Board of Regents Approves Naming of Eck Hall on UM Campus

MISSOULA – Today the Montana University System Board of Regents approved the naming of Dennis and Gretchen Eck Hall, the south wing of the Liberal Arts Building at the University of Montana, in recognition of the couple’s $8.3 million contribution to the building’s renovation.

“We thank the regents for their support of this recognition,” said UM President Sheila Stearns. “The Ecks’ generosity has created an exceptional learning environment in one of the busiest buildings on campus.”

Over the past three years, the Ecks have supported classroom renovation, enhanced technology, upgraded infrastructure, a new building entrance and a renovated 120-seat auditorium inside the LA Building. Eck, who studied political history at UM, had a strong interest in helping the University enhance the technology of teaching and learning, and has a special interest in the building in which he studied as a student.

UM’s College of Humanities and Sciences fulfills about 80 percent of all general education requirements for the University, making the LA Building and Eck Hall one of the University’s most highly trafficked spaces.