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.
All right, everyone. Are you ready to meet David? He’s a junior majoring in Theatre. He’s going to meet us in the Shanklin Theatre to talk about the renowned theatre program at UE. For nearly 50 years, UE productions have garnered recognition and awards on a local, regional, and national level. Okay, David, this show is all yours. Break a leg.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I always had a myriad of things I wanted to do. I went from wanting to be an astronaut, to a Supreme Court Justice, to finally deciding on majoring in Theatre in college. The Theatre Program at UE is one of the top programs in the country. Theatre students at UE all have exceptional talent and are the best of what we do. My classmates challenge and nurture me, which means that everyone just ends up getting better and better. This intense theatre training and classroom rigor allows us to put on six productions a year. Our theatre artists are empowered to go out in the world and make a difference through their art. Community outreach initiatives like our Traveling Shakespeare Troupe Rouge & Peasant Aces showcase our commitment to enriching the greater Evansville area with world-class theatre. I was born in Nigeria and moved to Houston, Texas at six years old. My parents instilled in me values of excellence, kindness, and leadership. UE shares these same values, and appreciates and welcomes people from all over the world. There’s a thriving international community on campus, and students here are so accepting. My time here has only bolstered my commitment to telling stories that change hearts and minds. Regardless of your major, UE is an amazing place to be. Come join us. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even come out of here another Oscar winner like UE Theatre’s very own Rami Malek. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, six productions a year? That is so impressive. I’ve also seen the star-studded list of Emmy and Oscar winners, along with the many on and off camera talent throughout the country. Theatre alumni from UE can be found everywhere. Thanks for that, David.
Next up is Kara who loved her undergrad experience so much she’s now back for her PhD in language, literacy and culture. Kara was pretty much born a Retriever. Most of her family went here. So she’s got a special perspective on why students are such an important part of UMBC history. Take it away, Kara.
– Thanks, Alex. My name is Kara Seidel and I come from a whole family of retrievers. Not only did both of my parents go here, but my brother went here and works here. You may know him as the Twitter guy from UMBC’s historic run in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. After graduating as valedictorian of my class, I went on to do my masters at another institution while working full-time. Now I’m UMBack as my family called it. I’m currently doing my PhD and it’s easy to see why people come back like I did and why I missed it. Students have quite literally shaped UMBC’s history from the design of campus and how our pathways are literally paved based on where students walked to intellectually and how students dedicate and foster spaces for collaboration and democracy. We now have a Center for Democracy and Student Life created by UMBC staff who are also alum. The center engages students from all major colleges on campus. And it all started from ask from a classroom discussion. After doing my master somewhere else, I realized an even more profound level of appreciation for the student-centered culture at UMBC. Though I started my doctorate during the pandemic, there were still numerous ways for students to collaborate and stay involved. A fellow student and I formed a Graduate Student Success Committee for the Graduates Student Association, dedicated to student wellbeing. As a campus community, we center student voice in a way that empowers co-creation from students all the way up through administrators. And that’s one of the many reasons why I love it here, back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Kara, that’s true Retriever spirit. I loved hearing about your journey and how cool is it that students have literally designed elements of UMBC over the years, that is just amazing. Best of luck with studies Kara, well done.
Tapping into one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. The University of Montana is the first in the state to field an Esports team. Now we’re heading over to the game room in the University Center to meet Tessa, a business student, and Esports team member. Tessa game on.
– Thanks Alex, I’m really excited to share my story with you. I’ve lived in Missoula for all of my life and I’ve always known about the university here, but it wasn’t until I heard about the Esports team that I decided it might be the right place for me to start my college studies. I’m a gamer and finding this community in my hometown is a gift. The University of Montana is one of the few places in the state that offers junior varsity and varsity levels of competitive play with teams from around the country. League of Legends is the game that I play competitively and joining this team has improved my play dramatically. I knew what I tried out last year that I had found a place to call home on this campus. Now I’m teaching a class for other University of Montana students to understand the fundamentals of Esports. One of the things I appreciate coming from the Esports club is that we are a tight knit community, of all different kinds of people. You’ll meet students from every major and every possible background. Connecting with other students through gaming is a great way to make friends and learn about different opportunities here in the university. When I joined the Esports club, the director stressed that inclusivity is what they strive for. I love being a part of something that is welcoming to anyone who wants to join. During my experience in Esports I’ve made plenty of connections to my business classes. I’ve learned how to communicate in different styles to get my point across for various people, whether it’s in a game or teaching in the classroom. I’m also very excited to start a new internship with the Esports program. Connecting my passion for gaming and my interests in business has made the University of Montana the best place for me. I hope that this story inspires more students to join us. And now back to you, Alex.
– I love your story Tessa, gaming provides a platform for everyone to connect and build community, and it’s great to hear about the leadership opportunities you’ve found within your team as a teacher. Take care of Tessa.
Okay, now it’s time to meet College of Business student, Matthew. Matthew is majoring in Management Information Systems and with the student support and hands-on learning, he’s getting at UM. He sure to find success in this high demand, high paying field. As a Missoula native, Matthew took a different path to earning his degree, let’s hear his story, Matthew.
– Thanks Alex, I’ll go ahead, take it from here. Growing up in Missoula, the University of Montana and this great community have always held a special place in my heart. It was adventurous to be found around every corner and the academic quality just lined up with my educational needs. My story is a little different. I’m a little older than some of the students gonna meet here today. I started my studies straight out of high school like most of you, but for me, that probably wasn’t the best idea. So what did I do? I took a break, and that was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Got some good life experience in this community, had some fun, and it was time to go back, the University of Montana was willing to take me back. At the University of Montana, it’s the care and intention for students that really stands out to me. All the professors have an open door policy to make sure the student is learning the way they need to be learning. And we have a world-class health center that is there to support your physical and mental health needs. I will graduate with my Management Information Systems degree. The UM has one of the top MIS programs in the nation. They constantly get top equipment from big four tech firms like KPMG, local firms, such as ATG, and even companies such as Fast Enterprise work closely with the students, but save your applause ’cause my journey with the University of Montana, doesn’t end here, I’ll be attending graduate school for business analytics. I’m excited for the opportunities presented to me from the University of Montana and Missoula community. And I’m sure you’ll find something to love about this great community as well. Once my schooling is finished I’ll hope to stay in this great community and be able to solve real business problems and people problems with data and changing technologies alike. Thanks for the time, Alex.
– Thanks, Matthew. It sounds like you on the path to success with the degree you’re earning in the College of Business, it’s always inspiring to hear from students who returned to school and really hit their stride. Good luck with graduate school and your career and management information systems, take care of Matthew.