July 2026 News

MONTANA WESTERN STUDENT TURNS CLASS PROJECT INTO PUBLISHED RESEARCH

JULY 21, 2026

What began as a class assignment during her freshman year has grown into published scientific research for University of Montana Western student Neleh Bergstrom. Bergstrom, a biology major on the pre-med track, recently co-authored a peer-reviewed research paper in “Plant Signaling & Behavior” with Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Paul Helfrich. Their study examines how electrical signals move through the Venus flytrap, offering new insight into one of the plant's most fascinating characteristics.

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MONTANA WESTERN AND WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER INVITE ANONYMOUS SURVIVOR STORIES FOR “AFTER THE QUIET”

JULY 15, 2026

The University of Montana Western and the Women's Resource Center (WRC) are partnering to present "After the Quiet", a community monologue production that explores life after leaving domestic violence. As part of the project, survivors are invited to anonymously share their experiences to help shape the performance.

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MONTANA WESTERN WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS FOR ORIENTATION AUGUST 13–16

JULY 14, 2026

The University of Montana Western is excited to welcome new students to campus during New Student Orientation, taking place Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 16.

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COMMUNITY EVENT TO CELEBRATE “TRAIL CREEK: A NORTH FORK SAGA” AND THE LEGACY OF DANIEL AND GERAYNE BLOCK

JULY 8, 2026

The Bookstore and the Beaverhead County Museum will host an evening celebrating the release of "Trail Creek: A North Fork Saga", the newly published memoir by former Montana Western biology professor Dr. Daniel G. Block, on Thursday, July 9, at The Depot Theater in Dillon. The event will also honor the lives and legacy of Dan and GeRayne Block, whose experiences homesteading in Montana's North Fork wilderness are chronicled in the memoir. Dr. Block's grandson, Zachary Block, and son, Bryan Block, will share stories about the couple and the journey to bring the manuscript to publication.

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