Impact Stories

The University of Montana has concluded the most ambitious and successful higher education fundraising campaign in state history. Over seven years, the comprehensive “Campaign Montana – Think Big. Be Bold.” inspired $450.9 million in giving from more than 34,000 donors to elevate every UM student, college, school and program.

A newly expanded program at UM’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law will provide graduate students with opportunities to make immediate, meaningful impacts on justice policies that affect rural and indigenous communities. The Rural Justice Initiative will allow UM graduate students to gain important experience in exploring deep inequities in the criminal justice system.

Allison Grigonis never expected her dream of studying abroad would be disrupted by a global pandemic. When Grigonis returned to the U.S. from Japan with unexpected expenses in March, she applied for assistance from the UM Emergency Student Support Fund. Learn how Grigonis’ aspirations and perseverance matched with private support helps her stay on track to graduate next spring.

Alumna and respiratory therapist Portia Fox donated to the Emergency Student Support Fund to help UM students affected by the pandemic. Fox shares her inspiration to support UM students now more than ever, her journey to becoming a respiratory therapist, and her experience as a healthcare professional during the pandemic.