UM Homecoming Set for Oct. 8-14

MISSOULA – The University of Montana Alumni Association invites alumni and the Missoula community to celebrate Homecoming 2017, Sunday through Saturday, Oct. 8-14.

This year’s theme, “Reflections: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” commemorates UM’s upcoming 125th anniversary celebration. The schedule includes a full slate of traditions new and old for the University community to participate in.

The festivities get started with the Homecoming Kickoff Celebration from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Southgate Mall Clock Court. The event will include music, dancing, prizes and appearances by UM mascot Monte, the UM Cheer Squad and Dance Team. The kickoff is sponsored by Southgate Mall, Missoula’s 102.5 Mountain FM, Liberty Mutual Insurance and the UM Office of Alumni Relations.

The celebration continues at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 9, with the painting of the Hello Walk on the sidewalk outside Turner Hall. Members of the public are invited to join students and alumni in this UM tradition.

The public also is invited to the Homecoming Buffet Dinner at the Food Zoo in the Lommasson Center at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. The cost is $8.40 per person.

The 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony and reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, in the University Center Ballroom. This year’s recipients are William Finnegan, Harry Fritz, Ramakrishna Nemani, Robert “Bob” Seim and James “Scott” Wheeler.

The Yell Night Pep Rally gets underway at 8 p.m. Friday on the UM Oval, with the lighting of the “M” at dusk. Join Grizzly cheerleaders, the UM Marching Band and Monte for a bonfire, Singing on the Steps and a fireworks display.

Following the pep rally, alumni and community members are invited to the All-Alumni Social at the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown. Music will be provided by the UM Alumni Band from 7 to 9 p.m. in the ballroom, with a break to see the UM Marching Band perform between 9 and 9:30 p.m. in the atrium. The Alumni Jazz Band will play from 10 p.m. to midnight at Brooks & Browns Bar and Grill, adjacent to the atrium.

The 10th annual Homecoming Hustle 5K race starts at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the intersection of Higgins and Main downtown, just before the annual Homecoming Parade.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and travels south on Higgins to University Avenue. This year’s honorary parade marshal is legendary Lady Griz basketball coach Robin Selvig.

Drop by the Alumni Tailgate before the football game to enjoy food and beverages from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in tailgate spot 2 in the River Bowl, on the east side of parking lot M.

The Montana Grizzlies take on the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks at 1 p.m. Saturday in the annual Homecoming football game in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

For a complete schedule of Homecoming events, visit http://www.grizalum.com or call the UM Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Association at 406-243-5211.