The University of Montana announced on May 4 that it will host an on-campus listening session to collect public input regarding the proposed establishment and naming of a Waterfowl and Wetlands Center after James C. Kennedy.
The event is scheduled for Friday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the President’s Room at Brantley Hall. The proposed name for the facility is the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center.
Libby Metcalf, Dean of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, said, “It is with great enthusiasm that I offer full support for the proposal to name W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation’s newest Academic Center the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center.” Metcalf also said, “The creation of this Center will elevate UM as a global leader in waterfowl and wetland research and management, providing a dynamic hub to support, strengthen and expand the programs and expertise developed here. Mr. Kennedy has provided sustained, far-reaching support to UM’s Wildlife Biology Program, and honoring him in this way acknowledges both his extraordinary generosity and a life that has inspired others to give.”
James C. Kennedy has supported wetlands conservation through endowments at several universities between 2008 and 2016 including Mississippi State University, Clemson University, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, and Colorado State University.
Metcalf added: “Mr. Kennedy’s lifelong commitment to the environment, health and higher education sectors has established him as transformational leader in stewardship and conservation… This most recent commitment will endow support for the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center in perpetuity.” Chad Bishop, director of UM’s Wildlife Biology program said: “The establishment of James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center comes at a pivotal moment in waterfowl and wetland conservation… The Kennedy Center positions UM to meet these urgent challenges with science-based strategies that will inform continent-scale management decisions.”
According to the official website, the University offers virtual or in-person tours for prospective students as well as online learning options reaching Missoula students or those elsewhere; it accommodates more than 11,000 students; operates within higher education as a public research university; emphasizes academic excellence with hands-on education; provides undergraduate through professional degree programs via its colleges; all admissions follow established processes.
Public comments about this proposal can be submitted by email or mail before or during the listening session.