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MISSOULA - The University of Montana Foundation is partnering with University Relations and the UM Alumni Association to launch a fundraising program to raise $1.2 million to ensure the economic slowdown does not affect students who rely on privately funded scholarships.

During the 2009-10 academic year as many as UM 1,000 students will be at risk of having their educations interrupted or discontinued.

The “1,000 Promises to Keep” program is designed to supplement endowed scholarship funds to keep students on track to success.

"Our students work hard to achieve excellence and meet their goals," said UM president George Dennison. "We have an obligation to make sure that today's economic slowdown doesn't slow down our students."

The value of most scholarships at UM is between $500 and $2,000 per semester. Many students receive several scholarships through different endowed scholarship funds to pay their tuition and expenses.

"We’re optimistic the university’s generous supporters will do all they can to keep our students in the classroom,” said Laura Brehm, president and CEO of the UM Foundation.

Volunteering to chair the fundraising effort are Deborah Doyle McWhinney, CEO and president of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, and Pat Risken, a Spokane-based attorney, current UM Alumni Association board president and former chair of the UM School of Business Administration Business Council.

McWhinney was the national campaign chair of UM’s successful, five-year “Invest in Discovery” campaign, which concluded in December 2007.

For more information or to make a donation: the UM Foundation, 406-243-2593 or 1-800-443-2593, or http://www.umt.edu/umf.

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