The University of Montana recently unveiled a new entrance sign along the Clark Fork River, enhancing the visible appearance of the Missoula campus. This development coincides with recent successes for the university's athletic programs, specifically in Track and Field.
The 10-foot-tall marker, officially named Grizzly Gate, features the university's Interlocking UM logo. Its location near Jeannette Rankin Peace Park at the south end of the Madison Street Bridge positions it prominently for those arriving from downtown. Students, employees, and community members selected the name through online voting.
Completion of the Grizzly Gate sign occurred just before the University of Montana's Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 10. University officials noted the timing allowed graduates and their families to see the new entry feature during the important campus occasion.
UM President Seth Bodnar stated, “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." He added, "We want 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.”
Designed by SMA and WGM Architecture firms and built by Sirius Construction, the sign measures 13 feet wide and 2 feet thick. It includes an ADA compliant path and will be illuminated at night. Plans call for additional landscaping this summer, including a Pollinator-friendly garden featuring native Montana plant species.
The Interlocking UM logo displayed on the sign has history with the university, dating back to 1976. It served as a secondary logo for the Montana Grizzlies football team in the 1980s and was officially trademarked in 2011. A second, smaller Interlocking UM sign is also under construction near the Welcome Center.
These additions are part of broader Campus infrastructure improvements at the University of Montana. Since 2018, the university has invested over $300 million in projects aimed at updating facilities, including the Lodge Dining Center, the Combined Heat and Power Plant, a new 600-Bed residence hall, the Grizzly Indoor Practice Facility, and renovations to Knowles Hall.
Beyond physical campus enhancements, Grizzlies athletes are posting notable results. The Track and Field team competed recently at the Bengal Invitational. According to official reports from University of Montana Athletics, Samantha Serex set a pole vault record, and Kyle Iorg recorded a personal best in the javelin on the meet's first day.
These performances contribute to positioning Grizzlies athletes for potential qualification for NCAA competitions. The team competes within the Big Sky Conference, where Montana State athletes also recently earned recognition, including Sydney Brewster who received a third straight weekly honor for shot put in the Big Sky Conference.
Paula Short, associate vice president for campus operations, commented on the sign's placement. “I love the placement of this landmark within Jeannette Rankin Park,” Short said. “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 University of Montana campus.”
