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Virtual Commencement Ceremony

Chancellor Beth WeatherbyA Message from Chancellor Beth Weatherby

We are so proud of all of the accomplishments by our inspiring graduates. While this year’s spring commencement is held virtually, we are honored, more than ever, to come together and recognize the challenges and achievements that have faced the Class of 2019-2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we are celebrating, we couldn’t be happier for our graduates.

Please find on this webpage a variety of ways to celebrate, including messages for our graduates, the presentation of digital diplomas, and the recognition of this year’s award recipients.

Wishing you all the best,
Beth Weatherby's SignatureChancellor Beth Weatherby

Virtual Commencement Ceremony and Chief Marshal, Dr. Alan Weltzien

This year’s Chief Marshal is Dr. Alan Weltzien, Professor of English at the University of Montana Western. Dr. Weltzien is retiring this year after 29 years of outstanding teaching at Montana Western.


Commencement Program


Please click here to download our Virtual Commencement Program with a listing of all of our 2020 graduates and their degrees.


Messages for Our Graduates


We have several special messages for our graduates from Chancellor Beth Weatherby, Board of Regents member Robert A. Nystuen, ASUMW President Ethan Powell and our Commencement keynote speaker Kelly Cresswell. Click on the videos below to watch or visit our YouTube channel.


Presentation of Diplomas


We are excited to present a digital diploma to each graduate through video this year. The videos announce each graduate, listed under the degree(s) they have earned with their corresponding digital diploma by last name. Click on the videos below to watch.

CertificatesAssociate of Applied Science
Associate of Arts and ScienceBachelor of Arts
Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of Arts and Science Education


Facebook


We have also posted the digital diplomas on our Facebook page, so you can share and celebrate your achievements with family and friends online. Click here to visit the University of Montana Western Facebook page.


Special Awards

Rush Jordan and Zella K. Flores Awards Banner

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Zella K. Flores and Rush Jordan Awards for excellence in education and achieving the highest grade point averages. This year’s winners are Graysen B. Spicher for the Zella K. Flores Award and Jacob Malek for the Rush Jordan Award.

First awarded in 1958, these awards are presented each spring to a man and woman having the highest academic standing. Rush Jordan was Montana Western’s president from 1946-56. Zella K. Flores was an Associate Professor of Education at UMW from 1949-58. She was one of the founders and a past president of the Montana chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a national educational society for women.


Message from Governor Bullock


Click here to view a special congratulatory message from Governor Bullock to the Class of 2020.


Fall Ceremony


At the request of our graduates, we will also be holding an in-person fall commencement ceremony for those who can return to Montana Western. We will be sending out more details over the summer as we assess the ability to assemble in large groups based on the latest COVID-19 guidelines.


Alumni & Friends Newsletter


We would also like to take the opportunity to invite you to sign up for our Alumni & Friends e-newsletter so you can stay connected with Montana Western. Visit our Alumni & Friends website to learn more.

For questions about Commencement, please email [email protected].