William Marcus to Be Honored with UM’s Highest Recognition
In a notable announcement, the University of Montana (UM) has revealed that William Marcus, a pivotal figure in Montana’s broadcast media, will be awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters. This distinction reflects Marcus’s significant contributions to public media and the arts throughout his career.
Marcus’s journey in broadcast media began as a student at UM, where he worked part-time at the KUFM campus radio station. After completing his journalism and radio-TV degree in 1974, he dedicated his entire career to UM, serving from 1975 until his retirement in 2015. His roles at Montana Public Radio were diverse, including positions such as production assistant, news director, development director, and eventually director of the Broadcast Media Center.
His work gained national attention, with his audio stories about Montana’s musicians and artists being featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” and “Weekend Edition.” Marcus’s contributions have been described in nomination letters as those of “a Montana treasure,” “legendary,” and “one of UM’s most impressive alums,” highlighting his advocacy for public media and the humanities.
The honorary degree will be conferred during UM’s fall commencement ceremony on Friday, December 13, where Marcus will also serve as the commencement speaker. “I’m deeply honored to receive UM’s highest recognition,” Marcus stated, expressing his gratitude for the unexpected honor.
Marcus’s legacy also includes his collaboration with Jack Hyyppa from Montana State University to expand Montana PBS television, creating a statewide platform that strengthened ties between UM and MSU. He was the on-air host for the widely acclaimed “Backroads of Montana,” a PBS travelogue series that aired 50 episodes between 1991 and 2021, and continues to be broadcast.
Ray Ekness, former BMC director, noted the lasting impact of Marcus’s work, stating, “Wherever he goes, he is recognized and thanked for his work on the program.” Under Marcus’s leadership, numerous award-winning productions were made, including “Charlie Russell’s Old West” and “Glacier Park’s Night of the Grizzlies.”
Marcus’s accolades include the Montana Governor’s Humanities Award in 2007 and the Cultural Achievement Award from the Missoula Cultural Council in 2015. Additionally, he received UM’s J.B. Speer Award for Distinguished Service and the Distinguished Alumni Award in the same year.
Even after retirement, Marcus continues to contribute to Montana Public Radio through the “Morning Classics” program and supports fundraising efforts during pledge weeks. His enduring influence on Montana’s media landscape is celebrated with this honorary degree, marking a distinguished career in service of the arts and public media.
