop patty.
– Thanks Alex, hi everyone. As a native Montanan and third-generation Grizzly, the University of Montana was always a top option for me, especially with its robust honors program and top ranked journalism school. I love writing, I love storytelling and I love connecting with people and exploring new places. I came to the school of journalism with literally no experience, but I resolved that this is what I wanted to do. And it was one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve worked at the student paper, the Montana Kaimin, since I was a freshmen, and now I’m the Editor in Chief. It’s a full circle moment that means so much to me. There’s never been a time more important or a tradition more fundamental than newspaper journalism. Journalism is evolving and UM is preparing us to evolve along with it. The best part about the student paper is that we’re a conduit for student voices. I love talking to students and broadcasting their stories. The J school slogan is learned by doing. And that means from the time I was a freshman, I was in the field working on improving my skills. I’ve covered Montana’s election for the State’s News Service. I’ve worked for Missoula City Paper and I’ve done marketing for Girls’ Life Magazine. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities at UM, from traveling the world with study abroad programs to reporting on my own campus. UM has shown me life-changing experiences can happen anywhere. I’ve learned an incredible amount here at UM, but more than that, I’ve met a community of students and faculty who truly care about me and my education. UM has prepared me for what comes next. And I hope to continue learning by doing my entire life. And that’s my story, back to you, Alex.
– Ladies and gentlemen, you heard it here first. Thanks Addie, for that in-depth report on your journey through the journalism program at UM, you’ve clearly gained a ton of real-world experience during your time here.
Now let’s head over to meet up with Abbe. She combines a passion for social justice alongside an art major with a concentration in ceramics. You are on, I’m excited about this one, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex, I’m from Missoula, Montana. I went to Big Sky High School here in Missoula, and I ended up choosing the University of Montana because it was close and it was affordable and they had a great arts program. While I was in high school I remember going on a trip to the university to check out their arts department and we checked out the ceramics department, we also checked out the painting and drawing and while I was there, I remember looking at Trey Hills Chicken Project and I was already coming up with ideas for what I would do when I came to school here. I’m an Arts Major with a focus in Ceramics. One of my favorite parts about the ceramics program is my professors. They really push you to focus on the intentionality of what you turn in. I’m the President of the Black Student Union. We have been around since the 1970s, and our mission is to cultivate a space for black and brown students here on campus. The Black Student Union also holds a Black Solidarity Summit every year in February. Here at the UC, we have the brand center and that’s this dedicated physical space for diverse groups, including black and brown student groups and also LGBTQ spaces as well. Although the University of Montana is a predominantly white institution as part of the Black Student Union here on campus, I would like to be able to cultivate a space and find more black and brown students to be able to join us so we can continue to support and encourage each other. As a sophomore at the University of Montana, I’ve gotten the chance to be able to take on a lot of responsibility, and that’s been a little nerve wracking, but also very exciting. And I’m hopeful for the future as well. That’s it from me, Alex, back to you.
– What a story, so impressive, great job, and thank you for taking part of the college tour.
Let’s get to it. We’re going to head over to meet Lauren. She’s going to talk to us about Tin City, which is the country’s only ongoing on-campus archaeological dig site right here on UE’s campus. Lauren is a senior majoring in Archaeology, and she’s going to share with us the amazing program at UE, and how hands-on experience makes an Evansville education one of the best in the nation. Take it away, Lauren.
– Thanks, Alex. I’ve always been one for adventure. And after finding a love for travel and history by traveling to Peru, Spain, and Morocco, I fell in love with archaeology. With fewer than 20 archaeology programs in the US, I knew UE was right for me. At UE, I’m able to learn from award-winning and internationally recognized professors. One of my favorite parts about UE and our department is how close we are. My classmates and I study together and have become like family. My professors know me by name and genuinely want to see me thrive. I’ve been able to complete two internships with a local archaeology firm. I’ve begun to build my career before I even graduate. I also have had the opportunity to work on the only ongoing excavation on any US college or university campus at UE’s dig site, Tin City. Tin City was a site of housing following World War II, built for veterans enrolled at the university. Through this program, I’ve been able to learn about the legal, theoretical, and methodological aspects of the field by doing a real dig. The internships in Tin City Dig have greatly broadened my education through hands-on learning. Many of my peers have also participated in the excavation and research of the Jezreel Expedition in Israel. Because my professors allow students to take leading roles in these projects, something often reserved for students pursuing a Master’s or PhD, UE students receive experience that many undergrad students would not. At UE, I’ve been able to fast track my time here to graduate in three years. I was able to gain the necessary skills and a wide network of peers that will secure my future while finding friendships that will last a lifetime. That’s all about me. Back to you, Alex.
– Lauren, you are an absolute rock star. The real-world experiences students can get at UE are truly impressive. Thank you for showing us a genuine archaeological dig site right here on UE’s campus and telling us about the incredible opportunities students have access to. That was absolutely amazing. Great job.