Campus Reports
Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education
Regular Meeting
CAMPUS REPORTS
May 23-24, 2002
The University of Montana Western
710 S. Atlantic
Dillon, MT
DATE: May 21, 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: Geoffrey Gamble - President, MSU-Bozeman
RE: Campus Report for the May, 2002 Board of Regents Meeting
MSU professor named to Technology Reviews young innovator list
Steve Shaw, electrical engineering professor at Montana State University-Bozeman, has been selected as one of 100 of the world's top young innovators in a list compiled by Technology Review magazine, a magazine from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The magazine's list of 100 young (under 35) innovators and key leaders in technology and business. Shaw's recognition is for his groundbreaking work on monitoring-sensors placed along electrical lines to interpret minute fluctuations that can determine what is happening along every wire throughout an aircraft or building.
A missile that once waited for orders to fire at the United States will carry a tiny satellite, the first ever built in Montana, developed by students at Montana State University-Bozeman. Known as the Montana EaRth-Orbiting Pico Explorer (MEROPE), it will contain scientific instruments and two antennas. The satellite will be shipped to Kazakhstan and loaded onto the carrier in the next 12 months, said MSU physics professor Dave Klumpar. To be here at MSU and have students involved in the same kind of experiences I had, is just really exciting for me, said Klumpar.
"MSU For A Day" in the Flathead
A dozen MSU faculty and staff, headed by President Geoff Gamble were in outreach mode as they traveled to the communities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Ronan. Eight faculty taught 108 classes over three days in the three high schools, and they and staff met with alumni, donors, and community and agriculture leaders from the area. School administrators were very complimentary about the feedback they receive from former students on the academic atmosphere at MSU. Faculty found some students they want to recruit to their labs and classrooms and noted, with some alarm, the work that needs to be done to increase the number of qualified students who continue on to a university education. The next MSU For A Day will be in the Billings area in the fall.
Gamble Approves UPBAC's Budget for 2002-2003
Montana State University President Geoffrey Gamble yesterday approved without change the University Planning, Budget and Analysis Committee's $88 million budget proposed for the upcoming academic year. Committee Chair and Provost David Dooley said that the budget is designed to accommodate an anticipated return of revenues to the state appropriation budget. Gamble said that it now appears that any return will be closer to 3 percent than the 10 percent that had once been suggested. Gamble also praised the group for including aspects of planning in the budget. "Even though we could use more resources, you found a way to move the Bozeman campus ahead," he told the committee. "You found ways to fill in the gaps."
Commencement, 2002
At ceremonies on May 11, 2340 MSU students received their degrees and became alumni of the university. There were 1912 bachelors degrees, 376 masters degrees and 52 doctoral degrees awarded. Members of the classes of 1952, 1942, and 1932 were also present as were four recipients of honorary degrees.
Recipients of 2002 MSU-Bozeman honorary degrees are: Elouise Cobell of Browning, plaintiff in a lawsuit against the federal government seeking $12 billion in restitution for mismanagement of the Individual Indian Money Trust; Stuart Conner of Billings, who has recorded more than 200 archaeological sites in Montana and is a leader in the preservation of rock art and Indian oral history; Whitney MacMillan of Wayzata, Minn., retired president of Cargill who is active in world hunger campaigns; and Mary Munger of Helena, a nurse leader and role model for her work in collective bargaining for nurses.
DATE: May 20, 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: Dr. Ronald P. Sexton, Chancellor, Montana State University-Billings
RE:Campus Report for the May, 2002, Board of Regents Meeting
MSU-Billings graduated 879 students, 88 ethnically diverse, and 50 Native American students, one of whom earned two degrees, at the 75th Annual Commencement convocation on May 4, 2002.
At the annual Phi Alpha Theta NW regional history conference. Margaret Weamer, undergrad history major, received honorable mention for her paper, Historical Graffiti, Aesthetics, and the Environment: Ingredients for a Battle at Pompey's Pillar. Other students participating were Stephen Clayton and Lanelle Christman.
MSU-Billings Center for Applied Economic Research kicked off the Economic Indicator Series project which involves University Relations (communications plan), Economics faculty (design of indicator series), Center for Business Enterprise (design and organization of Breakfast Program), College of Business Dean (outreach and development), and the Center for Applied Economic Research (data collection and analysis).
College of Education and Human Services in collaboration with College of Arts and Sciences successfully completed a full scale NCATE evaluation in March, 2002.
Psychology faculty member, Dr. Havens, in collaboration with MSU-Bozeman faculty Dr. Lynch and Dr. Heil, awarded a $100,000 NIH grant to explore athletics & eating disorders in Native American and Caucasian youth.
Annual Model UN Security Council Program brought 156 high school students and their teachers to the MSU-Billings campus to discuss International Terrorism. Mohammed El Zorkhany, Deputy Minister in the Egyptian Embassy in Washington, D.C., provided the opening address.
Biological and Physical Sciences department faculty have received a number of grants that significantly impact the delivery of specialized research and learning opportunities for students and faculty. Grants included an NIH grant for $175,000 for general laboratory equipment purchases and renovations; $25,000 MONTS research grant; a Yellowstone River Noxious Weed Mapping project funding for student interns; and a grant from the Montana Space Grants Consortium.
Grand opening of the new Cenex-MSU-Billings Women's Softball Field and the new Indoor Tennis facility were celebrated in May.
Renovation and upgrade has begun on the Liberal Arts Building.
Yellowjacket Men's Basketball Team completed a two week foreign tour in Australia, May 5-19, 2002. The men have had a winning tour, averaging 94 points a game and making new friends for Montana and MSU-Billings.
MSU-Billings Center for Applied Economic Research has been selected by Global Thermoelectric to be one of their key product development partners.
Three students working toward a B.S. in Health Administration completed senior internships. One student interned at the Kaiser Permanente Research Center in Portland, OR; one at Indian Health Service in Lame Deer, MT; and one at the Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, MT.
Faculty of the Health Administration Program are collaborating with the health care community. Deb Peters facilitated a strategic planning retreat for the Billings Healthy Community Coalition; Ms. Peters and Laura Dimmler are curriculum developers and instructors for the Public Health Practice Module, a training course for public health workers across the state.
Music Department student Jaquelyn Weitz, who won the high school division Music Teachers National Association NW Division competition, has now placed second in the Bartok-Kabalevsky International Piano Competition in Radford, Virginia. She also was recognized as Outstanding Musician.
The Montana Center on Disabilities Paraeducator Development project assisted Miles Community College in development of a training program for paraeducators approved by the Board of Regents.
General Motors donated 12 overhead CAM V-6 high tech engines to the COT Automotive Technology program.
Student Affairs Community Service Program secured a grant for a Vista volunteer who will be shared with Billings United Way.
A new program in the residence halls at check-out called Don't Throw It, Donate It, resulted in two truck loads of good clothing, food, and furniture going to the Salvation Army, Billings Food Bank, and St. Vincent DePaul.
Ron Nistler of our Upward Bound Program won an award for excellence from Western Business.
Jean Horst, Admissions and Records, selected as Banner Student MTL. Mary Holden, Financial Aid Office, was selected as Banner Financial Aid MTL.
MSU-Billings campus dining service (Sodexho) awarded Montana Food Star Award sponsored by the MT Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Yellowstone County Health Department.
MEMORANDUM
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DATE: |
May 23, 2002 |
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TO: |
Board of Regents |
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FROM: |
Alex Capdeville Chancellor, Montana State University-Northern |
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SUBJECT: |
Campus Reports for the May 2002 Board of Regents Meeting |
ATC Building - MSU-Northern has received $100,000 from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation for the Applied Technology Center. This level of support from the BNSF Foundation is a major achievement in our on-going campaign to raise funds for the $4 million Applied Technology Center. We are proud of our long time association with the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and we are excited about this newest chapter in that partnership.
Commencement - Saturday, May 11, 2002 MSU-Northern held its Commencement ceremonies. Dr. Joseph McDonald, President of the Salish Kootenai Tribal College was the speaker. There were a total of 390 graduates --217 women and 173 men. Of these, 141 earned their associate degree, 268 earned their bachelor's degree and 46 earned their master's degrees.
Founders Day - Founders' Day at Montana State University-Northern is a special graduation week tradition that honors and recognizes individuals who promote the ideals of service and excellence. Founders' Day is a time when alumni, friends, faculty and students rekindle the spirit of campus life and pause to reflect upon the people, places and events that have helped create an environment for lifetime learning and participation. This year the MSU-Northern Founders' Excellence Awards were presented to four individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the campus and who have received outstanding recognition within their own professional fields. Those honored during the Founders' Excellence Dinner May 10th were: Gerald C. Bekker, John K. Facey, Robert L. Kiesling, and Joseph F. McDonald.
50-year Reunion - Montana State University-Northern welcomed the Northern Montana College Class of 1952 back to campus on May 10th and 11th, 2002, to celebrate their 50th reunion. This is a memorable event for the returning alums and the schedule included campus and community tours, class meetings, and socialization time for the class members to catch up with one another.
On Saturday, the "Golden Grads" marched in the processional leading the new graduates in graduation exercises. At the conclusion of Commencement, they joined the Class of 2002 and their families and friends and the faculty, staff and administration at the Student Union Building Ballroom for the graduation brunch.
Enrollment - Summerenrollment is looking good. We are even with last year at this time. Fall semester shows an increase in applications. The largest increase appears to be in elementary education.
Student Excellence - Fourteen Montana State University-Northern students were recently named student excellence award winners for the 2001-2002 school year. In order to qualify for a student excellence award several criteria must be met. Students must be of junior standing, have a 3.0 or higher grade point average and be actively involved in the campus community. The student excellence award is the highest honor a student at Montana State University-Northern can receive.
IEEE Grant - A $5,000 grant to MSU-Northern will finance a work center for students in the Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology department. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a global non-profit, technical professional association, awarded the grant. The money will outfit an IEEE Student Branch Center of Excellence where members can work on electronics and computer projects. Two years ago the university received an IEEE grant of $1,500 to set up the initial student center. This current grant will be used to equip it.
The award letter said the goal of the grant is to provide a focal point for student activities, a central location for Student Branch activities and a resource center emphasizing opportunities for leadership development, enhancement of interpersonal and communication skills and creating an environment where students work in teams.
C-TEC Center - Community Technology Education Center, housed at MSU-Northern's Vande Bogart Library - will have an official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30th at 2 p.m. U.S. Senator Max Baucus and numerous local elected officials are expected to attend. The general public is invited and encouraged to attend as well. C-TEC is a twenty-four terminal computer lab with access to some of the latest innovations in digital technology and staff with the expertise to teach even the most computer-illiterate to ride the new wave of the information age. C-TEC will serve as an equalizer in the technology field by offering to the general public free or low cost access to computers, the Internet, and most importantly skills training.
Re-appointment of Nursing Dean - Trish Goudie as been appointed to another three (3) year term as the chair/dean of the College of Nursing at Montana State University-Northern. Trish was unanimously recommended for the position by her colleagues in nursing. She has done a commendable job as the chair/dean of nursing, solidifying that program's accreditation status, expanding its offerings throughout the State of Montana, and serving as a strong advocate for Northern's nursing program with other units of the Montana University System.
DATE: May 17, 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: Mary Sheehy Moe, Interim Dean, Montana State University Great Falls College of Technology
RE: Campus Report for the May 2002 Board of Regents Meeting
As a campus report to the Board of Regents, I would like to share an editorial that ran in the Great Falls Tribune on Friday, May 17th. It refers to the State of the College event that was held on the MSU-Great Falls Campus. President Gamble and Regent Semmens joined me in giving the community a report on the state of the College of Technology, Montana State University and the statewide Montana University System.
Editorial: Great Falls Tribune - Friday May 17, 2002
MSU-Tech an important part of higher-ed scene here
Northcentral Montanans heard a number of encouraging words Wednesday from Montana State University-Bozeman President Geoff Gamble on the subject of higher education in the region.
They bear repeating -- and applause -- here.
In a nutshell, the school is smack in the middle of where higher education needs to be going as the 21st century unfolds. In the next 15 years, the number of college-bound people is expected to decline by about 9 percent, he said, and "Great Falls has already started to answer how we will backfill that." The keys appear to be availability and flexibility at a reasonable price, all of which the MSU-Great Falls College of Technology has in spades.
To accommodate students with wide-ranging job and family schedules, classes are available over the Internet, on weekends and from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays. And tuition is lower than at the state's four-year public and private colleges. Programs are aimed at specific needs in the workplace, and students tend to cherry-pick classes as they're needed.
Still, two-year degrees are available, not to mention credits transferrable to four-year programs elsewhere in the system. MSU-Tech's graduates do well in the workplace. Nine out of every 10 graduates last year landed jobs within six months, eight of them in a degree-related field, and their pay ranged from $10 an hour to $28.60. MSU-Tech students are older than students at most four-year schools (they average 31); most of them have at least a part-time job on the side; and there are more of them every year -- up 39 percent since 1994.
In general, MSU-Tech offers programs in health care, business and technology, as well as an associate of science degree and several associate of applied science degrees that can go toward bachelor's degrees elsewhere in the state university system. Coming next fall will be a much-needed dental hygienist program. And MSU-Tech is just a part of a larger Electric City higher-ed complex that includes the University of Great Falls, MSU-Northern's education program and the Great Falls nursing program tied to MSU-Bozeman's College of Nursing.
Gamble was in town to deliver the annual state-of-the-campus talk, and he was upbeat at a time when educators frequently are not -- with good reason. "You're doing it," he said, "and you're doing it well."
Check it out: We agree with MSU President Geoff Gamble that the Technical College in Great Falls has a lot to offer. We urge people interested in advancing their education to check it out at 2100 16th Ave. S., or by calling 771-4300, or (800) 446-2698. Learn more on the Web, at https://www.gfcmsu.edu/.
DATE: 16 May 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: G. M. Dennison, President, The University of Montana
RE: Campus Report for the May 2002 Board of Regents Meeting
UM-M's Student Assault Recovery Services (SARS) Program received a $198,000 federal grant to explore the prevention of violence against women on University campuses. The resulting project, Take a Stand--Transforming Attitudes and Actions: Stopping Violence at its Source, will focus upon peer education, social marketing, and prevention task forces.
Gus Chambers received a CASE National Gold Medal for his video, A University Stands, depicting the University's response to events of September 11. The Radio-Television News Directors Association presented the Regional First-Place Edward R. Murrow Award to Montana Public Radio's News Department for its newscast of Montanas reactions to September 11.
UM-M received half the $8 million estate of Shields Valley rancher Peter Bonhomme to provide scholarships for upper-division students. The Bonhomme bequest represents UM-M's largest gift earmarked exclusively for scholarships and will generate about $200,000 each year.
Jon P. Swan, a UM-M junior majoring in Finance and Economics, received a 2002 Truman Scholarship. The Truman Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to students preparing for careers in government and public service. Each scholarship provides $30,000--$3,000 for the senior year and $27,000 for graduate study.
UM-M Wildlife Biology majors Jeremy Roberts and W. Carl Saunders each received a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for the 2002-2003 Academic Year. Goldwater scholarships encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. As Goldwater Scholars, Roberts and Saunders will receive $7,500 for educational costs.
Missoula conservationists recently awarded Hank Goetz, Director of UM-M's Lubrecht Experimental Forest, the 2002 Arnold Bolle Professional Conservationist Award. Goetz was honored for his work as a proponent, practitioner, and teacher of sustainable environmental forestry.
Over 3,000 people from throughout Western Montana attended UM-M's 2002 International Culture and Food Festival in April, the largest of the past eight years. The half-day festival featured foods, informational booths, music, and dancing from around the world. UM-M's international students have held an annual event to celebrate their cultures since 1924.
President George M. Dennison recently visited all five Missoula high schools and met with approximately 350 teachers to update them on recent University events and their respective former students who currently attend UM-M.
UM-M welcomed five German higher education administrators as part of a U.S. Fulbright Seminar. Vice President for Student Affairs Barbara Hollmann hosted the group in response to her Fulbright Seminar in Germany last May.
UM-M recently held the 17th Annual Educators Career Fair, attracting 150 school districts and 650 teacher candidates.
The American Culinary Federation recognized two University Dining Services staff: Carla Roe received the Western Montana Chapter Chef of the Year, and Mark LoParco was elected President-Elect for NACUFS Region VIII.
The International Publishing Management Association and IN-PLANT Graphics magazine presented a third-place award to Printing and Graphic Services for their design of a compact disc produced entirely on campus.
A 10 May story in the on-line edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education featured UM-M's School of Journalism's forthcoming launch of an Internet newspaper for aspiring Native American journalists. Reznetnews.org, the brainchild of Dennis McAuliffe, Jr., professor in the School of Journalism and director of the project, will provide a forum for students at tribal colleges to attract more Native Americans to journalism. A $250,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will support the project, and the first issue will appear in late May.
The Northwest Scientific Association awarded grants to UM-M Biology students John Citta and Suzanne Cox for their outstanding research proposals. Citta's research will focus upon the role of different habitat types of the mountain bluebird, and Cox will concentrate on the evaluation of long-term population trends of the Olympic marmot.
The National Academic Advising Association awarded Linda Gillison, Foreign Languages and Literatures, the Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit for her significant contribution to the improvement of academic advising.
UM-M student group Kappa Alpha Theta received the Sentinel Service Award for their work with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Missoula, Inc.
Stephen Sticka received the Outstanding Student Leader Award of Spring Semester 2002. Serving as a member of the UM Advocates, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and ASUM Senate, Sticka also founded the UM Dance Club to provide a safe recreational alternative for students. Sticka was recently selected as Greek Man of the Year.
Eight UM-M faculty members received the Greek Faculty Excellence Award, a new award from the Greek community honoring faculty members for outstanding contributions to students: Mary Ellen Campbell, Business Administration; Denise Dowling, Journalism; Scott Douglas, Business Administration; David Kerr, Anthropology; Mehrdad Kia, History; Sean O'Brien, Davidson Honors College/Philosophy; Barbara Reider, Business Administration; and Ryan Wright, Business Administration.
Three University of Montana students have been selected as Udall Scholars by the Morris K. Udall Foundation, established in 1992 to honor the former congressmans legacy of public service. Florence Gardipee, Jeremy Roberts and Jamie Kennedy each will receive a $5,000 Udall Scholarship to help with the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Recipients of the prestigious national scholarships are selected on the basis of academic merit. Quenna Szafran, a UM sophomore in biology from Anchorage, Alaska, received honorable mention from the foundation.
CAMPUS REPORT
DATE: May 20, 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: W. Franklin Gilmore, Chancellor, Montana Tech of The University of Montana
RE: Campus Report for the May 23-24, 2002 Board of Regents Meeting
Susan Patton has been named Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research effective July 1.
Montana Tech's Environmental Design Team took 1st Place Overall in the Bridge Structure Task, 2nd Place Overall in the Uranium Task; and Judge's Choice Award in the Iodine Task at the International Competition in Las Cruces, New Mexico last month.
Montana Tech's student teams from the Mathematical Sciences Department received an honorable mention and tied for third in the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling run by the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications.
Montana Tech's Human Powered Vehicle team is the National Champion in the HPV Competition held recently in Reno, Nevada.
Distinguished Researcher awards went to Karen Porter, MBMG, and Christopher Gammons, Geological Engineering. Awards to recognize long-term career accomplishments of senior faculty went to Marv Miller, Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology, and Larry Twidwell, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering.
Montana Tech held its Sixth Annual Undergraduate Research Fair on April 6 to recognize and encourage research by undergraduate students. Support for the conference is supplied by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
On April 19, Montana Tech held its annual service awards presentation, honoring employees with 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. Achievement awards were presented to four employees.
Dr. Mary MacLaughlin has received an $80,000 NSF grant for adding rock bolts for support of underground openings to the Discontinuous Deformation Analyses method of modeling rock failure mechanisms.
Drs. Courtney Young and Corby Anderson are organizing Hydro 2003. This is an international meeting that takes place every 10 years and will be held in August 2003 in Vancouver, BC.
Dr. Larry Twidwell has been invited to lecture for two months at Akita University, Japan as part of Montana Tech's International Program. Dr. Twidwell will be the first to enter into this newly established "Distinguished Lecturer" position there.
Montana Tech student, Steve Bundrock received one of the prestigious Copper Club scholarships. The Copper Club is a non-profit organization based in New York comprised of mining executives throughout the U.S.
The Montana Tech Library hosted its second annual Authors' Reception on April 9 to honor the Montana Tech faculty and Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology authors of scholarly works that were published in 2001.
Kate Miller, MBMG, received an award sponsored by the Voluntary Advisory Committee of the Montana Dept. of Agriculture and BASF Corp. for her work on pesticide movement in ground water and the contribution her work has been to the State Management Plan.
Montana Tech Mining Engineering students recently competed in the annual Mining Contest held this year in Australia.
DATE: May 21, 2002
MEMO TO: Montana Board of Regents
FROM: Stephen Hulbert, Chancellor
SUBJECT: Campus Report for May 2002, Board of Regents' Meeting
During April 6-10 Western's Teacher Education Program was the subject of a five-day joint visit by representatives of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Montana Board of Public Education. In the exit interview, Western learned that its Teacher Education Program would be recommended by the review committees as having met all six standards of NCATE and all sixteen areas of program endorsement against the requirements of the Montana Board of Public Education. Recommendations regarding renewed accreditation will be acted upon by the respective organization boards in October 2002.
On May 6-7 Western was visited by Dr. Betty Youngblood, President of Western Oregon University, representing the Commission on Colleges and Universities of the Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities for a focused interim visit on Western's progress in the areas of planning and assessment. In preparation for this visit Western prepared a report and submitted it to the Commission detailing its progress in these areas since the last full-scale visit of the Commission in April 2000. At the exit interview, Dr. Youngblood commended the campus on the excellent progress that it had made on Commission recommendations over the past two years. Dr. Youngblood's report as well as the campus report will be reviewed by the Commission at their next regular meeting in June 2002.
Western has recently received word that it will be receiving approximately $340,000 from the estate of Wally Sharples to increase the Ersel Webb Memorial Scholarship Fund, earlier begun by sizable gifts from the same family.
Dr. Rob Thomas and Dr. Sheila Roberts traveled with eight students from UM-Western's Environmental Sciences Department to attend "Rocky Mountain GeoDays" in Missoula April 15-16. The "GeoDays" conference highlights undergraduate scientific research and was sponsored by the Geology Department at UM-Missoula. The conference included a full day of oral presentations and posters by student authors followed by a day-long geologic field trip. Jordan Mantha, a May 2002 graduate, won third place in oral presentations for his Senior Thesis talk Parametric amplification of microwave pulses in ferrite films. Seven other Western undergraduate students also participated in the conference giving nine other presentations:
Dr. John Xanthopoulos has had an article entitled "Mythology & Evolution" accepted for publication in the book Values, Society & Evolution. published by Legend Books of Auburn, New York.
The article: "Power and Initial Pulse Width Soliton Velocity in Ferrite Films", C. E. Zaspel and A. N. Slavin has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Applied Physics. Also, Dr. Zaspel received funds from the National Science Foundation for a visitor to come to Dillon from the National Academy of Sciences in Kharkov, Ukraine during April. In addition, one of Western's students, Tom Krank, will be able to travel to Kharkov in May for further collaboration on his senior thesis project.
HELENA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
CAMPUS REPORT
DATE: May 17, 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: Steven Hoyle, CEO/Dean, Helena College of Technology
RE: Campus Report for the May, 2002 Board of Regents Meeting
On Saturday, May 11 HCT awarded certificates and degrees to 184 graduates! Tom Hoffman, Summit Design & Manufacturing, spoke to a full-house of guests.
Architecture and Engineering (State Department of Engineering) and the College continued program/facility planning for design of the new $6.5 building project to be approved at the next legislative session. Paulien & Associates (Denver, CO), a higher education program design firm, will submit a written report by June 1 outlining construction possibilities to enhance HCT program delivery.
HCT plans to submit the following initiatives for funding from the University of Montana (Missoula) Sustainable Development Grant Program:
* Marketing/Public Relations capabilities
* Foundation/Alumni Development creation
* Continuing Education & Training enhancement
* Services to Students (including Enrollment Management planning, Pre-Tech skill building, Placement support, Retention measures, etc. in a One-Stop environment)
HCT welcomes two new employees: Vicky Lorenz was hired as the Director of Admissions. She has a BS in Business Administration with emphasis in Marketing and Management from The University of Montana. She brings experience from student services departments at The University of Montana and also at Flathead Valley Community College.
Earl Ozanne was hired as the Maintenance Supervisor. He most recently was employed at Advanced Silicon Materials in Butte, and also has extensive experience at the College of Technology of Montana Tech.
Facility Services at The University of Montana is in the process of bidding a 2,000 square foot addition to the current Welding Program shop area. This addition is needed to support student growth and layout stations. The Construction Technology Program students will erect the main structure, and only the internal portion will be completed by outside contractors.
CAMPUS REPORT
DATE: May 20, 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: Terry Hetrick, President, Dawson Community College
RE: Campus Report for the May 23-24, 2002 Board of Regents Meeting
On April 19th and 20th, DCC hosted "Shaping the Future 2002: Healthy Choices" featuring nationally recognized keynote speakers Drs. Stephen Sroka and Dave Beck. The conference provided information for making healthy choices in everyday life. Attendees included parents, students, early childhood practitioners, and professionals in law enforcement, social work, juvenile justice, education, school psychology, etc.
In March, the Facilities Expansion Committee selected an architect to provide basic design and cost estimates for a new gymnasium/athletic center, performing arts facility and a library/learning resource center expansion. The Committee meets twice monthly with the architect in order to finalize its recommendations to the Board of Trustees by the end of June.
The Dean of Instructional Services selection committee conducted interviews with three finalists, and unanimously recommended that one of the finalists be offered the position. The college is waiting for the return of a signed contract before publicly announcing the conclusion of the search.
On May 10, 2002, DCC graduated 116 students at its 61st annual commencement ceremony with 66 graduates in attendance. Dr. George Dennison, President of the University of Montana, provided an excellent address emphasizing the important role of two-year colleges from both professional and personal perspectives.
The DCC Women's Fast Pitch Softball Team won the District C championship for the second year in a row and advanced to the Division III World Series in Joliet, Illinois. The lady Buccaneers placed fourth in national competition.
The DCC Mens Baseball Team advanced to Regional 13 competition. The team won its first two games, but then dropped the next two to be eliminated from the tournament.
The DCC Men's Rodeo Team placed second in the region and qualified three individuals for finals competition. The rodeo team will participate at the end of May in Bozeman.
DCC supported the "Stand Up for Education" forum at the Dawson County High School auditorium on April 30, 2002. Over 100 individuals from eastern Montana attended this one-hour event advocating increased funding for Montana education.
On May 1, 2002, DCC hosted a regional meeting of the Economic Development Action Group (EDAG).
Memorandum
To: Montana Board of Regents
From: Jane A. Karas, President, Flathead Valley Community College
Re: May Campus Report
Date: May 20, 2002
Commencement was held on Friday, May 17. Mac Bledsoe of the Drew Bledsoe Foundation was the commencement speaker. The college conferred 220 degrees and 15 certificates. University of Great Falls Interim President Dr. Michael Easton, and Dean of the College of Education & Professional Studies, Dr. Joe Fontana, presented and conferred seven UGF degrees in the Elementary and Secondary Education degree programs offered on FVCC's Kalispell Campus.
Diana Sweeney, a student at FVCC's Libby Campus, was selected as a 2002 New Century Scholar for the state of Montana. She received a $2,000 stipend from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation in commemoration of her exceptional academic and leadership achievements at FVCC. The New Century Scholars are comprised of the highest-scoring student from each state in the All-USA Academic Team competition, a scholarship program recognizing scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments for students enrolled in community, technical and junior colleges.
Board trustees Dr. H. "Chet" Ross, Ms. Jeanne Tallman and Mr. Thomas Harding were re-elected to their seats on May 7.
Lisa Stich, from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon, will begin as FVCC Vice President for Instruction and Student Services on June 3.
FVCC's community conversations have concluded for this academic year. Community leaders in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Lakeside/Somers, Libby, Hungry Horse, Eureka and Polson identified what the college does well and how it can better meet the needs of the community. Public forums were held in each community as a follow-up to the community conversations.
FVCC held the 6th annual Career Fair with more than 40 businesses and organizations participating. The fair provided an opportunity for employers to meet with potential candidates including current students and FVCC graduates.
The FVCC Foundation is sponsoring, Springtime in the Rockies 2002, June 9 12. Proceeds will benefit students in FVCC's professional chef classes and hospitality management program. The events include three evenings of pairing fine food and wine at three of the Valley's finest restaurants, June 9, 10 and 11, and conclude with the grand wine-tasting event, on June 12, at the Majestic Valley Arena.
The 2002 Honors Symposium lecture series concluded on April 29. Large crowds, totaling more than 1200, attended the nine lectures. The topic, The World Has Changed, included lectures on, 9/11 and the Historical Implications of Islam, An Ethic for Enemies, With a Foot in Both Worlds Perspectives from an Afghan American, Contemporary Islam and the Role of Women, and Terrorism, Past & Present.
FVCC hosted MSU for a Day: Education Roundtable with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and the Flathead Business and Education Council on April 23. MSU President Geoff Gamble, along with Cathy Conover, Rolf Groseth, Julie Kipfer, Rich Howard and Larry Baker, traveled to the Flathead to meet with the local business and education representatives.
Kathy Hughes, Associate Dean for Continuing Education and Self-Study Steering Committee Chair, was the recipient of the prestigious Eagle Award, given at the Presidents Annual Donor Dinner, on May 9. Implemented in 1990, this award honors individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to FVCC. One hundred twenty people attended this years dinner.
K.C. Zwisler, Elderhostel Director, is gearing up for 23 weeks of Elderhostel programs in everything from flora and fauna in Glacier National Park to all-womens hiking, sea kayaking and Tai Chi classes. Zwisler expects more than 600 individuals to participate in the program this summer.
Memorandum
DATE: May 2002
TO: Board of Regents
FROM: Darrel L. Hammon, President, Miles Community College
RE: Campus Report for Miles Community College
On April 5, 2002, MCC recognized its students for their scholarship and activities during the 2001-2002 Spring Awards Banquet. MCC gave its first Humanitarian Award to Wendy Balance. Twenty-five students were named to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.
MCC Nursing Division pinned fifteen new RNs at its Pinning Ceremony on Friday, April 20, 2002. This group of nurses represented seven different Montana communities and two states.
On May 14, MCC graduated 123 students; 53 Associate of Arts; 21 Associate of Science; 41 Associate of Applied Science; and 16 Certificates. Eight students earned both an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Seven students were Valedictorians; one was Salutatorian. Dan Killoy, Publisher, Miles City Star, was the keynote speaker.
Campus Compact Bonner Fellow Ron Mills continues to work with the Miles City Historic Preservation Commission office to develop a series of three walking tour maps of historic Miles City areas.
MCC participated in the Bucking Horse Sale Parade on Saturday, May 18, 2002.
MCC's baseball team finished it second full season with a 33-16 record and as the MonDak Conference Champions, finishing the season with a conference record of 14-2. The Pioneers also won the MonDak Tournament and placed five players on the All Conference First team: Levi Korst. Jake Boehler, Landon Danielson, Michael Falcon, and Jessie Schwartzer. As MonDak champions, the Pioneers went on to the Region 13 Tournament in Madison, Wisconsin, where they went 2-2. Both Schwartzer and Danielson were named to the All-Region Team. Coach Rob Bishop was named 2002 MonDak Conference Coach of the Year, for the second straight year. Probably the best accomplishment was that of the 16 sophomores, 15 graduated with their Associate Degree within a two-year period.
MCC's Rodeo Team has done well this year. Six students went to the regional rodeo in Bozeman where they competed with 33 colleges and universities Bull riders: Kirby Nemitz, Ben Loyning; Team roping: Robert Vanderboort; Bareback: Randy Vanden Bos and Matt Mengis, a returnee from last year's CNFR where he placed 8th in the nation in saddle bronc riding. Nemitz, Vande Boort, and Mengis scored well enough to advance to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), being held later this spring in Casper, Wyoming. Over 200 teams will be at the CNFR. Last year, the Pioneer's Women's Team won 10th in the nation. We look for the Mens team to do as well. Note: In rodeo, two-year colleges compete against other two-year colleges and four-year colleges and universities.
MCC, like many community colleges, has finally fled the gates of the long domain names. Consequently, we have change our domain name from www.mcc.cc.mt.us to www.milescc.edu.