The University of Montana marked the start of its academic year with a convocation ceremony in the Dennison Theatre on Monday, August 25. The event brought together first-year students, faculty, staff, and administrators to officially welcome the class of 2029.
UM President Seth Bodnar addressed the audience, acknowledging the mix of emotions among new students after their first day. Drawing from his military experience as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, Bodnar offered advice: “fake motivation is better than no motivation.”
He encouraged students to see themselves as part of a larger community. “At UM, I’m going to ask that you think beyond yourself,” Bodnar said. “Yes, this academic journey is one you are responsible for walking. But as you look around today, and for the next four years, this community is around you, here to support you. It’s important to remember when to ask for help and when to extend a hand to help to someone else.”
Bodnar introduced “The Montana Way,” which he described as UM’s approach combining career training with well-being, leadership, and service. “The world is desperate for a new generation of leaders,” he said. “And Grizzlies rise to that challenge, because there’s something special here on this campus. That’s why you chose us. So I’m going to ask that you to lean into – and live – The Montana Way.”
He outlined aspects of The Montana Way such as self-care and engaging with differing viewpoints: “Be courageous,” Bodnar said. “Take risks, be curious. Join a club and find something with which to fall in love with – maybe that’s a subject, a person or an experience. That’s up to you.”
Other speakers included Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Leslie Webb and Association Students of UM President Buddy Wilson.
“Make it a point to make a friend or a connection in each class,” Webb advised students.
Wilson highlighted over 150 student clubs at UM and promoted services provided by ASUM for student representation.
Assistant Professor Beth Hubble shared her perspective on connectivity at UM based on her experiences as both student and faculty member: “I love students,” she said. “You are the reason why I have been on this campus since the ’90s and why I continue my love of teaching and scholarship today. Believe me when I tell you that this place can take you to places you never imagined.”
Alumnus Kyle Wonders spoke about how his academic and extracurricular experiences at UM supported his early career in nonprofit environmental advocacy: “gets people to understand their important connection to place, which is what you will do you here,” Wonders said.
President Bodnar concluded by inviting attendees for games and refreshments while encouraging them: “Your roots are here. You are part of this community now and forever,” he said. “So let’s Go Griz and make the best of it – and let’s make a deal to meet back together in four years when you graduate.”
