“We believe we can offer female students experiences that will promote the mentality necessary to carry forward new trajectories in their own lives and systemic change for our country’s future,” Webster wrote in an email. “This S.E.A. Change gift will amplify students’ power to make positive change.”
Webster told the Missoulian that UM is immediately beginning the hiring process for a S.E.A. Change coordinator to oversee the initiatives. She said once that person is hired and the programming is planned, UM will announce a launch date for the mentorship group. Some of the other programmatic offerings will become available sooner, she said.
Of the gift, $500,000 will go towards renovations of 110-year-old Jeannette Rankin Hall, which will serve as the future home of the initiative and other programming. Webster wrote that this work would include improving accessibility, consulting with the historic preservation office, and possibly adding new technology and upgraded classrooms. A timeframe on the project was not available.
The Ecks, both UM alums, previously donated $8.3 million to the renovation of UM’s liberal arts building. In a video message to the Ecks, Webster called their philanthropy “absolutely awe-inspiring.”
The donation was part of Campaign Montana, the UM Foundation’s ongoing fundraising effort. Recently, the campaign also brought in a $1 million donation for expansion of the university’s Clinical Psychology Center and $5 million for a permanent home for the Montana Museum of Art and Culture.
Kath Williams serves as the sustainability consultant on the recently selected Project Planning Team.