The College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana is celebrating its centennial this year.
Authorized by the state legislature in 1913, the school formally opened in September 1914.
UM’s Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library recently prepared both an online and physical display of the college’s history. The online display features an interactive timeline of the college’s history and a collection of photos and other artifacts. The physical exhibit is in the Theta Rho Room on the library’s fourth floor.
“The college has a proud history of educating natural resource leaders, and we’re so pleased that these exhibits showcase the accomplishments of our students and faculty over the past 100 years,” forestry Dean Jim Burchfield said.
The history includes well-known faculty such as Arnold Bolle and long-running student events like the Foresters’ Ball. Starting with 25 students and one area of study, the college now boasts nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 17 degree options.
“Forestry has become so much more than just a degree program,” said Carlie Magill, the archives specialist who created both exhibits. “It’s established its own culture and traditions that include unique student field experiences, an internationally recognized faculty and the annual events of the iconic Forestry Club.”
The college will mark its centennial with a series of events this fall, including a banquet on Sept. 20. More details are online.