Each and every university has its uniqueness, advantages, and disadvantages. Not only do they differ from each other in terms of history, funding, and atmosphere, but also they have different ways of educating. For example, some educational institutions put a strong emphasis on teaching students to write various academic written discourses, such as comparative essays, research papers, etc. As to the latter, if you have any second thoughts regarding its structure and format, you can check how to write research papers online. Needless to say the University of Montana is considered to be a prestigious institution providing quality education in a variety of fields. However, not everyone knows a lot about the university, so it would be reasonable to provide you with some things in the list below that will encourage you to know more, and, at least, to pay a visit to such a worthy institution.
A short overview
The University of Montana is a public institution that was founded in 1893. The total number of students is considered to be 11,000, and its setting is urban. There are numerous academic programs and student organizations that focus on a variety of disciplines. Moreover, outside the classroom, graduates may join up to 170 clubs. Located in Western Montana, Missoula, the city where the university is located, is widely famous for its dense trees and breathtaking green landscape. As to the campus, it spreads over the base of Mount Sentinel, where one can find one of the state’s most popular hiking trails. The campus spreads over 220 acres with 64 buildings, not to mention a golf course, swimming pool, soccer field, and many other sporting facilities.
A different name
Even though you know this university by the abbreviation of UM, which is the University of Montana, that was not always the name. This is because, in 1917, the university became known as Montana State College and stuck with this name for approximately fifty years. Then, in 1965, the educational institution’s name was changed back to The University of Montana, and the reason why remains a conundrum. It had also been known as the State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (1913- 1920) and Congress encouraged universities to conduct a variety of research regarding soil and so forth, and to expand knowledge with farmers to cultivate land in a more productive way. Then there was some reestablishment, which occurred in the 1990s, and the University of Montana gained two names: Montana State University- Bozeman and the University of Montana-Missoula.
Two Universities
There are two education institutions in Montana, in Missoula and Bozeman because in 1881, Congress gave the territory for the formation of a university in Montana terrain. Consequently, civic leaders in Missoula and Helena made a determination to team up. Implementing a successful plan and a deal, Helena was to become the capital, and Missoula got to establish the university. Eventually, Bozeman got an agricultural college, and Missoula got the university. Other Montana cities were given designations such as education or health, from hospitals to teachers’ college, for instance.
The university and an observatory
The former federal government gave the University of Montana the land on the western side of Mount Sentinel. These days the letter “M” is located on the aforementioned mountain. The central purpose of giving the property to the UM was constructing an astronomical observatory. Sadly enough, the tower was never constructed; notwithstanding, Mount Sentinel was established as a defining aspect of the university’s campus.
Wildlife Trouble
The whole university’s grounds were once surrounded by wooden fences for some reasons. For instance, some time ago, wildlife, roaming livestock, and horses were posing a danger throughout the university’s early years. But now, there is no danger to be there as UM has a modern security system, and the area is being checked 24/7. Moreover, there are no wild animals in proximity to the university, so one can feel safe and secure.
The Oval
A 1960 Kaimin article pointed out that in the center of campus, an open-air amphitheater is composed in the Oval, slightly west of Main Hall. While aiming to enrich cultural abundance, the amphitheater stood for a solution to the difficulties of graduates walking across the Oval. Surprisingly enough, at that time, walking over the Oval was forbidden in order to protect the beautiful lawn. Nowadays, KettleHouse Amphitheater is situated on the banks of the fabulous Blackfoot River. It would be reasonable to mention that the KettleHouse Amphitheater has been voted #45 of the top 50 amphitheaters in the world. Thus, the question of its development is inevitable and worth visiting.
Bear as Mascot
From approximately 1890 to 1960, live bears were considered to be good-luck pieces for UM athletic teams. On August 27, the University of Montana presented a brand-new Bear statue celebrating the 50th birthday of this iconic symbol of UM. The materials were provided by the Northern Pacific Railway Co. and the Pacific Hide & Fur Depot in Missoula. The overall procedure was financed utterly from private donations. As to the place, a thriving bear found its position and home on a concrete podium close to the Main Hall.
Final Words
The University of Montana is a great educational institution located in a picturesque place. While having lots of facilities, the university is to provide you with the most interesting ones that will develop you exponentially. The aforementioned facts are only a small part of the things you didn’t know about the University of Montana. Possessing a long and rich history, you will find out more once you pay a visit.