The University of Montana is celebrating its 123rd birthday on Thursday, Feb. 18! Events Coordinator Angela Weisenburger said birthday festivities are held each year to celebrate the anniversary of UM’s chartering by the Montana Legislature in 1893.

"We have our traditional noon-hour cupcake celebration in the UC Atrium. We have some student performers coming in to do a musical number during the noon hour," Weisenburger said. "The awards ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. in the UC Ballroom."

Weisenburger said the awards will recognize notable and outstanding campus and community members.

"We are awarding eight awards this year," Weisenburger said. "All the events are free and open to the public. We encourage everyone to come out and hear all these wonderful community and campus members who help make the University of Montana a great place and a great partner with the Missoula community."

Missoula Mayor John Engen will attend the evening awards ceremony to present an official proclamation of University of Montana Day. Weisenburger said a reception will follow the ceremony.

More From 96.3 The Blaze