Amazing Response in Legendary Montana Griz Football Coach’s Honor

Guiding the team to its first national championship was only a part of what he left behind.

While I did not get to spend too much time with him collaborating on various radio broadcasts, primarily in his brief role as interim Athletic Director, he had a way of making you feel like you'd been friends for life, and that the time spent with you truly mattered. And a genuinely nice man's legacy is now cemented even deeper in Griz Nation.

THE SOCIETY (SO FAR SO GREAT)

University of Montana Sports Information Director Eric Taber tells us that Grizzly Athletics has announced the unveiling of a new way to honor and collaborate with the athletic department’s biggest philanthropic supporters: The Don Read Society.

The Don Read Society is a leadership giving society named for after legendary head football coach Don Read, who set the standard for Grizzly Athletics. It is this group’s mission to carry on that legacy and raise the bar even higher through increasing philanthropic revenues and improving the overall student-athlete experience for the 330-plus who wear the maroon and silver.

Founded in late 2024, the Don Read Society recently welcomed it first class, an astounding 46 members, who have each pledged over $50,000 to support all of Montana’s 15 varsity programs. Membership begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over a five-year period or donating an annual cash gift of $50,000 or more.

Don Read Society members receive unique benefits and stewardship opportunities including exclusive ticketing access, apparel, team travel, events with staff and coaches and more, depending on their giving level. All donations are also tax deductible.

Members' options to designate their gift to the fund of their choice include the Grizzly Scholarship Association, Athletics Success Fund, Sports Specific Giving, Endowment and Capital Projects.

QUOTING THE A.D.

UM Director of Athletics Kent Haslam was quoted as saying, “Grizzly Athletics is fortunate to have extremely generous and committed donors. The Don Read Society will provide another way for us to recognize these valuable partners. Private support is critical to the success of our student-athletes, and we are so grateful for this inaugural class.”

More details on Don Read Society membership and benefits can be found here.

UP WITH MONTANA