UM President Seth Bodnar has been on the job for quite some time, but his official inauguration will be a bit different than other presidents.

UM Director of Communications Paula Short said the unusual inauguration is symbolic of the man himself.

“We have a non-traditional President, and so we’ll have a non-traditional inauguration,” said Short. “The President visited with our team about the inauguration and really wanted to celebrate everybody on campus. Inaugurations are traditionally about just one person, but he really wanted to shine a light on leadership and service for many who make the University of Montana special, and the contributions to the state and beyond.”

Short said the weekend will be full of service opportunities.

“So, Friday, Saturday and into Sunday the theme will be ‘Inauguration Weekend, a Celebration of Service’,” she said. “The official installation ceremony will be on the steps of Main Hall at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Immediately following, everybody is invited to come to the University Center. We’ve partnered with United Way of Missoula to have what we’re calling ‘University United Food Friday’. It’s a service project to build 50,000 meal packages to benefit families right here in Missoula.”

On Saturday, it’s the ‘Griz for Kids’ Donation Drive and everyone is invited to bring an unwrapped new toy to the Pedestrian Bridge and the University Center Ballroom where volunteers will collect new toys for 11 local nonprofits.

The Grizzly football game will be the Military Appreciation Game, where those who served and are currently serving in the armed forces will be honored.

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