Abby Williams

Anchorage, AK

Major - Biology, concentration in Human Bio Sciences

Griz Hack - Find your ideal study spot. I can never work in my room, but I focus best in the University Center.

Fun Fact -  I walked the New York Fashion Runway twice! 

Alayna Williams

Missoula, MT

Major - Music Theatre Performance, Dance Minor

Griz Hack - Take the time to find all the places to get coffee. The shorter the walk to caffeine the better.

Why join? - Its a fast way to meet lots of people and make life long friends

Alisyn Maloughney

Havre, MT

Major - Music Education

Favorite thing to do off campus - I love taking myself on "Hot Girl Walks"

Fun Fact - I'm forklift certified

Allison Marr

Great Falls, MT

Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Human and Family Development Minor

Favorite thing to do off campus - I love exploring the food scene in downtown Missoula!

Griz Hack - Find a spot to study outside of your room!

Amanda Mazur

Lolo, MT

Major - Art and Business Administration, Entertainment Management Certificate

Griz Hack - Schedule breaks and things you enjoy into your schedule so you can find joy in busier times, walk your schedule before the first day of classes, say yes to opportunities your professors give even if they are optional

Fun Fact - I have the goal of going on the top ten rollercoasters in America

Ava Lamers

Rhinelander, WI

Major - Integrative Physiology

Favorite thing to do off campus - I enjoy being outdoors and finding new hikes, skiing, and floating the river.

Why join? - Joining the Advocates gives you the opportunity to make a difference on our campus and in our larger Missoula community and also gives you the opportunity to make connections with incoming students to make their transition easier. 

Cadence Hatten

Helena, MT

Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Human and Family Development Minor

Griz Hack - Put yourself out there right away to meet new people.

Fun Fact - I was on a Curling team in high school.

Davin Phinney

East Greenwich, RI

Major - Pre-Physical Therapy, International Business and Marketing, Spanish Minor

Griz Hack - Find time to do the things that make you happy — even if they aren’t a part of your school or extracurriculars. Go to office hours and take advantage of the opportunities campus offers you, like tutoring and study groups!

Why join? - The Advocates are a group of people who push you to be a better person and will always be welcoming and caring about each other, others, and the place we live. You will gain many amazing experiences and find lifelong friends in this group. 

Dylan Van Rossum

Los Angeles, CA

Major - Social Work

Griz Hack - Put all of your assignments into a calendar at the beginning of the semester to stay organized!

Fun Fact - In another life, I'd want to own a bakery!

Isabel Beasley

Helena, MT

Major - Psychology, Neuroscience Minor

Favorite thing to do off campus - I love exploring downtown! My favorite coffee shop is Butterfly Herbs 

Fun Fact - I can say the alphabet backwards due to my middle school choir teacher

Evan McComsey

Elkton, MD

Major - Media Arts

Favorite thing to do off campus - Listen to live music.

Fun Fact - I'm an Eagle Scout!

Isabella Abbott

Boulder, MT

Major - Psychology and Social Work

Griz Hack - Get to know your professors and stay organized

Fun Fact - I have six siblings

Katelyn Hauck

Billings, MT

Major - Early Childhood Education

Favorite thing to do off campus - Getting to be in nature, and go hiking

Griz Hack - Be more open to new things. It can be hard, but it can also lead to meeting new people and having great experiences. 

Kayla Bridges

Helena, MT

Major - Psychology, Human and Family Development Minor

Griz Hack - If you have leftover money on your Griz Card on Sunday night, go to the market or rise & rooted and stock up on snacks. Once it hits Monday any remaining money is gone for good, so use it. Plus buy the banana bread, you won't regret it.  

Fun Fact - I was a national level competitive figure skater when I was a child. 

Kylie Lopuch

Missoula, MT

Major - Business Management

Favorite thing to do off campus - I love teaching dance and going to concerts!

Griz Hack - Have some sort of planner situation: physical planner/calendar, google calendar, google sheets, etc. Stay on top of things and figure out which system works best for YOU!

Layla Sheeran

Whitefish, MT

Major - Journalism and Media Arts

Favorite Thing to do off campus - Go to Freecycles concerts!

Why join? - We are an awesome community that help other communities while also helping each other.

Lily Denham

Kooskia, ID

Major - Integrative Physiology

Favorite Thing to do off campus - Hike to hot springs!

Griz Hack - Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a routine that works for you. Stay active and join a club. Have fun!

Logan Brewer

Spearfish, SD

Major - Marketing

Why join? - It creates an amazing opportunity to volunteer in the community, and get to meet a bunch of like minded people.

Fun Fact - I have a twin who is 1 minute older than me, who ended up going to school 6 hours in the opposite direction than me.

Madison Panek

Booney Lake, WA

Major - Philosophy

Griz Hack - If its before you get here, do not bring as much stuff, you don't need it. If you are already here, I would say utilize the study spaces around campus.

Fun Fact - I play the banjo, not very well though. 

Taci Watkins

St. Maries, ID

Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Why join? - It is such a great way to meet new people and have a positive impact on incoming 1st year students.

Griz Hack - Having a fun drink (lotus, coffee, etc) makes studying and doing homework go by a lot faster!

Taylor McPherson

Fairview, MT

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability and Environmental Studies, Economics Minor

Favorite Thing to do off campus - I love taking advantage of the recreational opportunities around Missoula and love going on hikes and have recently gotten into birding with friends!

Griz Hack - I love taking advantage of the recreational opportunities around Missoula and love going on hikes and have recently gotten into birding with friends!

Bailey Cook

Spokane, WA

Major - Biology, concentration in Human Bio Sciences

Griz Hack - Finding a time to be active is so beneficial to your body and your mental health! Also make friends with your professors and advisors, they are there to help you!

Office Supply - Post it notes! If you are a list person like me, these are your best friend in college!

Ciara Mielke

Spokane, WA

Major - Psychology

Griz Hack - Park in the 2-5 parking on the weekends and you'll be in the clear. Also the Food Zoo has some fire banana bread take it to go!!!

Why join? - You should consider doing the UM Advocates because it's an amazing group of students that strive to push each other to grow and be more confident to use their voice. You might also consider it because you will meet some of your best friends that will be there for you on your good and bad days!

Delanie Schultz

Kalispell, MT

Major - Business Management and Communications

Griz Hack - Don’t be afraid to use places like the math learning center or the writing and public speaking center, they can help you immensely.

Why join? - The Advocates introduce you to a wonderful group of people, they help you gain and develop real life experience and they give you the opportunity to help new students learn about college.

Dominic DeMario

Kila, MT

Major - Business Marketing

Office Supply - Scotch Tape because you can do a lot of fun things with it.

Why join? - The Advocates are a great organization that will give you many leadership skills and introduce you to new friends along the way.

Emily Wahl

Bismarck, ND

Major - Psychology

Griz Hack - Do laundry at night on a week day. Go exploring around campus to find a good study spot, especially check out buildings you don't have class in. Finding a comfortable space, that’s not a dorm room, to study in is very beneficial. Don’t be afraid to go to tutoring, I was and I paid for it. Same goes with your professors office hours.

Office Supply - Sticky notes! To make teeny tiny origami

James Deacon

Mebane, NC

Major - Mathematical Science-Computer Science, Wilderness Studies

Griz Hack - Use the student entrance to the football games, go to the library for group projects, walk around campus before the first day of class.

Fun Fact - I love to read and write poetry.

Kelsey Keersemaker

Kalispell, MT

Major - Business Management, Entertainment Management Certificate

Office Supply - Ink Joy colorful pens because I need to make each class I'm taking a different color when I write assignments down in my planner.

Fun Fact - I went to a different high school, in a different state, every year of high school.

Lauren Schulte

Spokane, WA

Major - Psychology, Climate Change Studies Minor

Office Supply - Papermate flair felt tip pens. I love (and have collected) all the colors they come in and they are great for taking notes or little art projects! 

Fun Fact -At home, I live on a farm and have goats!

Madeline Durant

Grants Pass, OR

Major - Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Psychology Minor

Griz Hack - Use the panini press in the Food Zoo to make some bomb sandwiches.

Fun Fact - My first concert was Hannah Montana in 2009.

Marissa Sandate

Fernley, NV

Major - Integrated Physiology

Office Supply - Sticky notes, you can use them for anything!

Fun Fact - Im 4’ 11"

Milena McKee

Spokane, WA

Major - Business Management, Climate Change Stidues Minor

Office Supply - A planner because I like to know what’s happening 24/7.

Griz Hack - Go to office hours!!!Your professors will get to know you and it will help you in the long run.

Parker Friday

Billings, MT

Major - Undeclared, interested in Political Science and Multidisciplinary Studies

Office Supply - Tape; it's pretty versatile- it can be used for repairing (like torn notes) or for creating new things (like scrapbooks).

Griz Hack - If an event or activity sounds even a little interesting, go and check it out (you can bring friends too)! This attitude brought me to a Contra Dance in the UC Commons, planetarium shows in the Payne Family Native American Center, and a ZooTown Cabaret performance, among other things during my first year at UM! Also, visit your professor and/or TA's office hours if you have questions- this will not only help you succeed academically but develop stronger relationships at UM. 

Sara Schoeffler

Corvallis, OR

Major - Elementary Education

Office Supply - Sticky notes because I love writing notes for people and leaving them fun places!

Fun Fact - I am very afraid of moths.

Sydney Emond

Billings, MT

Major - Journalism, Photojournalism Concentration

Office supply - Colorful gel pens, they make my notes seem more fun and exciting!

Fun Fact - I can quote all of Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Rickky Bobby.

Wyatt Nelson

Missoula, MT

Major - Undeclared

Griz Hack - Use all your time for something.

Fun Fact - I have no documented concussions...believe it or not.

Abigail Miller

Gold Bar, WA 

Major - Integrative Physiology; concentration: Exercise Science 

Griz Hack - Scope out the best bathrooms on Campus early on so you never have to worry. My personal favorites are in the Journalism Building and in The Gilkey Building. 

Why join? - Being a UM Advocate is a really cool way to represent our school and make a difference in students' lives. 

Aby Ripley

Spokane, WA 

Major – Undeclared; minor: Human and Family Development 

Office Supply - A stapler! 

Fun Fact - I am afraid of deer and I competed in ice skating for 5 years. 

Addison O'Neill

Great Falls, MT

Major - Neuroscience and Psychology 

Griz Hack - Don’t study in your room too often, make a list of things you plan to accomplish for the week, and don’t be afraid to try new things. 

Fun Fact - My favorite flavor of ice cream is bubblegum (especially from big dipper)! 

Allison McJannet

Helena, MT 

Major - Art 

Office Supply - I love a good dry-erase marker to write to-do’s on my mirror (the only place I’ll see it)!  

Why join? - They are the biggest group of friends I have ever had and will easily become your best support system! 

Cassie Caldwell

Imperial, CA 

Major - Elementary Education 

Griz Hack - Find a good place to study and stick with it! I love the library or UC commons. 

Why join? - I have made so many friends through the Advocates and it’s a great confidence builder. 

Chloe Brown

Butte, MT 

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability; minor: Climate Change Studies; concentration: Resource Conservation 

Office Supply - G2 Pens especially if they're colored. They always write so smoothly and I LOVE color coding my notes and flashcards.  

Fun Fact - I dance hula on Sundays with the Pacific Islanders Club. I also like to crochet and do pottery in my free time. 

Dominic Azevedo

Carson City, NV 

Major - Accounting 

Griz Hack - Don't be afraid to reach out. Try new things that make you nervous.  

Fun Fact - I love to cook and not to brag, pretty dang good at it.  

Emma Qualls

Hadley Garsjo

Sidney, MT

Major - Biology, Pre-Dental

Office Supply? - Mechanical pencil because when the lead breaks all you have to do is click the end and you don't have to bother sharpening it.

Why join? - Advocates is the best thing that has happened for me in my first year at the University. You meet so many amazing people who truly care about you and want to see you succeed as an Advocate but also in life too. It is a great way to become familiar with the University and get involved around campus.

Hailey Brewer

Helena, MT 

Major - Psychology 

Griz Hack - Find your study spot and take breaks every hour or so.  

Fun Fact - I can solve a rubix cube! 

Hannah Merrick

Butte, MT 

Major - Political Science; minor: Communication Studies 

Why join? - The Advocates is a great way to get to know the University better and be prepared to help incoming students find their home here. It's also a group full of the kindest people. 

Fun Fact - I'm ambidextrous. 

Julia Brink

Erie, CO 

Major – Cognitive Neuroscience 

Why join? - The UM Advocates is a community that provides a wonderful environment for growth as a leader and you get to share with and help other families love UM and take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities we have.  

Fun Fact - I have a small fear of car washes. 

Julia Grzywacz

Seymour, CT 

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability; minors: Political Science, History 

Office Supply - Pilot G2 Pens. They are amazing and write so crisp. 

Fun Fact - In high school I was a part of FFA and with that I was on the Milk Quality and Products Team. This meant I had to taste and grade milk. Yes, I know it sounds odd.

Kelsie Ring

Lakeside, MT 

Major - Marketing; minor: Communication Studies 

Griz Hack - GET INVOLVED, so basic but so necessary for the college experience.  

Fun Fact - I can bench press 200 pounds. 

Kimberly Neumann

Williston, ND 

Major - Pre-Pharmacy 

Office Supply - Colored pens! I enjoy color coding my notes and planner with colored notes. 

Griz Hack - Get help when you need it! Go to office hours, Study Jam, the Writing and Public Speaking Center, or any resource like that on campus. They are here to help you succeed, so use them!!

Laila Sisson

Monument, CO 

Major – Theatre Design and Technology, Properties Design 

Griz Hack - Build the things that make you happy into your day-to-day schedule. This way you will always have time to do what you love! 

Fun Fact - I've lived in 7 different states including Hawaii! 

Lindsey Veno

Olean, NY 

Major - Integrative Physiology; concentration: Applied Human Physiology 

Griz Hack - Find a good study space on campus! The PFNAC is beautiful and you can see the whole Oval!   

Why join? - UM Advocates is like a home away from home. The community is so supportive and you create amazing friendships. 

Madison Collins

Bozeman, MT 

Major - Undeclared 

Meghan Burns

Tucson, AZ 

Major - Public Health; concentration: Global Health 

Griz Hack - Don’t be afraid to talk to other students before coming to orientation. It can help make you more comfortable and have an immediate support group. 

Why join? - The Advocates have helped me expand my knowledge about UM and Missoula as a whole. It’s such a good way to meet people and get involved in the greater community. 

Nicole Service

San Francisco, CA 

Major - Journalism; minor: Irish Studies 

Office Supply - I like gel pens a lot. Especially purple pens. They bring me joy. 

Griz Hack - USE OFFICE HOURS. Professors aren’t that scary and going into their office hours is helpful.  

Paige Harrison

Billings, MT 

Major – English; minor: Business Administration; concentration: English Teaching 

Office Supply - Sticky Notes because I use them for anything and everything. 

Griz Hack - Get involved! Make friends in your residence hall and classes! Be whoever you want to be! Try new things! Take care of your mental health! 

Tatum Egan

Billings, MT 

Major - Elementary Education 

Griz Hack - Use the panini press in the Food Zoo to make grilled cheeses!!  

Why join? - The Advocates are a compassionate group of people who truly care about others' well-being, why wouldn't you want to surround yourself with people like that? 

Abagail Phillips

Rochester, NY 

Major - International Business and Management & Entrepreneurship; minor: Chinese 

Office Supply - Gel pens, they’re so bold and defined. 

Fun Fact - Growing up, I attended 8 different schools!

Aliya Peek

San Diego, CA 

Major - Public Health; minor: Non-Profit Administration; concentration: Community Health 

Office Supply - I LOVE my planner and PaperMate Inkjoy Gel Pens!! With a good printed planner and colored gel pens, I color coordinate my courses to keep myself organized!  

Griz Hack - Introduce yourself to your professors after the first class and continuously talk with your professors after class or by email throughout the semester so they get to know you and vice vera. And don’t forget to use the Writing and Public Speaking Center!!! They are your best friend if you are struggling or want feedback on any assignment. 

Ann Killen

Huntley, MT 

Major - Pharmacy 

Griz Hack - Reach out to your roommate ahead of time and coordinate some things, so you don't end up with 2 microwaves or no mini-fridges! It's also a great way to make a friend and get comfortable with your roommate before arriving on campus in the fall! 

Fun Fact - I LOVE baking, and I can make a mean banana bread! 

Caitlyn Sena

Helena, MT

Major - Environmental Science and Sustainability, Ecosystem Science and Resotration Concentration, European Studies minor

Griz Hack - Push yourself out of your comfort zone in the first couple weeks (maybe that looks like going to BEAR Fair or maybe it’s asking someone you just met if they want to have dinner with you)

Fun Fact - I have lived in 3 foreign countries (born in Germany, and spent middle school in Italy and Poland)

Holly Mahon

Hamilton, MT 

Major - Public Health; concentration: Global Health 

Office Supply - Post-It Flags so you can always find your place in books! 

Fun Fact - I can recall all of the US Presidents in order and I know every episode of the Golden Girls by heart! 

Jorgie Hawthorne

Great Falls, MT 

Major - Political Science; minor: Non-Profit Administration 

Griz Hack - Keep a line of communication with your professors! If they understand who you are and what you’re like, they’re more likely to be lenient when you need something! It’s also a great networking tool. 

Why join? - Advocates are a great way to make friends! It sounds cliche, but we’re just a big happy family.

Keeza Leavens

Rapid City, SD 

Major – Social Work; minors: Sociology, Non-Profit Administration 

Office Supply - Sharpie S-Gel because they are so smooth and I like the idea of making a mistake and having to accept it and move on, rather than trying to erase it and fix it. 

Griz Hack - Befriend your RA!!! They know so many tips and tricks. Bring extra chairs for your room so when you have friends over, they have somewhere to sit. Get as involved as possible so campus feels like home and not a strange place. The less time you spend in your room, the better. Always have snacks in your room (use your meal plan).

Kyle Wonders

Newbury Park, CA 

Major - Wildlife Biology; minors: Climate Change Studies, Nonprofit Administration 

Griz Hack - The field next to the Adams Center has some great trees for hammocking, and the bus stops on campus are a great way to get around for those of us who don’t have cars. 

Fun Fact - The first car I ever drove was a police car. If you see me around campus, ask me about it and I'll tell you the story. 

Liv Wilson

Kalispell, MT 

Major - Marketing and Management & Entrepreneurship 

Griz Hack - Going to office hours is totally worth it, bring a vacuum for your residence hall room (you probably will need it), and never be afraid to ask for help! 

Fun Fact - I've traveled to 12 different countries. 

Madeline Staples

Butte, MT 

Major - Media Arts; minor: Journalism 

Why join? - Someone should consider joining because it gets you more involved in your college community, helps you meet friends, and it’s fun! 

Fun Fact - Both of my parents and both of my siblings were all University of Montana students. My dad lived in Craig Hall during the fall of 1970, my brother lived there during 2017, and I lived there during 2020.  

Marian kale

Billings, MT

Major - Music Education and History

Office Supply? - NEW PENS are so fun! Those and some bright sticky notes help keep me organized.

Griz Hack - Weekend mornings are the best time for laundry if you're an early bird! 

Molly Keller

Deer Park, WA 

Major - Management Information Systems and Marketing 

Griz Hack - Go early on chicken strip night in the food zoo, it will always be packed! 

Fun Fact - My grandma's name is Helen Keller. 

Quinn Lamers

Sapphire Pilney

Missoula, MT

Major - Public Health

Office Supply - Book tabs- If you have to write a paper later you can have quotes ahead of time and color coordinate the information. 

Griz Hack - If you are feeling overwhelmed while studying, take a quick walk, get a little snack, and then go back to your work. 

Stephanie Kowal

Great Falls, MT 

Major – Sociology and Psychology; concentration: Criminology 

Why join? - Because you become a part of a family and learn about your school and receive opportunities to volunteer and interact with other students.

Fun Fact - I am completely deaf in my right ear. 

Siena Cysewski

Kirkland, WA 

Major - Management Information Systems and Theatre; minor: Communications 

Griz Hacks - Saving up meal plan money to get a nice lunch at the UC Food Court, studying at the newly renovated Rise + Rooted, and joining a great student group or two to help make friends! 

Why join? - I joined Advocates because I wanted to get involved with meeting prospective students, to learn more about this school that I love so much and then to be able to help other students make informed decisions, and of course to make long lasting close friends from across all the majors.  

Trevor Wilson

Selah, WA 

Major - Geosciences 

Griz Hack - Put yourself out there and get involved in whatever strikes your interest. Figure out how to manage your time and focus on where your time matters most to you after your horizon has been broadened. 

Fun Fact - I’ve never been to a barber shop or professionally had my hair cut.