Grizzly Gate: Introducing UM鈥檚 New Landmark Sign Near Madison Street Bridge
MISSOULA – Standing 10 feet tall, it’s difficult to miss the new interlocking U and M sign in Missoula’s Jeannette Rankin Peace Park, a triangular parcel just south of the Madison Street Bridge at the entrance to the 91短视频.
UM students, employees and the broader community collectively chose the new sign name, Grizzly Gate, via online voting. The sign was completed just ahead of UM’s Spring Commencement ceremonies set for Saturday, May 10.
“We’re thrilled to have the new sign completed just in time for arguably UM’s most important occasion, Spring Commencement, when our graduates, their families and friends and alumni gather to celebrate,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “We want it to be the first thing our community and visitors see when you cross the Clark Fork River, making it clear you’ve arrived in Griz country.”
This summer, additional beautification will be completed around the sign, including the installation of a pollinator-friendly plant garden with species native to Montana, including serviceberry, sagebrush, potentilla, sumac, wax current, yarrow, blanket flower and bee balm.
Completed by Sirius Construction and designed by SMA and WGM Architecture firms, the sign is intended to reflect UM and community pride, in addition to serving as wayfinding art for prospective students and families. The 13-foot-wide and 2-foot-thick sign will be illuminated at night and includes a path that is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
“I love the placement of this landmark within Jeannette Rankin Park,” said Paula Short, associate vice president for campus operations. “She is one of our most noted alumni, and the walking path, landscaping and the park itself offer visitors the opportunity for photos, gatherings or reflection. It’s a beautiful introduction to the 91短视频 campus.”
According to University records, the interlocking UM logo was first introduced in 1976 and served as a secondary logo for the Montana Grizzlies (on football helmets) during the 1980s, remaining in use until 2014. A trademark application for the interlocking UM was filed in 2010 and became registered in 2011. The logo is designed to embody the ethos of UM, one of community, service and impact.
“Bold and unmistakable, the new interlocking UM welcomes all to campus and reflects the enduring bond between UM, students, alumni and our Missoula community – a connection that, like the logo itself, is interlocked for life,” said LeAnn Layton, UM associate vice president for alumni and community relations.
A second, smaller interlocking UM sign is under construction on the corner of Connell and Arthur Avenues to welcome new students visiting the Welcome Center in the Gilkey Building. This sign also will be illuminated.
Since 2018, UM has invested more than $300 million into updated campus infrastructure in projects that directly impact student learning and support. In addition to Grizzly Gate, the UM campus has welcomed new infrastructure improvements to campus, including:
- The Lodge Dining Center.
- the Combined Heat and Power Plant.
- a new, 600-Bed residence hall.
- the Grizzly Indoor Practice Facility.
- renovation of historic Knowles Hall.
Bodnar said the building and renovation on campus reflect UM’s strategic growth trajectory.
“Because of philanthropy, state government investment and a more strategic approach to UM’s balance sheet, we have completed improvements without putting the financial burden on our students,” Bodnar said. “Collectively, these projects are writing UM’s next, great chapter.”
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Contact: Paula Short, UM associate vice president of campus operations, preparedness and response, 406-243-5806, paula.short@umontana.edu; Dave Kuntz, UM director of strategic communications, 406-243-5659, dave.kuntz@umontana.edu.