The University of Montana Alumni Association (UMAA) was founded in 1901 by Eloise Knowles 1898, then a drawing instructor on the UM faculty. Its purpose was simply to support the fledgling University in any way it could. Today the Association's purpose remains the same; however, its contributions and outreach to an ever-growing alumni base are now essential elements sustaining the mission of The University of Montana.
In 1919 the Association sponsored UM's first Homecoming. Under Andy Cogswell, director of UMAA from 1946-1956, the Association became not only more active but better organized. One of Cogswell's innovations was the two-tiered board and delegates system, a structure that remains today.
George Sarsfield '50, UMAA president in the mid-sixties, incorporated the Association, giving it non-profit status and clearing the way for alumni to raise substantial amounts of money for student scholarships. During the 1981 Legislature, alumni across the state formed a network coordinated by the Alumni Office staff. The network lobbied on behalf of the University system resulting in legislative appropriation of significantly increased funds.
Today the Alumni Association, housed in Brantly Hall, employs four full-time and five part-time staff persons. The alumni database has grown to more than 70,000 records.
UMAA annually plans more than 30 national and international events in addition to hosting long-standing traditions such as Homecoming, Class Reunions and Charter Day.
(read less)The University of Montana Alumni Association (UMAA) was founded in 1901 by Eloise Knowles 1898, then a drawing instructor on the UM faculty. Its purpose was simply to support the fledgling University in any way it could. Today the Association's purpose remains the same; however, its contributions and outreach to an ever-growing alumni base are now essential elements sustaining the mission of The University of Montana.
In 1919 the Association sponsored UM's first Homecoming. Under Andy...
(read more)
