Montana Western to Hold 129th Annual Commencement Ceremony

The University of Montana Western will celebrate its 129th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Bulldog Stadium on the UMW campus.

“We look forward to celebrating this important milestone for our students, and we are proud of all of their accomplishments,” said Montana Western Chancellor Michael Reid.

A total of 350 Montana Western graduates will be awarded over 405 degrees by the end of the 2025–26 academic year. Of those graduates, 58 have completed two or more degrees, and 80% are receiving honors by achieving a GPA of 3.33 or higher. Over 200 graduates have chosen to participate in this year’s ceremony. The ceremony’s Chief Marshal will be UMW Equine Studies Instructor, Iola “Olie” Else.

Commencement Speaker: Heather Hoyer

This year’s commencement will feature Board of Regents Member and Great Falls Public Schools Superintendent Heather Hoyer. A Montana native and Montana Western alumna, Hoyer brings more than 30 years of experience across K–12 and higher education. She is widely recognized for her leadership in hands-on learning and Career and Technical Education, including being named the 2024 Montana ACTE Administrator of the Year, and continues to serve on statewide boards, including the Montana University System Board of Regents.

“Montana Western is thrilled to welcome alumna Heather Hoyer back to campus as our 2026 Commencement speaker,” said Chancellor Michael Reid. “Her journey from UMW student to statewide education leader is inspiring, and we are excited for our graduates to learn from her experiences.”

UMW Alumni Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Dr. Janelle Handlos

Dr. Janelle Handlos, a Montana Western alumna, has dedicated more than 20 years to the university as an educator and athletic professional. Since joining UMW in 2001, she has served in a variety of roles, including Head Athletic Trainer, Interim Athletic Director, faculty member, and department chair, while also helping establish the Department of Health & Human Performance. She remains actively involved in the Dillon community through coaching, volunteer work, and service.

“We are honored to recognize Dr. Janelle Handlos with the 2026 Montana Western Alumni Distinguished Service Award,” said UMW Foundation and Alumni Director Roxanne Engellant. “Her impact on students, campus programs, and the Dillon community reflects her strong commitment to service and leadership.”

Events Leading Up to Commencement

Social Honoring Dr. Janelle Handlos and UMW Classes of 1976 and 2001

The Montana Western Foundation and Alumni Office will host a social honoring Dr. Janelle Handlos and Montana Western classes of 1976 and 2001 on Friday, May 8, in the Lewis & Clark Room. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the UMW Foundation Board, the luncheon is offered at a special reduced rate of $10 per person for all guests. To RSVP, please call 406-683-7303 or visit the UMW Foundation website.

Legacy Plaza Ceremony

An additional ceremony honoring the 2026 graduating class will be held on Friday, May 8, at 3:30 p.m. on the campus’s Legacy Plaza. This celebration is part of a special tradition at Montana Western, held at the end of each academic year on the eve of the Commencement Ceremony, and honors graduates for completing their degrees and the legacy they will leave at UMW. During the celebration, graduating students will receive their Montana Western alumni tassel, which will be worn during the Commencement Ceremony.

The celebration will also include special performances by the Polynesian Club, complimentary hot dogs provided by the UMW Foundation, and no-host beverages available from Sip406.

Commencement Day Logistics

Graduate Check-In

Graduates and degree candidates must arrive at the West Entrance of Bulldog Stadium by 9:00 a.m., dressed in full regalia. The processional will begin at 9:50 a.m.

Seating

Commencement will be held in Bulldog Stadium and is open to all; no tickets are required. Gates open at 9:00 a.m., and seating is available on the field, in the bleachers, and on the berms on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that seating and parking cannot be reserved. Guests should enter through the main ticket booth entrance.

Bulldog Lounge Livestream Viewing

A livestream of the ceremony will also be available in the Bulldog Lounge, located on the upper floor of the Student Union Building. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., and seating is first come, first served.

Online Livestream

For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the Commencement Ceremony will be available starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at umwestern.edu/commencement-live-stream.

Bookstore & The Cup

Montana Western’s Bookstore and coffee shop, “The Cup,” will be open the morning of commencement. Guests are invited to stop by for a drink or to shop for Bulldog gear. Both the bookstore and The Cup are located in the Student Union Building.

For more information, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371 or visit https://tinyurl.com/UMWComm26.