Mememorial Day is a holiday associated with the arrival of summer, the end of school, and possible the first chance of the year to get out and really enjoy the sunshine!  This year, when you are planning your Memorial Day weekend activities, take a minute to share the history of Memorial Day with your family.

Memorial Day was first enacted after the Civil War to honor member of the Union who were killed in action.  Over the years it has grown to encompass all United States military personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. 

It is often said that we are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave.  Remember the true meaning of Memorial Day this year.  Take this opportunity to thank a service member, and remember and give thanks to those who have served in the past.  We extend our gratitude to the brave men and women who defend our country, past, present, and future, as well as their families!

It’s that time of year…the sun is finally showing up!  It seems like every year about this time we see all sorts of people walking through the door with sunburns.  We haven’t seen great weather in so long that we just can’t resist getting out there and playing in it.  This year, whether it’s baseball, yardwork, or just plain lounging that has you out and about, make sure you are taking care of your skin.  Remeber these important tips about sunscreen:

SPF  – Sun protection factor refers to how much protection from UVB rays a sunscreen provides.  The higher the SPF, the more protection.  However, recent studies are showing that UVA rays also cause significant skin damage in terms of aging, and may also lead to cell abnormalities that can cause skin cancers.  Look for the words “broad-spectrum” on your sunscreen to make sure you are getting protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

We all know that skin cancers (and signs of sun damage such as wrinkles) occur most often on skin that is exposed to the sun.  We are probably pretty good about applying sunscreen to our faces, arms and necks.  However, some of the body parts that are most likely to be affected by skin cancer are your ears, lips and hands.  Make sure these spots get a good coating.  While you are at it, dab a little on your delicate scalp where your hair part falls.

A little dab will do ya refers to hair cream, not sunscreen!  Sunscreen generally lasts only about two hours under the best of conditions, so make sure and pack a travel size when you are headed out.  Remember to reapply every two hours at least, and more if you are especially fair skinned, in or around water, or sweating, even if you used a really high SPF.

If I can’t see you, you can’t burn me, right?  Wrong!  We’ve all heard it, and it’s true.  You can get a sunburn on a cloudy day.  Again, always keep a travel size broad spectrum sunscreen on hand and you will be covered (pun intended!).

Good habits start early.  Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn, so give them a good coating before sending them off to school, and talk to them about the importance of reapplying.  Spray sunscreens can be handy, but a lot of times very little of the spray actually ends up on the little body!

For more information about sun protection, check out these sites:

http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/sunburn/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/sun_safety.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11712033

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunscreen.pdf

Have a great summer, and enjoy the sun safely!

Coming to Missoula to watch your college student graduate? We have the scoop on the days’ activities! Here’s the highlights for you:

7 a.m. Coffee with the Class of 2012 – Hosted by President Royce C. Engstrom. Free continental breakfast for degree candidates/graduates, their families and faculty (University Center Atrium).

8 a.m. Gates open at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

8:45 a.m. Degree candidates/graduates assemble for line-up on the Oval.

9:30 a.m. All guests should be seated in the west seating area of Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

9:30 a.m. Faculty, degree candidates/graduates and platform party begins processional from the Oval to their respective stadium seating areas.

10 a.m. Central ceremony begins (Washington-Grizzly Stadium).

11:15 a.m. Central ceremony concludes with platform party, faculty and students recessing. After recessional, guests disperse to attend ceremonies that follow.

11:15 a.m. Commencement Brunch begins at University Center Food Court dining room. (Reservations preferred)

2 p.m. Individual College of Arts and Sciences departments and College of Technology ceremonies begin at various locations.

[For the full schedule, click here.]

[To see where the individual department graduations are, click here.]

[Here is a parking map. Or take advantage of the ASUM Park-N-Ride. Here is their route map.]

Congratulations Graduates!

Looking for a Missoula hotel while you’re in town for graduation? Look no further than the Wingate Missoula! Great prices, fabulous amenities, and the most helpful staff in town.

When you want a quality vacation filled with natural beauty, look no further than Montana. Whether you are looking for a family trip, a romantic getaway, or just some individual peace and quiet, Montana is waiting for you. From the wonders of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks to the hidden treasures of Garnet Ghost Town, you will find something to intrigue everyone in the Treasure State.

Missoula is the perfect place to start your Montana vacation. Centrally located between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, there are many recreational things to do in Missoula you won’t want to miss.

Flying into Missoula is easy. Then we invite you to stay at the Wingate Hotel in Missoula. Just two miles from the airport, we’ll pick you up in our courtesy van and bring you back to enjoy your stay!

For great ideas when planning your travels, check out www.visitmt.com.  Hurry….the Big Sky awaits!

Head to downtown Missoula on May 5th to sample over 60 beers on tap at Brewfest!  Entry is only $10 and includes two beers.  Additional beer tokens are only $1 each.  There will also be food and wine vendors, and great live music.  To find out more about this fantastic event, visit http://www.missouladowntown.com/play/mda-events/brewfest/.  Have fun and enjoy responsibly!