March 2026 News

The Works of Kim Giannone

MONTANA WESTERN FINE ARTS GALLERY PRESENTS THE WORKS OF KIM GIANNONE

MARCH 30, 2026

The University of Montana Western is honored to present The Works of Kim Giannone, an exhibit celebrating the life and work of the late artist and student. This exhibit features work by Giannone from several different series, including “Sweat and Sagebrush,” “The Early Years,” journals, and other draft prints. The exhibition will open on Thursday, April 16, and will feature an opening reception from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery located in Main Hall.

Kim Giannone

KIM GIANNONE’S LASTING IMPACT AT MONTANA WESTERN

MARCH 30, 2026

The stories people share often reveal the truest picture of a life. At the University of Montana Western, stories about Kim Giannone, known to most as KG, paint a picture of someone who left a lasting impact on campus and throughout the Dillon community. Though her time here was brief, the memories shared by friends, faculty, and classmates highlight a person who approached life with curiosity, kindness, and a genuine appreciation for the people she met along the way.

Dr. Beth Bennett

UMW ALUMNA TO SHARE BEAVERHEAD COUNTY SURVEY FINDINGS

MARCH 26, 2026

University of Montana Western alumna Dr. Beth Bennett, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Idaho State University, and Dr. Jessica Schad, Professor of Sociology at Utah State University, will present the results of Dr. Bennett’s 2024 Beaverhead County Community Survey on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the STC Great Room.

Virginia City Players

MONTANA WESTERN TO PRODUCE 78TH SEASON OF VIRGINIA CITY PLAYERS

MARCH 24, 2026

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Program has entered into an agreement with the Montana Heritage Commission to operate the Virginia City Opera House this summer. Montana Western will produce the Virginia City Players’ 78th season, maintaining the company’s distinction as the longest continually running summer stock theatre west of the Mississippi.

Montana Youth Challenge Academy Logo

MYCA & UMW TO HOST EDUCATOR AIRLIFT EVENT ON MARCH 25

MARCH 17, 2026

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy, in partnership with the Montana National Guard 1-189th (General Support Aviation Battalion) and the University of Montana Western, will host a statewide Educator Airlift on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

UMW Student Cady Brown Selected for Prestigious National Farm Bureau Internship

CADENCE BROWN REPRESENTS MONTANA AT NATIONAL YF&R COMPETITION

MARCH 2, 2026

Cadence Brown, a third-year student at the University of Montana Western who will graduate this fall, recently represented Montana at the national level after winning the state Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet. Brown is majoring in business with a minor in equine studies and has developed strong skills in public speaking and agricultural advocacy during her time at Montana Western.