University of Montana Seeks Public Input on Naming New Forestry Building

The University of Montana wants public comment before naming a new forestry building after donors Robert T. and Janet M. Wolfenden.

A new building is coming to the University of Montana's W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, and the university is asking the public to weigh in before the name is finalized. The proposed name is the Robert T. and Janet M. Wolfenden Forestry and Conservation Building, honoring the two individuals after whom the facility would be dedicated. The public comment period gives community members, students, faculty, and alumni a formal opportunity to respond to the naming proposal before a decision is made. Naming rights for university buildings are typically tied to major philanthropic gifts, and the Wolfenden name suggests a significant donor contribution to the college's new facility.

Why it matters

The naming of a new academic building at a public university's forestry college reflects both institutional growth and the role of private philanthropy in funding higher education infrastructure. The public comment process gives stakeholders a voice in how campus facilities are identified.

What's next

The university will review public comments before making a final decision on the building's name.

Key facts

• The proposed name is the Robert T. and Janet M. Wolfenden Forestry and Conservation Building
• The building will be constructed for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana
• The University of Montana is formally soliciting public comment on the naming proposal
• Both the university's official website and a regional newspaper reported on the public input process

Bias & framing notes

Both sources are largely in agreement on the basic facts. The university's own announcement (umt.edu) is an official institutional source, lending high credibility to the core facts. The Daily Inter Lake adds no conflicting details. Neither source provides specifics on the size of any associated donation or the timeline for the comment period, limiting full context.

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