Collegian | Summer 2009

2 0 0 9

S U M M E R

N E W S

E D I T I O N

The publication for alumni and friends of Montana State University

MONTA NA STATE U NI V ER SIT Y

WHAT IF YOU COULD HAVE IT ALL?

Go to jobs.rightnow.com and find out how to build a career with a Bozeman-based, global corporation that also offers a great quality of life.

JArED BrATskY Hailing

from

Billings,

Jared

sUsAn CArsTEnsEn

sTEVE DAInEs A Bozeman native, Steve graduated

graduated from MSU twice. The

A Billings native, Susan is a member of the

from MSU in ’84 with a B.S.

first time in 2000 with a BA in

class of ’85 with a BA in Political Science and

in Chemical Engineering. He’s

Computer Science and the second

a BS in Business. She’s been at RightNow

worked at RightNow for nine years.

time in 2002 with a Masters in the

for 10 years and serves on the MSU

His oldest daughter Annie will be a

same field. Jared will be teaching

College of Business Advisory Board. Susan

freshman at MSU this fall. Steve

CS 489 this fall at MSU. Jared is a

is RightNow’s Chief Operating Officer.

is RightNow’s Vice President and

development director at RightNow.

General Manager, Asia-Pacific.

www.rightnow.com | 17 offices worldwide | Headquartered in Bozeman

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY | SUMMER 2009 | VOL. 86, NO.2

S U M M E R

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THIS ISSUE

14

Literacy through Photography: Helping Children Express Themselves

16

Extracurriculars: Michael Sanderson keeps finding new ways to connect to the school he loves

17 HOMECOMING ’09 20

‘Just One Person’ empowering girls in Kenya

21

Killsback finds success in life and legal career by following ‘Mom’s Code’

DEPARTMENTS From the President 2 Mail Bag

3

Blue & Gold

4

Association News 22 Class Notes

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FROM THE MSU PRESIDENT

Dear Alumni and Friends, During the past nine years I’ve seen the fabric of Montana State University come to life through the passion of its people. Students have taken an active role in their learning, not only through hands-on activities related to their coursework, but also through extensive service projects ranging from designing and building wells in Africa to growing fresh vegetables for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

The faculty has extended its classrooms to include labs, studios, the Yellowstone ecosystem, statewide businesses and beyond. Extension agents and university ambassadors have met the needs of communities from Anaconda to Zurich with specialized support from after-school programs to saving trees from the pine beetle. Researchers, as well as young students, have dedicated themselves to finding solutions to problems including curing cancer and developing clean energy options. Leadership—from the Commissioner’s Office and the Board of Regents to the management teams at each of our campuses and our statewide elected officials—has shown a constant commitment, even during difficult financial times, to the success of our students and to a better future for the people of Montana. It has been an inspiring and humbling nine years, and I am extraordinarily confident that I leave the presidency with the university poised for a promising future.

Part of the leadership style I brought with me to Montana State University was the idea of shared governance. I believed that having people from diverse backgrounds and interests represented at the table would lead to sound decision-making and positive solutions. I created the University Budget Planning and Analysis Committee to address some of the most critical issues facing the university. The participants’ strength of spirit and level of service far exceeded my expectations. I felt then and continue to feel now, even more strongly, that this collaborative and balanced approach to leadership is an important factor in the growing success of the university.

It is also this approach that makes MSU uniquely positioned to meet the challenges of this economy. Our best minds will be working diligently to maintain quality AND accessibility while meeting budget shortages. They will ask the tough questions, streamline processes, seek out efficiencies and make the needed adjustments to preserve the strong tradition that is MSU. Because of the commitment and talent of the people involved, I am very confident that our students and the people of Montana will continue to receive exceptional support from Montana State University.

Thank you for being part of the MSU fabric and for sharing the last nine years with me.

M S U A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N Chair Lois (Fulker) Norby, ’65, Excelsior, Minn.

Chair-Elect Bill Perry, ’02, Bozeman Past Chair Todd Eliason, ’74, Bozeman Treasurer Rick Reisig, ’82, Great Falls Board of Directors William Breeden, ’65, ’68, Anchorage, Alaska Brian Clark, ‘82 Florence Garcia, ’99, Bozeman Stephanie (Good) Bunkley, ’89. Bothell, Wash.

John Green, ’70, Littleton, Colo.

Dave Johnson, 67, Bigfork Lea (Anderson) Moore, ‘93 Bill Perry, ’02, Bozeman Jeanette “Tootie” Rasmussen, ’60, Choteau Michael Sanderson, ’94, ’96, Billings Shaun Shea, ’98, Clancy Mark Sherman, ’97, Kalispell Mary Beth (Holzer) Walsh, ’86, Twin Bridges Brant Weingartner, ’98, Irving, Texas Student Alumni Association Laura Anderson Nate Carroll M S U A L U M N I S TA F F President and CEO Jaynee Drange Groseth, ’73, ’91 M Associate Director Kerry Hanson, ’93, ’08 M Membership Director Brea Schwartz, ’05 Program Manager Rose (Healy) Hanson, ’82 Administrative Assistant Jennifer Anderson Communications Specialist Megan (Koehler) Walthall, ’06

Vol. 86, No. 2, Summer 2009 E D I TO R I A L B O A R D Caroline Zimmerman, ’83, Jaynee Drange Groseth, ’73, ’91 M, Suzi Taylor, ’99 M, Jodie DeLay, ’93, Julie Kipfer, Kerry Hanson, ’93, ’08 M, Tracy Ellig, ’92 E D I TO R Caroline Zimmerman, ’83 C R E AT I V E D I R EC TO R Ron Lambert D E S I G N A N D P R O D U C T I O N MSU Office of Communications & Public Affairs

Sincerely, Geoff Gamble President, Montana State University

P H OTO G R A P H Y by MSU Photography (unless otherwise noted) The Montana State Collegian (ISSN 1044-7717) is published four times a year by the Montana State University Alumni Association. Foundation & Alumni Center, 1501 S. 11th Ave., Bozeman, Montana 59717. Periodicals postage paid at Bozeman, Mont., and additional offices.

Web address: http://alumni.montana.edu

On the Cover Mt. Blackmore and the Gallatin Range, looking south from the “M” trail—photo by Kelly Gorham

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Postmaster: Send address changes to Montana State Collegian, 1501 S. 11th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59717 • (406) 994-2401 • E-mail: alumni@montana.edu

MAIL BAG YO U R L E T T E R S

MSU The Collegian magazine welcomes letters from alumni and friends of MSU. Send them to alumni@montana.edu or MSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box 172940, Bozeman, MT 59717-2740.

Kerry, Awards for Excellence was truly enjoyable, and I am honored to be recognized by the university that I have come to love. The dedication of the university to its students is fantastic and brings me even closer to this great institution. I can assure you that you have my support of this event in the future, and should you ever need anything from me, please do not hesitate to ask. Again, thank you so much for everything, and I hope to speak with you again in the future.

Cheers, Austin Owens, ’09 Awards for Excellence recipient Dear Kerry Hanson and Whomever Else It May Concern, Thank you so much for awarding me the Alumni Association Scholarship. I really appreciate it going into the next school year.

My father is proud that I help carry the Bobcat tradition. Thank you again. Go Cats.

Sincerely, Katie Cheetham Bozeman, Mont.

Dear Kerry, Please excuse my long delay in sending this note. Perhaps, not surprisingly, schoolwork got the better of me. Regardless, many THANKS for all the hard work you put into making the Awards for Excellence event so completely wonderful and successful. It was clear from the first contact you made with us students—the first e-mails you sent, way back in November or December—that you were keeping close track of every single detail involved to ensure that everything about the Awards for Excellence evening was just right.

The evening was absolutely perfect, and I appreciate all the organizational and logisitical efforts that went into making it so. The timing of everything was flawless, and I loved the way you read the students’ and mentors’ comments. Honestly, I have been to a lot of special events—in Livings-

ton and Bozeman, in New York, L.A. and Amherst—and don’t think I’ve ever seen one that was so well organized and smooth.

The atmosphere was festive, yet professional, and the night truly was a celebration of our excellent university. I count my blessings every day that I am on campus because it is truly a privilege and an honor to be part of the MSU community.

Thanks again for everything you did to make the night so very special. You did a great job—and you most definitely deserve your own Award of Excellence.

Best wishes always, Jackie Art Livingston, Mont.

Jaynee, Thank you for hosting us at last weekend’s ’Cat game. Your warm hospitality was greatly appreciated. Sorry we were unable to visit more, but I was enjoying that excellent football game. We’ll be watching (from Boise) this weekend. Go Cats. Thanks again Jaynee.

John, ‘72 CE, and Jeanette Ullery,’75 Nurs Boise, Idaho Hi Jaynee, Lyle wanted me to pass this on. Interesting, especially since there is the Ag weekend and Steer-A-Year program. Thanks for a wonderful Homecoming. Please call if you’re ever in Billings.

Brenda Koch, ’95 EHHD Billings, Mont.

Dear Alumni Staff, I had a fantastic time at the MSU golden reunion. Thank you. Not only did you take care of us as a group, but also individually.

Also, thanks for all the work that went into planning and organizing.

With fond memories, Mrs. DeVonna Owens, ’58 Nurs McAllister, Mont.

Dear Jaynee, Thank you so very much for doing a presentation for our MSU Family Night at Highgate Senior Living. The residents, families and staff were all thrilled that you joined us. It means a lot to all of us that you could take time to tell us about MSU and Summer 2009 | 3

visit with alumni one-on-one. We appreciate you doing this so much.

Sincerely, Nicole Berg & the Highgate Family Dearest Jaynee, You make me so proud—all of us so proud —throughout the entire reunion weekend. You have a gift unparalleled, and we all beamed (if not crying) each time you spoke. You and your team produced a tremendously meaningful event, and all are to be praised. It was such a wonderful family celebration, and I felt particular joy in sharing the cap and gown experience with you, Anders and my Dan (or should I say our Anders and Dan).

Thank you for everything.

Edythe McCleary, ’49 Bus Billings, Mont.

I want to add my thanks for the wonderful weekend celebration for the ‘older’ graduates.

To each and every one of you ‘girls,’ you make these reunions so special and I feel so blessed to have been at two ’50s and two ’60s reunions, since Jim and I graduated in two different years. What changes WWII made in our lives as well as MSC. Jim, ‘49 ME, and Virginia Barfknecht, ’45 EHHD Helena, Mont.

Dear Jaynee and Staff, When I asked Brendan to help me with the evaluation, he said, ‘We don’t need to do any evaluation because everything was perfect and any change might not be as good.’

We had a wonderful 50-year reunion.

Thank you for all your planning, organization and hard work to make this special event happen. We have attended the 25th, 40th and now 50th reunions,and all of them were so memorable. Montana State has enriched our lives in so many ways and continues to do so. We appreciate what the Alumni Association does and does so well.

It is not easy to keep alumni involved with their place of education, and congratulations on your success with membership. We look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Our many thanks, Brendan, ‘59 IA, and Joan Murphy, ’59 EHHD Winnett, Mont.

BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S Summer Taste from MSU

Joseph Fedock serves as interim provost Montana State University President Geoff Gamble has appointed Joseph Fedock to a two-year term as interim provost of the university. He replaces MSU Provost David Dooley, who recently accepted the presidency of the University of Rhode Island.

Fedock, who has worked in the MSU Provost’s Office for 14 years, most recently served as senior vice provost. His new duties began July 1.

The two-year appointment will allow the university to first fill the position of president, Fedock said.

President Gamble announced his retirement this spring. Once a new president has been found, the university will initiate the search for provost.

“As senior vice provost, Joe understands the issues of Academic Affairs and will provide stable and capable leadership during this transition period,” Gamble said.

A civil engineer by training, Fedock specializes in earthquake engineering. But he said that he has no plans to shake up what he calls MSU’s “leadership of excel-

lence.” He said his goal is to bring a stable leadership style to the period of transition that the university is undergoing.

“I hope to continue the advancements and initiatives of a broad range of academic areas at MSU, at the same time recognizing that we must be fiscally responsible in challenging economic times,” Fedock said.

Fedock has been MSU’s senior vice provost since 2002.

He has had broad oversight for MSU’s academic affairs, with emphasis upon curriculum and student issues. He said he counts among his administrative achievements his role in helping lead MSU to the designation as a “very high research activity” institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Fedock said that his former position of senior vice provost will not be filled during the interim appointment period.

—Carol Schmidt

Summer Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Yield: 8 servings • Serving: 8 chips with ½ cup salsa

1 apple, cored and chopped into small pieces 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped OR 1- 10 ounce package frozen strawberries 2 kiwi, peeled and chopped ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (save 2 tablespoons pineapple juice) 8- 8 inch flour tortillas 2 teaspoons water 2 teaspoons cinnamon mixed with ¾ cup sugar (add more cinnamon if desired) 1. Chop all fruit. (Use food processor, if desired, but do not puree.)

2. Combine fruit with pineapple juice.

Chill.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. 4. Sprinkle tortillas with approximately 2 teaspoons water (or spray with water).

5. Sprinkle each tortilla with cinnamon and sugar mixture.

6. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges and place on baking sheet.

7. Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.

8. Cool on rack. Store in airtight container.

9. Serve tortilla chips with salsa.

Per serving: Calories 256 • Fat 3 G • Protein 5 G • Carbohydrate 53 G • Fiber 2 G • Good source of Vitamin C • Low in cholestrol and saturated fat Provided by MSU Extension Nutrition Education

Gold Rush 2009: Year of the Bobcat Help launch the 2009 Bobcat athletic season at Gold Rush on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Wear gold to show your school spirit at the football home opener versus Dixie State at 1:05 p.m. at Bobcat football stadium.

This year’s Gold Rush theme, “Year of the Bobcat,” is designed to instill pride in fans and highlight the commitment of all Bobcat athletic teams.

“The Bobcats have such loyal fan support,” said Drew Ingraham, MSU Bobcat Athletics director of marketing. “The Gold Rush is a great opportunity to unite our

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fans and kick off another successful season.”

Beginning August 14, limited edition Gold Rush T-shirts will be available for $10.00 at Universal Athletic stores in Montana. To order, call 1-800-332-4574.

Or shop in person or online at the MSU Bookstore www.msubookstore.org.

For more information, contact Julie Kipfer at 994-5737 or visit http://www.montana.edu/bobcatspirit/promotions.html.

BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S

Unveiling of Alumni Plaza Slated for Homecoming Weekend photo taken there, and a few short years later, a picture of them in graduation regalia. “Meet at the Bobcat” will become a common phrase.

Limited edition versions of Spirit are available for purchase. Adorn your desk with a small bronze or your house or business with one that is life sized.

Proceeds from the sale of the bronzes will be split between the Alumni Association Operational Endowment and the Alumni Scholarship Endowment. The gift of the Alumni Plaza and Spirit will be a tribute to alumni past, present and future. Scholarships from the endowment will ensure the legacy of our alma mater.

Be one of the first to see this beautiful new space at Homecoming 2009 when we dedicate the Alumni Plaza, knowing it will become the center of many campus traditions to come.

As you sit and enjoy the plaza, imagine PHOTO COURTESY B. STAY TONN

The Alumni Association is presenting a gift to Montana State University. Unlike most gifts, this one will not be wrapped with festive paper or tied with a bow.

Instead, it will be unveiled, presented and applauded. The Montana State University campus will be graced with an Alumni Plaza, representing all those who have come before and those who will come in the future.

Imagine walking south towards Montana Hall from Cleveland Street. As you look up the hill, you see Montana Hall with its iconic cupola, the center of Montana State’s campus since its beginning.

There, nestled between historic buildings and surrounded by pedestrian traffic, will sit the Alumni Plaza. The space will be landscaped with native grasses, trees and flowers, benches and “Spirit,” a regal sixfoot tall bronze bobcat, lovingly created

by Bob Stayton, ’51 Art, Buffalo Trails Gallery, Bigfork, Mont., cheerleader and Kappa Sigma fraternity brother.

As you sit and enjoy the plaza, imagine freshmen having their very first campus

freshmen having their very first campus photo taken there, and a few short years later, a picture of them in graduation regalia. “Meet at the Bobcat” will become a common phrase.

Artist and donor Bob Stayton with “Spirit”

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BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S

Melland named dean of MSU’s College of Nursing Helen Melland, a veteran administrator from the University of North Dakota with a nursing background, has been named dean of the College of Nursing at Montana State University.

“I look forward to leading this already impressive program as we continue to provide an excellent education for both undergraduate and graduate students, and also continue to strengthen the research mission of the college,” said Melland, who most recently served as interim dean at the University of North Dakota’s College of Nursing.

Melland had worked at the University of North Dakota since 1989.

She has extensive administrative experience, including two appointments at that institution’s College of Nursing as interim dean and another as associate dean of undergraduate studies.

She also served for 12 years as a department chair in UND’s College of Nursing. Prior to her association with the University of North Dakota, Melland was an assistant professor, associate professor, and department chair at Jamestown College, a liberal arts college.

Melland earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Minnesota in 1992, and a master’s in nursing, with specialties in primary care of adults and nursing education, from the University of Portland in 1980. Her bachelor’s degree in nursing is from Pacific Lutheran University.

“Initially, I’m probably most excited about getting to know the faculty, staff, administrators and students of the school,”

Paul Schullery becomes first scholarin-residence at MSU’s Renne Library

Schullery is perhaps best known for the more than 30 books he has authored, co-authored or edited. Many of Schullery’s books deal with Yellowstone, and he plans to utilize the library’s Yellowstone Collection for his own research.

“I’m finishing up a couple of books… so (being here) facilitates that process,” Schullery said. He’s particularly pleased to be part of the library community

Paul Schullery, a noted historian and prolific author, has recently been named the first scholar-in-residence at Montana State University’s Renne Library.

As scholar-in-residence, Schullery will advise MSU librarians on the libraries’ collections, particularly its Yellowstone Collection and Trout and Salmonid Collection.

“Paul, who is an eminent scholar, will bring a new focus to some of our collections,” said Tamara Miller, dean of the MSU Libraries. “We think it’s quite a coup that he has agreed to share his expertise and advise us…it’s just wonderful to have him here to interact with our librarians.”

Schullery’s advisory role, which is an unpaid position, comes with an office in the library’s Special Collections.

The agreement with Schullery is for one year, Miller added, and it could be renewed.

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Melland said. “I want to hear from them what their visions and plans are for the College of Nursing, and then also share some of my thoughts.”

Melland also plans to seek input from other stakeholders.

“I am looking forward to meeting with leaders in the community and state who already support the mission of the college to discuss ways we can partner to enhance the education of students,” she said. “This partnering with others in the health care arena is essential, I believe, as we all face a challenging economy and work force issues so prevalent in a rural state like Montana.

Melland replaces Elizabeth Nichols, who retired.

—Anne Pettinger

and to have close access to the library’s Yellowstone Collection.

“Conversations about Yellowstone or trout stream conservation or American West resource management are so terribly important that we all owe it to ourselves to be as well-informed as possible,” Schullery said. “Libraries are the toolbox for that.”

—Anne Pettinger

BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S

2009 Summer Reading Suggestions From Jan Zauha, Professor, Reference Librarian, MSU Libraries

Fiction Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

by Michael Chabon (2000) This 2001 Pulitzer Prize winner is the perfect escape novel in more ways than one. Set in the world of New York’s comic book business in 1939, it features exciting characters, prose and wit that truly entertain and amaze.

The Power of the Dog

by Thomas Savage (1967) A riveting masterpiece of western psychology set on a Montana ranch in 1924, this much neglected novel is a beautifully crafted glimpse into the darker corners of human nature for those not afraid to look.

Prodigal Summer

by Barbara Kingsolver (2000) Over the course of one Appalachian summer, three human dramas of love and nature become intertwined in this nature-infused novel. The best treat of all is to download the audio version read by Kingsolver herself, with each chapter interspersed by rapturous birdsong.

The Girl of His Dreams

by Donna Leon (2008) If you can’t travel to Venice this summer, why not read exciting fiction set there?

This is Leon’s 17th detective novel featuring Venetian Commissario Guido Brunetti, in a series praised as remarkably rich and atmospheric.

The Surrounded

by D’Arcy McNickle (1936) Another neglected Montana classic, this groundbreaking novel focuses on the cultural conflicts faced by a young Spanish-Indian when he returns to live on the Flathead Indian Reservation. It has been chosen by Humanities Montana as the 2009 One Book Montana read (for more information on this program see http://www.humanitiesmontana.org/OneBook/onebook.shtml ).

One Step Behind

by Henning Mankell (translated 2003) Read any of the Kurt Wallander mysteries by Mankell and you will see why these gripping novels have recently been dramatized by PBS as part of the Masterpiece Mystery series. But no screen version, however good, can sufficiently capture the inner life of this middle-aged, angst-ridden detective in small-town Sweden. Read the books.

Letters from Yellowstone

by Diane Smith (1999) Written by an MSU doctoral student in history, this delightful novel of letters is set in the early days of Yellowstone National Park and even features fictionalized figures from MSU’s past. Read it and add new layers of enjoyment to your experience of the park.

Grapes of Wrath

by John Steinbeck (1939) This is a classic for all time, but it especially resonates during periods of economic uncertainty and unemployment. The epic tribulations of the Joad family remind us of our common human bonds and call us to compassion and courage in a way that only great literature can.

Nonfiction The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez (2008) Read MSU’s 2009 Freshman Convocation book and participate in the Bozeman 2009 One-Book program all at once when you dive into this inspiring book. Recently made into a movie starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., this is the compelling true story of a friendship between Lopez, a journalist, and Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless musician, and the difference they make to each other. Lopez will speak at the MSU Convocation on September 9 (for more information see http:// www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview. php?article=6987).

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Best Travel Writing 2009: True Stories from Around the World edited by James O’Reilly (2009) Tired of travel logs and handbooks full of dry details like train schedules, luxury hotel rates and emergency numbers? Enjoy the flavorful stories in this annual collection from real travelers in real situations. Whether you are planning a visit or not, these pieces will give you a true understanding of all manner of places, people and situations.

Full-Court Quest

by Linda Peavy and Ursula Smith (2008) Chosen as the Montana Book Award winner for 2008 (for more information see http://www.montanabookaward.org/), this book tells the story of the girls basketball team from Fort Shaw Indian School who became the world champions at the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair. Learn more about Montana history and American Indian life in one well-researched, entertaining narrative.

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

by Shunryu Suzuki (1970) Escape into yourself by reading what has been called one of the best and most succinct introductions to Zen practice. Here you will find accessible accounts of mindfulness, emptiness, enlightenment and other elusive concepts from a respected Zen master. You may even be able to slow your summer down with the insights and practices provided by this book.

BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S

MSU program will study what helps rural Montanans make healthy choices A research project at Montana State University may help shape future health programs for rural areas around the country.

MSU Extension Food and Nutrition and 4-H, and MSU’s Department of Psychology have received a $1.5 million fouryear grant from the USDA to design, conduct and assess a healthy-living program that offers information and opportunities for improving physical activity, nutrition and body image to parents in rural areas.

“We know this can’t be just another health program,” said Lynn Paul, MSU Extension nutrition specialist and the principal investigator on the study. “It has to fit the lifestyle of busy people in rural areas.”

Jill Martz, director of MSU Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development, and Wes Lynch, former department head of psychology, are the other investigators on the study.

in rural areas, where Because of the people don’t have the established communicaresources of a nearby gym tions network and family or sports club.” involvement in 4-H, an “Unhealthy trends in initial target audience America pull at all of will be the parents of us,” Paul said. “Sedentary 4-H youth, said Martz. lifestyles and eating food However, after the initial that is quick but not study is completed, the always nutritious put us program will be open to all at risk.” all Montana parents.

One of the motivations Part of the study will behind the USDA fundexamine to what degree a Lynn Paul ing research into what supprogram aimed at supports healthy choices is that health care porting healthy lifestyle choices in one generation influences the next generation. costs are reduced when a person commits to living healthier, said Lynch.

The program for parents will provide Lynch said he hopes parents will both hands-on experiences and informaunderstand that, in addition to getting tion. Results will be collected from both a helpful experience for themselves and parents and children and will include physical measures such as heart rate, body their family, they will be “a part of an mass index and breathing capacity, as well important scientific study to determine how to slow this nationwide progression as factors such as how participants feel to obesity.” about themselves.

Paul described plans for the program as “It’s the assessment part of this program “interactive, fun, hands-on, practical and that you wouldn’t see in a typical ‘help with very little lecture involved.” people’ program,” said Lynch, who will be in charge of assessment and data analy—Carol Flaherty sis. “We’re trying to find out what works

Summer Tip from MSU Planting a Successful Home Vegetable Garden Having a successful vegetable garden depends not only on how you garden, but on planting enough of the right vegetables at the right time to supply your family’s needs.

Plant at the right time. This will vary with air temperature, soil temperature and the needs of individual crops. Hardy crops like cabbage tolerate frosts and can be planted in early spring; tender crops like peppers don’t tolerate frosts and need more heat to mature properly, so plant them when the soil has warmed to 60°F. How you organize crops in the garden is also important. Plant tall vegetables like corn on the north or northeast side of the garden to reduce shading. Orient all rows in a north-south direction to take advantage of the best sunlight distribution. Plant vegetables that need heavy watering in the fall away from those like onions,

potatoes and other root crops, which need to be dry to be stored properly. Proper spacing between plants is also important.

Note the number of “days to maturity” on the seed packet to be sure the plant will have time to mature before the end of the season.

Many tender vegetables can’t mature in our short seasons; start plants indoors or buy transplants from a local nursery or garden center.

If you grow your own transplants, give them adequate light. The windowsill may appear bright enough, but it isn’t. Use a combination of warm and cool white fluorescent bulbs to provide supplemental light or grow lights, which provide the full spectrum of light waves.

Space light bulbs about 2 inches apart, center to center, and no higher than 18 inches above the plants. Leave them on from 12 to 16 hours each day after the seedlings have emerged.

Pest Control: You can eliminate many pest problems if you use artificial soil mixes or ster-

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ilize garden soil prior to seeding. Buy disease resistant cultivars, space the plants properly to allow circulating air to dry the foliage and never water at night.

Rotate vegetable crops each year and clean up debris at the end of each season.

Information about average days to maturity, plant spacing in row and between rows, planting depth, average yields, seeds/plants per 100 ft. row, and planting dates for common vegetables can be obtained in the Planting a Successful Home Vegetable Garden MontGuide available through MSU Extension; Web site: msuextension.org; e-mail: orderpubs@ montana.edu; or phone: 406-994-3273.

Excerpted from MSU Extension’s Planting a Successful Home Vegetable Garden MontGuide by Cheryl Moore-Gough, Extension Horticulture Specialist, retired, and R.E. Gough, Professor of Horticulture

BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S

60 Minutes films on campus

Mary Higby Schweitzer conducts some of her research in the Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory at Montana State University.

Malta bone, MSU scientists help confirm protein find in dinosaurs A dinosaur bone from Malta and analysis

by Montana State University scientists helped confirm that protein can be preserved for millions of years and that birds and dinosaurs are close relatives.

Announced in the May 1 issue of Science, the discovery in an 80-millionyear-old hadrosaur showed that a previous, similar find in a 68-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex wasn’t a fluke, said a research team led by North Carolina State University, Harvard University, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Lead author of the Science article was Mary Higby Schweitzer, ’95 BioSci PhD, of NC State and the NC Museum of Natural History, a Helena native and former MSU graduate student. MSU co-authors were Recep Avci and Zhiyong Suo from the Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory, and Jack Horner, Regent’s Professor of Paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies. A former MSU graduate student, Chris Organ, of Harvard University, was also a co-author.

Schweitzer and a previous team announced in 2007 that they had found collagen in the thigh bone of a T. rex from eastern Montana. Collagen is the main organic compound found in bone.

Lesley Stahl, correspondent for the TV news magazine “60 Minutes,” and a film crew came to Montana State University in May to film renowned paleontologists Jack Horner and Mary Higby Schweitzer, ’95 BioSci PhD, for a segment on scientists who study extinct animals.

Horner is Regent’s Professor of Paleontology at MSU. Schweitzer is associate professor in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University and associate curator of vertebrate paleontology at the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences.

While on campus, 60 Minutes filmed in the Museum of the Rockies, the Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory and the modular buildings just north of the new Chemistry and Biochemistry Building. They also filmed at Egg Mountain near Choteau.

The “60 Minutes” piece is expected to air sometime this fall.

Responding to skeptics who doubted that protein could survive for 68 million years, Schweitzer’s team looked for another well-preserved dinosaur that could further support their claims.

“We were looking for something that had the potential of producing more protein and more soft tissue like the T. rex,” Horner said. “We just figured we would go to the best place, go to the place where the best bone is exposed.”

The search took Horner’s field crew to state land around Malta, an area that had yielded several well-preserved dinosaurs in the past, Horner said. There, under about 20 feet of sandstone in the Judith River formation, the paleontologists found the leg of a duck-billed dinosaur. They excavated the hadrosaur fossil in 2007.

The Science article said the scientists left some of the sediments around the bone to keep degradation to a minimum, “We were looking for something that then covered the fossil with plaster and drove it to Bozeman. Working in Hornhad the potential of producing more er’s paleontology lab, Schweitzer collected protein and more soft tissue like bone and sediment samples with sterile instruments, wrapped the samples in laythe T. rex.”

—Jack Horner ers of foil and placed them in sealed jars.

She then sent samples to five laboratories, including ICAL at MSU. —Evelyn Boswell

Summer 2009 | 9

BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S

MSU postdoctoral researcher wins NASA fellowship A postdoctoral research associate at Montana State University, whose research has the potential to answer questions about the possibility of life on Mars as well as global climate change, has won a prestigious fellowship from NASA. Eric Boyd’s, ‘07 Micro PhD, NASA Astrobiology Institute Fellowship will allow him to explore the possibility that living organisms exist in subglacial ecosystems at very cold temperatures. The existence of these organisms in an environment that may be similar to conditions on Mars might mean that life could also exist on the Red Planet.

Just four researchers were awarded fellowships this year. The fellowship is for one year, with the possibility of renewing it for a second.

After earning his doctorate at MSU, Boyd accompanied a friend on a research field expedition to a glacier in Alberta, Canada.

Boyd thought he would use the excursion to look for archaea, single-celled microorganisms. Until recently, cells without nuclei (bacteria) and cells with nuclei (eukarya) were considered to be the only two major groups of life on Earth. However, scientists now consider archaea, which are often found in extreme environments, to be a third basic form of life.

Even though archaea had never before been found in subglacial environments,

Eric Boyd, a postdoctoral research associate at MSU has won a prestigious fellowship from NASA.

Boyd was confident that he could find the mass covered by ice, there is a potential microbes. that methane-producing microbes could Which is exactly what he did. significantly impact Earth’s climate.

Boyd collected samples at the glacier “There is a reservoir of methane people and then analyzed them. He found gene aren’t considering under the glaciers,” sequences that are consistent with archaea Boyd said. “It has big implications with and that had never before been found respect to global climate change.” in sub glacial sediments. He says that John Peters, the director of MSU’s the archaea living under the ice produce Thermal Biology Institute who is advismethane gas through enzymatic convering Boyd’s work, said his research could sions involving simple carbon compounds, answer some big questions. such as carbon dioxide or acetate.

“It’s really relevant to space exploration,” In addition to what Boyd’s findings Peters said. “It maps the limits of life and could mean about the possibility of life limits of habitability.” on Mars, the research also has implica— Anne Pettinger tions regarding global climate change.

Methane is a greenhouse gas, and is far more potent that carbon dioxide. With approximately 11 percent of Earth’s land-

Summer Taste from MSU

Zucchini Pie 4 c. zucchini, sliced 1 c. onion, chopped ¼ c. butter ½ tsp parsley ½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper

½ tsp garlic ¼ tsp basil ¼ tsp oregano 2 eggs, beaten 8 oz. mozzarella cheese 8 oz. crescent roll dough 2 Tbsp yellow mustard

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In large saucepan, sauté butter, onion,and zucchini until tender and warm.

3. Stir in dry seasonings.

4. In large bowl, combine eggs and mozzarella cheese, then stir into saucepan with the zucchini and spices.

5. Open crescent roll dough and place into an ungreased 9-11” pie plate, pressing together seams.

6. Spread crescent roll dough with mustard, then spread in zucchini and cheese mixture.

7. Bake pie in 375 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Provided by: Sara Adlington, MSU Extension

Collegian | 10

BLUE & GOLD M S U N E W S PHOTO COURTESY MSU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Fun Stuff from MSU

Fun summer activities to do in Bozeman •• Raft, kayak or inner-tube float the Madison or Gallatin rivers •• Try out rock climbing—indoors (Spire) and out (Hyalite Canyon) •• Hike up Hyalite (Palisade Falls, Grotto Falls, etc.)

•• Hike up to the M

The MSU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Shuichi Komiyama became the first American university group to perform in Vietnam during a May 22-June 13 tour of Southeast Asia. Photo courtesy of Shuichi Komiyama.

MSU symphony strikes the right note with historic tour of Vietnam, Southeast Asia Montana State University Symphony Orchestra director Shuichi Komiyama readied 89 people and 67 instruments for a 22-day, 5,500 mile tour of Southeast Asia, including the first time an American university performed in Vietnam.

Those were a lot of numbers and an exponential amount of details for Komiyama, an MSU professor of music, conductor and organizer of the premier musical and diplomatic event, which took place May 22 through June 13 as the MSU Symphony Orchestra performed in Hanoi, Singapore and Thailand.

Komiyama said missions of friendship and diplomacy were central to the visit, which included free concerts and workshops as well as the donation of instruments to schools in all three countries.

“We hope that the common language of music will change lives, and build relationships between these countries (that have) a troubled past,” Komiyama said.

The genesis of the tour was about three years ago when Komiyama first came to MSU after a successful career as a conductor and teacher in countries in Asia and the Pacific Rim. Komiyama quickly revitalized the MSU Symphony Orchestra, and the students asked if one day they could tour overseas.

“I knew the people very well in Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand,” he said.

He added that university orchestras rarely visit Southeast Asia. And, Vietnam just recently opened to visiting musical groups with symphonies from Vienna and Philadelphia as well as a youth orchestra from Long Island have preceded MSU’s visit.

He added that while the MSU group certainly had an impact on the countries it visited, the members of the symphony also had a life-changing experience. Most of the students in MSU’s Symphony Orchestra come from small towns in Montana. For those reasons, the tour was rich with grassroots diplomacy opportunities.

Komiyama collected instruments that the symphony members played and then left with musical students in the countries the group visited.

The MSU group included 67 students, 22 chaperones and members of the MSU faculty and administration. Each MSU student had to pay his or her own way, although Komiyama said the group had any number of fundraisers to help defer the $2,500 fee for each student. They performed in Hanoi, Puket, Bangkok as well as Singapore.

Montana musicians and companies donated instruments for the students to take on the tour, funds and benefit concerts.

—Carol Schmidt

Summer 2009 | 11

•• Head out into the wilderness and go camping. Try renting a forest service cabin.

•• Fly-fish one of Montana’s many blueribbon trout streams •• Mountain bike Big Sky Resort or Bridger Bowl •• Try a new frozen treat at a local shop (Pickle Barrel, Dairy Queen, Bridger Ridge, ColdStone Creamery, Chocolate Moose, Moberry, Baskin Robbins) •• Take part in the Bozeman Farmer’s Market (every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the summer) •• Pick up rollerblading/long-boarding/ skate-boarding •• Enjoy Music on Main in downtown Bozeman (every Thursday night from July 2 through August 20) •• Go green: replace driving your car with riding your bike as often as you can •• Tour the Lewis and Clark Caverns •• Attend the Sweet Pea Festival in August •• Attend at least one rodeo in Montana

CAT GRIZ

2009 Satellite Parties

The MSU Alumni Association, in conjunction with the UM Alumni Association, is very proud to present these terrific events reaching across the country, capturing loyal and spirited Bobcat fans in party mode.

Below lists the states and cities where satellite parties have been planned with an MSU alumni volunteer in the area. Please visit the Alumni Association Web site for specific party location details and updates.

Estimated cost to bring the game to some 80 locations nationwide is about $20,000. We ask that attendees make a $5 contribution at the door, which party cordinators will then send to the Alumni Associations.

This helps us greatly in meeting costs and to continue bringing the parties across the country.

Visit alumni.montana.edu/events/ catgriz for more info. Contact Kerry Hanson in the MSU Alumni Office if you have questions. Go Cats!

ALASKA: Anchorage • Fairbanks • Juneau TBD ARIZONA: Scottsdale • Tucson • Yuma • Flagstaff* ARKANSAS: Little Rock* CALIFORNIA: Fresno • Los Angeles– Culver City • Orange County-Rancho Santa Margarita • Palm Desert–La Quinta • Sacramento–Fair Oaks • San Diego • San Francisco: East Bay–San Leandro • North Bay–San Rafael area • Chico* COLORADO: Colorado Springs • Denver • Fort Collins TBD* • Grand Junction FLORIDA: Pensacola • The Villages GEORGIA: Atlanta–Alpharetta HAWAII: Oahu IDAHO: Boise • Idaho Falls • Moscow

*Some sites are in need of MSU coordinators, if you are interested.

Saturday, November 21 12:05 MST Kickoff in Bozeman

109th Rivalry Meeting area (Pullman, Wash.) • Pocatello TBD • Twin Falls ILLINOIS: Chicago–Schaumburg • Chicago–City • Rockford INDIANA: Indianapolis KANSAS/MISSOURI: Kansas City–Olathe LOUISIANA: New Orleans–Monroe NEW ENGLAND/MASS.: Salisbury, Mass.

MICHIGAN: Detroit Area–Utica MINNESOTA: Minneapolis–Mendota MISSOURI: St. Louis NEBRASKA: Omaha NEVADA: Carson City–Dayton • Las Vegas • Reno • Mesquite NEW MEXICO: Albuquerque NEW YORK: New York City NORTH CAROLINA: Charlotte* • Raleigh/Durham NORTH DAKOTA: Bismarck • Fargo OHIO: Cincinnati–West Chester OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma City

TBD: site to be determined Collegian | 12

OREGON: Bend • Portland–Pearl District PENNSYLVANIA: Allentown • Pittsburgh TENNESSEE: Nashville TEXAS: Austin • Dallas–Richardson • Houston UTAH: Salt Lake City WASHINGTON: Olympia–Lacey* • Pullman • Seattle–Renton • Spokane • Tri-Cities–Richland • Yakima WASHINGTON, D.C.: Arlington, Va. WEST VIRGINIA: Morgantown* WISCONSIN: Madison • Milwaukee WYOMING: Casper* • Gillette* • Sheridan Thank you to the fantastic Bobcat volunteers who help us with our Cat/Griz efforts.

Kickoff time is subject to change.

An angler’s dream

W W W.MS U B O OKSTOR E.ORG

Trout U™

Catch the latest Trout U™ gear at the MSU Bookstore.

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Literacy through Photography: Helping Children Express Themselves B Y S U Z I TAY L O R Victoria Peterson

Rachel Cudmore, ‘08 Photo, was still a senior at MSU when she joined Irving Elementary School’s Literacy Through Photography (LTP) project—an effort that teaches children to express themselves though words and images.

LTP was brought to Irving School in Bozeman by teacher Kristin Sutton, who also taught it in Oakland, Calif. Sutton was searching for a photography advisor and found Cudmore through MSU’s photography department.

Using the theme of “Our Best Parts,” Cudmore and Sutton helped more than 50 Irving third-graders choose their favorite body part— which included everything from eyes to calves to hands—then photograph and write poetry about that part. Their work was exhibited at Rockford Coffee in Bozeman this spring.

Cudmore taught visual composition and technical skills. She helped children fill out shot logs and showed them how to pre-plan shots of themselves and “their best parts.” Sutton helped the children express themselves through writing.

“I love Rachel’s dedication to the students and to the Literacy Through Photography model,” said Sutton. “She really saw the value in the curriculum and as a way to get the students to slow down and be thoughtful about the pictures they took and the words they wrote. I especially loved Rachel’s expectations for effort and quality of work...this worked well with my philosophy of teaching and learning.”

“Rachel is an excellent photographer,” added Sutton. “We danced together nicely in class, jumping in where we each had more expertise.

We learned a lot about each other’s trades and about each other. She helped the children see through the lens in ways I couldn’t.”

“Having worked with youth every summer for the past five years, I felt prepared,” said Cudmore. “Although it was challenging, the rewards are great when you see what their little minds come up with.

“I am excited to see how the project evolves through the years and look forward to seeing the work of Bozeman’s future photographers,” she said.

Kristen Sutton (left) and Rachel Cudmore

Pushya Krishna LTP is based on the work of Wendy Ewald and the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.

For more information, contact Sutton at Kristin.sutton@bsd7.org. Cudmore’s photography is at rachelcudmore.com Collegian | 14

Sarah Langr

GRA PHY O T O H P H G U O R H T L IT E R ACY

PHOTOS COURTESY LITERACY THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Elliot Vanosdell

Molly Taylor

Summer 2009 | 15

Extracurriculars: Michael Sanderson keeps finding new ways to connect to the school he loves

BY MICHAEL BECKER

W

hen Michael Sanderson, ‘94 CE, ‘96 CE M, was a civil engineering student at Montana State University in the early 1990s, he didn’t have a lot of spare time for extracurriculars.

In addition to the demands of academic life, he had a trombone scholarship to maintain. Thanks to classes and his musical obligations, most of Sanderson’s time was spent either studying or practicing, not joining clubs.

But in the years since his graduation, Sanderson has more than made up for any lack of campus involvement when he was a student.

Between his responsibilities as principal and managing director of Billings-based engineering firm Sanderson Stewart, he serves on boards and committees across the university, from the Museum of the Rockies to the College of Engineering. Most recently, he was named to the board of the MSU Alumni Association, a position he took up in mid-June.

“When you go to school, you’re pretty focused on passing your classes and being a successful student,” said the 38-year-old busi-

nessman. “I don’t know if I really realized the connection I was building with this place.”

A native of Billings, Mont., Sanderson has always had some connection to MSU. Both his father, Robert, ‘64 ME, ‘66 CE, ‘69 CE M, and mother, Pamela Powell Sanderson, ‘65 SecEd, hold degrees from MSU. His brother, Mark, ‘91, has a degree in architecture from MSU, and even his wife, Sara Sherman Sanderson, ‘96, holds an MSU degree, a master’s in chemical engineering.

But even with all that Bobcat spirit floating around the house, it was less MSU fervor and more a desire to build the foundation for a solid career that brought Sanderson to Bozeman.

“I can’t go back and say I was strong in math and science and that engineering really appealed to me in that way,” he said. “I was drawn toward engineering because, for me, it seemed like a viable career.”

It still almost didn’t end up that way.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Sanderson wasn’t sure that he wanted to pursue engineering and even considered law school in Missoula. But Ted Lang, head of the civil engineering department at the time, conCollegian | 16

vinced Sanderson to stay at MSU and earn his master’s.

Two years later with his second degree in hand, Sanderson went back to Billings to work for Engineering Inc., the company his father helped start in 1969. Years later, his father semi-retired, and Sanderson took over the business, which was renamed Sanderson Stewart in February.

The new name reflects a new approach to the industry while embracing the company’s heritage, and Sanderson said he’s excited to take the business in new directions.

“It’s more than just engineering now,” Sanderson said, noting that over the past few years, the company has expanded into areas such as landscape architecture, community planning and sustainable design.

“We’re really retooling for the future,” he said.

Sanderson has brought some of that enthusiasm and optimism to MSU, where for the past three years, he has served on the College of Engineering’s Advisory Board.

Sanderson Stewart also funds an annual scholarship for civil engineering students.

“Michael is a great asset to the university,” said Robert Marley, dean of the College of Engineering. “You get a sense that not only is he engaged in the technical aspects of what’s going on in engineering, but he also wants to see MSU succeed.”

Along with his service on committees, Sanderson has found other ways to give back to MSU. His company provided engineering expertise to help MSU install new turf at Bobcat Stadium, and two years ago the company helped install a global positioning satellite station on campus. The station lets students, researchers and even the public find very precise coordinates for almost any spot in the valley.

“It was a great opportunity to partner with the university,” he said.

Sanderson Stewart also benefits from its partnerships with the university. All but three of the company’s engineers graduated from MSU, and Sanderson said the company is actively recruiting more MSU grads.

Sanderson has no plans to slow down his involvement with MSU, not so long as he can find the time for it. Staying involved, he said, helps him feel connected to MSU and Bozeman, and those are connections he cherishes.

“I’ve been able to maintain a connection to MSU and this place I love,” he said. “I’ve been able to enjoy this place at another level than when I was just going to school here.”

HOMECOMING ’09 Homecoming is a GREAT time to come back to campus and Bozeman. Make plans now, call your friends and “come home” for Homecoming.

For more information, and to register for Homecoming events, visit the MSU Alumni Association Web site at alumni.montana.edu or call us at 1-800-842-9028.

Calendar of Events October 8–11, 2009 Thursday, October 8 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Stop by the Alumni Center (1501 So. 11th) to pick up your Homecoming schedule of events. Browse through yearbooks, enjoy the hospitality and visit for a while.

9 p.m.

“Go Cats” lighting at Residence Halls. See Hedges residents spell out Go Cats on the high rise halls—a great sight.

9 p.m.

Lighting of the M on Mount Baldy by the Student Alumni Association.

Friday, October 9

Blue & Gold Friday

8 a.m.–9 p.m.

Visit the Alumni Center until 5:00 p.m. Come look at the Montanan year book and have a cookie and coffee. Relax and reminisce “at home.”

All day “Hello Walk” Stroll the campus Centennial Mall, say hello to fellow alumni and current students and enjoy Homecoming Friday. Visit the Bookstore and load up on Bobcat gear.

All day Coffee Cats Renne Library staff invite you to

have coffee at Brewed Awakening and take a tour of the beautiful academic center of campus.

Coupons for coffee at the Alumni Center.

10:15–11:15 a.m.

Campus Tour led by an MSU student. Meet at the Ask-Us Desk in the SUB. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

M-Day Hike to the M on Mount Baldy, established by the class of 1918.

The first 100 climbers to the M get a T-shirt to commemorate their Homecoming hike. Sponsored by First Year Initiative (FYI), the MSU Alumni Association and the Vice President for Administration and Finance.

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

President’s Homecoming Luncheon and Alumni Awards Ceremony President Geoff Gamble’s final Homecoming luncheon as MSU’s 11th president, with special recognition of and awarding the recipients of the prestigious Blue and Gold Award and the Alumni Achievement Award. $18/person.

Hannon Hall Dining Room.

2 p.m.

Alumni Plaza and “Spirit” the Bobcat Dedication Join the Alumni Association as we celebrate the newest addition to campus, a six-foot bronze bobcat

called “Spirit.” North of Montana Hall, at the sidewalk convergence of Linfield, Herrick and Montana halls. This will be a terrific celebration—all alumni, friends and the public is welcome to attend.

ing event as tournaments, pizza wars and lots of activity provide on-campus fun for current students. Fieldhouse.

2:45–4 p.m.

Museum of the Rockies Visit this awesome jewel of campus and new exhibits, and experience the Lewis & Clark challenge course. $7/person.

Bobcat Saturday (Wear your Blue and Gold) Streamline bus will be providing FREE transportation from campus to the parade and back to the stadium.

3:30–5 p.m.

MSU Historic Buildings Tour Hosted by the MSU Alumni Association and the City of Bozeman Historic Preservation department.

Park and meet at the Alumni Center to begin the tour.

6:30 p.m.

Homecoming Pep Rally Downtown Bozeman, near Bozeman and Main St. Sponsored by the Rockin’ R Bar and the Downtown Bozeman Association.

7 p.m. on…

Homecoming “Downtown Friday Night” Join the crowd downtown and see all that Bozeman has to offer for Homecoming weekend. Alumni Homecoming HQ at The Pour House, corner of Main and Rouse.

8 p.m.

Midnight Mania MSU students join in this excitement-filled traditional Homecom-

Summer 2009 | 17

Saturday, October 10

10 a.m.

Homecoming Parade Stake out a prime spot early to join in the celebration of this long-standing tradition down Main Street. If you are interested in participating in the parade, contact the student Homecoming Chair through ASMSU at 406994-2933.

11:30 a.m.

Alumni Tailgate Party Whoop it up Montana State style in the tailgate tent before the game. This is a spirit-packed tradition for everybody and a great place to gather your group. FREE. 12:30 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting for Bobcat Plaza at the Track & Field Complex Behind Bobcat Stadium, east side (scoreboard side) toward the Museum. Sponsored by Bobcat Track & Field Association. continued

HOMECOMING ’09

1:35 p.m.

Bobcats vs. Northern Arizona Cheer the Bobcats on to victory.

Crowning of 2009 Homecoming King & Queen and the fabulous Spirit of the West Marching Band. $28 game ticket reserved/ $10 endzone.

Registration is available online. Homecoming packets/ tickets will be available for pick up beginning October 8.

Go to alumni.montana.edu or call 1-800-842-9028.

Alumni Reunions and Gatherings Mechanical Engineering Technology Alumni from 1978–1980 Contact: Ron Wilcox grayfox@fiberpipe.net 307/672-6716 Football Reunion 1953–56 Teams Contact: Neal Egan neal.egan@mse-ta.com 406/490-7367 or Bob Black 509/531-1964

Sigma Nu (ΣΝ) of the 1970s Reunion Contact: Todd Eliason todd.eliason@verizon.net 406/522-0160 Friday, October 9 ••Arrive in Bozeman and reconnect ••Homecoming fire-up— downtown Bozeman ••Sigma Nu reunion gig at the Eagles Club Saturday, October 10 ••Homecoming parade downtown Bozeman ••Sigma Nu tailgate outside Bobcat Stadium ••Football—Bobcats vs. Northern Arizona ••Open House at 1710 Greek Way (former Sigma Nu house) ••Barbeque dinner at UCT (Moose Lodge) Sunday, October 11 ••Chapel service at Danforth Chapel led by Brother Joe Todd ••Wind down and depart Bozeman

Alpha Omicron Pi (AOΠ) Alumnae Reunion Contact: Allison Tocci, Alumnae Relations Chair Sunday, October 11 ••10 a.m. Alumnae ritual tradition. Observation and/ or participation at the chapter house. 1119 S. 5th ••10:30 a.m. Annual alumnae Homecoming brunch at the chapter house. All are welcome. Families/spouses too.

Sigma Chi (ΣΧ) Alumni Reunion Contact: Duane Ray dray@bobcatsigs.org or visit www.bobcatsigs.org to obtain the latest information Friday, October 9 ••1–3 p.m. Annual Beta Rho House Corporation meeting & officer elections @ the chapter house ••4–10 p.m. Open house, cocktail reception and dinner at the chapter house Saturday, October 10 ••10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Parade ••12:30–1:35 p.m. Friends of ΣΧ tailgate, northwest side of Bobcat Stadium (look for the ΣΧ flag)

Collegian | 18

••1:35–5:00 p.m. Football Game vs. NAU, Go Cats!

Sunday, October 11 ••10 a.m.–1 p.m. Annual Advisor Board meeting with chapter officers Delta Gamma (ΔΓ) Alumnae Reunion Saturday, October 10 ••11 a.m.–1 p.m. Delta Gamma alumnae gathering at The Habit in the Quads.

Alpha Gamma Delta (ΑΓΔ) 85th Anniversary Contact: Tiffany Hensley tiffany.hensley@msu.montana.edu Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) 90th Anniversary Contact: Tony Kaber tonykaber@hotmail.com

HOMECOMING ’09

Homecoming Awards Ceremony Honors Outstanding Alumni

Four outstanding Montana State alumni will be honored during Homecoming, and we invite you to be part of the celebration and recognition. All alumni as well as the public are invited to the President’s Homecoming Luncheon and Alumni Awards Ceremony on Homecoming Friday, October 9, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on campus.

2009 recipients of the Blue & Gold Award

2009 recipients of the Alumni Achievement Award Dr. Gary Stoner, ’64 Pre Med, hails from Manhattan, Mont., and currently serves as a renowned cancer researcher and professor emeritus in the Dept. of Internal Medicine

Summer 2009 | 19

Scenes from Homecoming

PHOTOS COURTESY MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Jack, ’63 ChE, and Diane (Meyer) Sherick, ’68 ElEd, wear Montana State on their sleeves and always make sure others know they are proud Bobcats. Jack and Diane are about service and involvement in every sense of the word.

Be it Rainbow Girls, Boy Scouts of America, duplicate bridge, Bobcat football, Jaycees, Optimists and Great Falls Bringing the U to You, the Shericks are consummate bearers of the blue and gold. They exemplify leadership and teamwork in their involvements and belief in devoting time to the development of better citizens; all the while putting on their Bobcat gear, hanging their MSU flag outside their home before every game, driving their cars sporting MSU plates and representing Montana State as alumni, in a most respectable way. Their service and spirit is admirable, their pride immense. We are delighted to recognize the nomination from their children, Michael,’86 ChE, Vicki, ‘88 ElEd, and Heidi, ‘91 Biol, ’01 Educ M, and honor Jack and Diane Sherick with the 2009 Blue & Gold Award.

at Ohio State University. His work has been published in more than 300 journals, he has spoken to audiences worldwide and has served on endless medical and cancer research boards.

Equally impressive is his love for Montana.

He and fellow classmates established the Manhattan School Foundation to aid future students of Manhattan schools. He keeps a residence in the Gallatin Valley in order to maintain his Montana ties. His is a story of terrific MSU success…a product of smalltown Montana who has risen to great academic heights in science and to the pinnacle of personal achievement in his chosen field.

Nominated by: Kent, ’64 AgBus, and Lois (Fulker), ’65 HomeEc, Norby; Lt. Gen. Patrick Hughes, ’68 Bus; and Donald Kennedy, ’64 Eng. Dr. David Yarlott, ’94 Bus Mgmt, ’96 BusEd M, ’99 EdD, is president of Little Big Horn College (LBHC) on Montana’s Crow Reservation, a position he has held for seven years. He is a member of the Greasy Mouth Clan. Yarlott was born in Korea to a Crow father and Korean mother, then moved to the Crow Reservation, where he learned both the Crow Indian language and English.

He is a first generation college student who has become an outstanding advocate of education, particularly of Indian people. He has served as dean, department head and on the faculty at LBHC, Chair of the American Indian College Fund and board member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. His recognitions both within the Crow Nation and beyond are honorable.

His own educational endeavors, as well as his commitment to Indian education, are certainly an indication of his determination and his humility.

Nominated by: Florence (McGeshick) Garcia, ’99 EdD; Walter Fleming, ’80 Engl; and Mary Lukin, ’67 Educ.

A

Montana State University alumna who grew up in southwest Montana has devoted her retirement to helping girls in Kenya.

Annette Lilly Russ, ’79 ElEd, ‘85 Acctg, daughter of famous fly-fisherman Bud Lilly, has established a program in Kenya that empowers and enables girls to become economically independent and vital to the economy.

Russ, who moved to Chico, Calif., about 21 years ago, retired from her work as a certified public accountant in 2003 and then went on safari to Botswana in 2005. In 2006 she volunteered for about four months in western Kenya, working with a micro finance program.

Micro finance provides financial services to low-income clients, including people who have no credit, Russ explained.

Most of Russ’s clients in western Kenya were women, many of whom were widows struggling to provide for their families. They would receive $100 unsecured loans, and as each loan was repaid, the women, who mostly worked as vendors, were able to borrow more.

“Micro finance gives women an opportunity to generate income,” she said. “It’s a solution.”

BY ANNE PETTINGER Buoyed by her experience in Kenya, but concerned that the women weren’t receiving business training when they received loans, Russ decided to start “Just One Person.”

The organization works with secondary schoolgirls, selecting five girls from each of five different schools. The 25 girls, ranging in age from 13 to 19, attend semiannual trainings throughout their four years of school, with topics ranging from birth control, unsafe abortion and HIV to relationship development, computer training and female role models.

The girls then go back to their own schools and organize condensed training “Just One Person” is the only program tar- seminars for their peers. geting girls in western Kenya that combines Parents of the girls are also invited to computer technology, health education, attend business trainings, which helps them leadership, problem-solving and decisionrealize the value of the program immediately, making in a structured social setting,” Russ Russ said. said. Further, the program has been de“It’s a wide-ranging program,” Russ said. signed, developed and implemented by local “It’s really ambitious.” community leaders.

It’s also a huge time commitment for Russ’s idea for the organization was a Russ, who travels to Kenya twice a year for long time in the making, starting with the about six weeks at a time. In addition, she fact that she is a person who values educasaid her fund-raising work is the equivalent tion, she said. Growing up in Bozeman and of a full-time job when she’s in the United West Yellowstone, where her dad’s fly-fishing States. business was based, she graduated from BozThe time is worth it for Russ, who is coneman High School in 1972. Russ started her vinced of the importance of the work. college career at the University of Montana, “It is a very good program,” she said. “In then left and began a family. Eventually, she rural Kenya, girls do not know about opporreturned to college, at MSU, as a nontraditunities. The biggest benefit of this program tional student and earned bachelor degrees to them is opening up opportunities and in business and education. exposing them to the world.”

“I had a very, very good college experience To learn more about “Just One Person,” visit at MSU,” she said. “I was good friends with www.Just1person.org. some of the professors and had a really close class. I worked hard, but I have really good memories about it.”

‘Just One Person’ empowering girls in Kenya

PHOTOS COURTESY A. RUSS

Collegian | 20

Killsback finds success in life and legal career by following ‘Mom’s Code’ B Y C A RO L S C H M I D T

D

ion Killsback, ‘00 LRES, has been a good example for a long time, but the 31-year-old attorney now living in Albuquerque, N.M., said that’s because he had the world’s best mentor—his mom.

“My mom was a single mother who raised six children by herself,” said Killsback, who with his twin was the eldest of Jackie Tang’s children. The family lived in Busby, Mont., on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. “She instilled in us the importance of higher education.”

Killsback is now an attorney in Albuquerque working with New Mexico’s American Indian tribes as an associate of the Los Angeles-based law firm Holland and Knight, a national firm known for its work in American Indian law.

“My mother sent all of us to school in Colstrip so we didn’t go to school on the reservation,” Killsback said. For those not familiar with the trip, Killsback and his siblings had to drive 40 miles each way through Lame Deer on the way to Colstrip. “She wanted us to be accustomed to a non-Indian environment. She wanted us to learn to excel in that environment. And we excelled.”

Killsback often talks about his mother and her lessons when he speaks as a legal expert or motivational speaker. Recently he returned to Montana State University during the annual American Indian Council Pow Wow and spoke at an MSU seminar on Indian law and was selected as the head man

dancer at the pow wow, a great honor in which he led all dancers in the grand entries.

Killsback said another lesson he learned from his mother was not to put too much stock in basketball, a sport that is hugely popular on the reservation. While he was successful playing the sport in high school, she reminded him that “basketball doesn’t get you a job or put food on the table.” She likewise told her children not to put too much importance in a high school degree.

“She told us that you should have a high school degree. She said you should feel proud about a college degree.” Tang herself earned a master’s in social work in 2002 while raising her children.

Another mom mandate was getting off the reservation in the summer to attend enrichment programs on college campuses, which was what originally brought Killsback to MSU. As a high school student, he enrolled in MSU’s Minority Apprenticeship Program, and worked on research with Mark Jutila, an accomplished researcher in MSU’s prestigious Department of Veterinary Molecular Biology.

“So when we got to (college) the culture shock of (leaving the reservation) wasn’t as drastic as someone who had stayed there all of their life,” Killsback said.

After graduating from MSU, Killsback worked as a reclamation specialist at the coal mine near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation before being accepted to law school at the University of Montana where he studied Summer 2009 | 21

environmental law. There he also met his wife, Evelyn, a social work major who is a member of the Blood Tribe of Canada. Together, the two of them have four children.

After graduation from law school, Killsback worked as a lawyer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Lame Deer before joining Holland and Knight.

“I love it,” Killsback says of his work, representing Native Americans in New Mexico in large cases and small ranging from personal to environmental law. “I think I had wanted to be a lawyer since I was small, and it’s even more rewarding than I thought it would be.”

Killsback’s siblings are similarly accomplished. His twin, Damian, has a doctorate in pharmacy and is the chief pharmacist at the Indian Health Service unit in Lame Deer, Mont. Brother Lawrence graduated from the University of California-Berkeley and is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council. His brother Leo, who graduated from MSU in 2003, is in a Ph.D. program in American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona. His sister, Zhona Tang, is currently a student at MSU majoring in education.

“When I speak, I say that as Indian people we are not striving for the American dream.

As Indian people we are striving to maintain our cultural identity while establishing economic stability and self-sufficiency. And the best way to do that is through education.”

A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO Dear Friends,

Jaynee, Anders and Rolf Groseth

How do you like the format of our summer Collegian? The Alumni Association has been making a lot of changes to the Collegian, creating a university publication you will be excited to read and proud to show others. This one is packed with short articles and interesting things taking place around Montana State University.

Many of you have not received a Collegian for a while. This may be because you are not a member of the Alumni Association. Those who are dues paying members of the Alumni Association received the newly designed magazine in October and March and the Mountains & Minds magazine fall and spring. I hope you will join the association so that you, too, will receive all of the great news and benefits from the organization that serves you…the Montana State University Alumni Association.

The staff and Board of Directors are committed to give you your money’s worth. You will receive campus news in print and electronically; a beautiful calendar of photos and important dates; invitations to programs and activities; bookstore, event and travel discounts; as well as the satisfaction that your Alumni Association is providing academic scholarships and leadership opportunities to our students. Our mission is to advance Montana State University, and we do this by engaging you and other alumni.

The Class of 2009 completed their task and graduated. To celebrate this accomplishment, the Alumni Association hosted the first Annual Bobcat Fest in downtown Bozeman. We also honored graduates from the classes of 1959, 1949 and 1939 this spring. What stories these individuals had to tell.

When fall arrives, the association calendar will be filled with football tailgate parties, professional networking receptions, Cat/Griz satellite parties, Collegian and Mountains & Minds magazines and Montana State-ments electronic news. As the year unfolds, please remember that you, an alumnus of Montana State University, are a representative of your alma mater. Wear a sweatshirt or cap that says “Montana State,” commit to telling young people in your community about the quality education you received at MSU, and hum the fight song on your way to work.

Join the MSU Alumni Association. We are already the largest association in Big Sky country. Your membership will move us toward our goal of being the largest in the Northwest.

Thank you for your loyalty and dedication. Blue and Gold now and forever!

Jaynee Drange Groseth, ‘73. ‘91 President and CEO Montana State University Alumni Association.

P.S. Many of you know that my son Anders Groseth has been a student at Montana State. I have written and told stories about his experiences and those of his friends, bringing a little of today’s student life to you.

He has had a great time living in North Hedges, cheering on the Bobcats, sinking a basket at half court to win a year of Pepsi, belonging to the Brotherhood of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, serving as an AdvoCat, Peer Advisor and Orientation Leader. It is my honor to announce that is he now a proud alumnus, Class of 2009. Congrats, Anders, and welcome to the Montana State Family of alumni. Go Cats!

Collegian | 22

A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S

Alumni Calendar of Events August 7-9

Sweet Pea Festival

Bozeman

August 21

Cats Classic—Athletics 994-4221

Bozeman

August 26

MSU Move-In Day

Bozeman

August 26-28

Catapalooza—on campus

Bozeman

August 31

Fall Semester Begins

Bozeman

Sept. 4

Bobcat Friday Night in East Lansing, Mich.

East Lansing, Mich.

Sept. 5

MSU Tailgate at Michigan State

East Lansing, Mich.

MSU Football @ Michigan State

East Lansing, Mich.

Sept. 9

MSU Convocation

Bozeman

Sept. 11-12

Film/Photography Dept. 50 Anniversary celebration @ MSU th

Bozeman

Sept. 11

Blue & Gold Celebration—Bobcat Athletics

Bozeman

Sept. 12

Alumni Association MEMBER Tailgate and GOLD RUSH Game

Bozeman

MSU vs. Dixie State

Bozeman

Sept. 18

College of Business Golf Classic

Bozeman

Sept. 25

Bobcat Friday Night in Fort Collins, Colo.

Ft. Collins, Colo.

Sept. 26

MSU tailgate at the UNC stadium

Greeley, Colo.

MSU Football @ U. of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colo.

Oct. 1

Career Fair

Bozeman

Oct. 3

MSU Tailgate at Weber State, Ogden, Utah

Ogden, Utah

MSU Football @ Weber State

Ogden, Utah

Oct. 9-11

HOMECOMING WEEKEND—see pages 19–21

Bozeman

Oct. 9

President Gamble’s Final Homecoming Luncheon

Bozeman

Alumni Plaza and “Spirit” the Bobcat Dedication

Bozeman

Bobcat Friday Night

Downtown Bozeman

Alumni Homecoming Tailgate—11:30 am

Bozeman

MSU Football vs. Northern Arizona—1:35 pm kickoff

Bozeman

Oct. 10 Oct. 11

Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting

Bozeman

Oct. 17

MSU Football vs. South Dakota

Bozeman

Oct. 23

Bobcat Friday Night in Spokane, Wash. at Heroes & Legends

Spokane, Wash.

MSU Tailgate at Eastern Washington U

Cheney, Wash.

MSU Football @ Eastern Washington

Cheney, Wash.

Oct. 30-31

MSU Parent Family Weekend

Bozeman

Oct. 31

MSU Football vs. Idaho State

Bozeman

Nov. 6

Bobcat Friday Night in Portland, Ore.

Portland, Ore.

Nov. 7

MSU Tailgate in Portland, Ore., near PGE park

Portland, Ore.

MSU Football @ Portland State

Portland, Ore.

Nov. 9

MSU Alumni Social, Montana Farm Bureau convention

Bozeman

Nov. 13-15

Ag Appreciation Weekend

Bozeman

Nov. 15

MSU Football vs. Sacramento State

Bozeman

Nov. 21

MSU Football vs. University of Montana

Bozeman

Cat/Griz satellite parties (see page 12)—80 locations nationwide Dec. 3

MSU Alumni Social, Montana Grain Growers Convention

Bozeman

Dec. 11

MSU Alumni Social, Montana Stock Growers Convention

Bozeman

Summer 2009 | 23

Please watch the events calendar online at alumni.montana.edu for updated events throughout the year.

A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S

Basilica. Optional excursions and extensions available. Offered by GoNext.

Cruising the Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco and Gibraltar April 8-16 $2595/personn 2010 MSU Alumni Association Adventure and Educational Travel

Mysteries of the Mekong: Saigon to Angkor Wat Aboard the Deluxe Jayavarman.

March 7-18 $2995/person

This unique itinerary features a five-night cruise along the Mekong River, the historic lifeline of Southeast Asia. This memorable 12-day exploration reveals the historic landmarks and French colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about the Vietnamese and Cambodian people and culture aboard the replica of a colonial-era river ship with modern amenities. Offered

by Gohagen.

Natural Wonders of Costa Rica March 12-21 $1839/person

Begin your adventure in San Jose, tour a banana plantation, cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, and enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest. Next, transfer by boat to Sarapiqui and tour the Corsicana and experience the Butterfly Garden, relax in the pools of Ecotermales Hot Springs and view the Arenal Volcano. Then onto the magnificent La Paz Waterfall. Offered by Avalon Waterways.

Journey to the exotic and beautiful Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula. View the natural and cultural treasurers of Tenerife and La Palma; sail to the rugged island paradise of Madeira; discover the allure of Casblanca and Rabat; and explore the storied British Crown Colony of Gibraltar. Offered by Gohagen.

The Romantic Rhine: Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland Sept. 18-26

$2287/person

Begin in Amsterdam with a canal boat tour past the city’s stately homes and 16th century merchant houses. Cruise to Cologne for a guided tour, visit Koblenz before sailing through the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rudensheim. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and try the region’s famous Riesling wines. Enjoy sightseeing in Worms and Strasbourg, Heidelberg and Germany’s Black Forest before ending your cruise in Basel, Switzerland. (Itinerary may run in reverse order). Offered by Avalon Waterways.

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 $3699/person (includes airfare from many major cities) Cruise to scenic ports of call including Isatanbul, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Crete and Athens. Stroll through remnants of ancient temples on the uninhabited island of Delos where the Olympic Games began. Enjoy a walk through the famous walled medieval city of Dubrovnik, Croatia,and climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon. Offered by GoNext.

Mediterranean Inspiration Cruise Oct. 17-30 $3699/person (includes airfare from many major cities)

Cruise to some of Italy’s most amazing ports along with stops in Monte Carlo, Corfu, Montenegro and Croatia. Discover five stunning, colorful towns clinging to the cliffs along the coast in La Spezia, Italy, and take in sparkling Monte Carlo, Monaco. Explore Florence, the Tuscan countryside, Capri, Sicily, Corfu’s traditional mountain towns and the beautiful city of Kotor, Montenegro.

Visit Dubrovnik, Croatia; glide through the canals of Venice, Italy. Offered by GoNext.

Israel & Jordan: A Grand Journey Nov. 19–Dec. 1

Monumental Rome

March 12-19 $2599/person (includes airfare from many major cities) Stroll over the Tiber’s graceful bridges; see remnants of Rome’s glorious past from the Coliseum to the elegant Spanish Steps and the majestic Vatican City, home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s

Aegean Adventures Cruise

Montana State travel crew, Ireland Fall 2007

Begin your exploration in Israel, admiring the architectural beauty of Tel Aviv, walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, learning about the Golan Heights, exploring Jerusalem and the spectacular Jordan Rift Valley and Dead Sea. Cross into Jordan, your gateway to the long-lost city of Petra. Offered by Alumni Holidays.

For more information on specific trips, visit our Web site: alumni.montana.edu/resources/travel

Collegian | 24

$3495/person

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Join the MSU Alumni Association and gain access to a wide range of benefits, including subscriptions to Mountains & Minds, the University’s award-winning magazine, and two exclusive issues of the exciting new, redesigned Collegian. Plus, you’ll get discounts on Bobcat gear, special events and sports facilities.

To join or renew by phone: Call 406-994-2401 or 800-842-9028 Join or renew online at alumni.montana.edu

Membership benefits include: ••Advance ticket purchase priority to the annual Cat-Griz football game ••Super discounted Member Ski Day at Big Sky ••Calendar with stunning, full-color photographs and reminders of exciting MSU events ••Ten percent discount for membership to the Museum of the Rockies ••Fifteen percent discount coupon for use at the MSU Bookstore ••Discounted Alumni Gym Pass and access to equipment rentals from the MSU Outdoor Recreation Center

Join the MSU Alumni Association

Membership Options

Yes! I want to stay connected to Montana State University and celebrate what my alma mater means to me. Please enroll me as an active member of the MSU Alumni Association.  New Membership

 Membership Renewal

Name________________________________________________________________________ Spouse name (for family membership)________________________________________________ Adress________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________State__________ Zip______________

 One Year Membership—Single $45  One Year Membership—Family $55  Lifetime Membership

One-time payment $500

Three annual installments $200/yr  Recent Grad Lifetime Membership

For graduates within the past three years

One-time payment $300

Payment Options  Check  Visa

 MC

 AmEx

E-mail________________________________________________________________________

Acct. #__________________________________

Phone________________________________________________________________________

Exp. Date_________________________________

Please make checks payable to the Montana State University Alumni Association Return form to MSU Alumni Association, 1501 S. 11th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59717–0274 Summer 2009 | 25

Class Notes

Class Notes are compiled by Jennifer Anderson. Alumni Association members will receive priority listing in Class Notes. If you would like to submit information, please submit to her via e-mail to alumni@montana. edu or through the Alumni Web site http://alumni.montana.edu/ classnotes/. Or drop a line to the MSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box 172940, Bozeman, MT 597172740.

1940s Arnold Reed, ’40 ApSci, Billings, is 91 years young and has sold more than $24,500 in tickets for the Al Bedoo Shrine Circus, outselling all his fellow Shriners and surpassing his sales record from last year.

Arnold made more than 300 phone calls to area businesses to sell the tickets. He began selling tickets more than 50 years ago and remembers when they were $1.50 each.

His first Shrine Circus was in 1955 in Lewistown.

1950s Irene (Crawford) Gerner, ’51 Nurs, Sweetgrass, Mont., enjoys her daughter, Karen Bergstrom, living with her on the farm.

Charles Cebulla, ’57 Arch, Grover Beach, Calif., is still a full-time practicing architect. He is in partnership with his son Matt Cebulla. Charles was selected by the Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce as 2008 Business Person of the Year.

Wallace McRae, ’58 Zoo, Forsyth, has published a new book, Stick Horses and Other Stories of Ranch Life. Known for his award-winning cowboy poetry, Wallace has turned to prose in this memoir of his youth in Montana.

Norman Wilson, ’58 Bus, sold his company in 2005 and enjoys retirement. His nephews Kyle Berg, ’97 CET, and Trevor Berg, ’06 CS, are MSU graduates.

1960s

Jerry Johnson, ’62 ME, Caswell Beach, N.C., retired for 10 years and enjoys playing lots of golf and senior softball. He and his wife, Linde, travel for a month each August to get out of the hot and humid North Carolina heat.

Doug Alexander, ’64 Bus, Bozeman, was awarded the Community Involvement Award during the 2009 Awards for Excellence banquet held on Feb. 17. He was honored for being a long-time supporter of the Bozeman community, particularly the business community. He owned and operated a prominent Bozeman commercial enterprise for more than 30 years. His volunteer work and contribution is much appreciated.

Faye (Emrick) Creed, ’64 GenStud, Eugene, Ore., has not retired yet and is still teaching Spanish for the Eugene, Ore., school district.

Daughter Christie is married and living in New Zealand. Son Errin is working on a master’s degree in historical preservation at the University of Vermont.

Kenneth Lamb, ’65 SecEd, and Kathy (Whited) Lamb, ’65 ElEd, Hartford, Wis., have both retired after working in California, Indiana and Wisconsin. Ken was director of IT for a large mechanical contractor.

Kathy worked for many years in the banking industry.

Carolyn (Spears, Russell) Hazzard, ’67 SecEd, ’86 Educ M, Harrisburg, Pa., keeps busy dog fostering for Furry Friends Network, a rescue group based in Boiling Springs, Pa., that pulls dogs and cats about to be euthanized by inhumane methods at animal shelters in poor rural areas in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Pennsylvannia. She also keeps politically busy with animal rights issues, the environment and education.

Kevin Caughlan, ’68 GenStud, Kensington, Md., lost his wife of 18 years to stomach cancer on May 21, 2007. Kevin has been teaching math in Maryland for 35 years. He

taught at Sandy Spring Friends School for nine years and 26 years at De Matha Catholic High School.

He still enjoys teaching.

John Barr, ’69 EE, and Mary Ellen Barr, ’70 Ex Nurs, are both happily retired and living in Deer Park, Ill. John’s last position was with Motorola, and Mary Ellen was a 3rd grade teacher at Prairie School in Buffalo Grove, Ill. Last year John and Mary Ellen’s 1910 Model T Ford won best in class at the prestigious Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Sue (Jansky) Kimmet, ’69 ElEd, ’70 MS, has served as an elementary school counselor for the Elko County School District in Elko, Nev., for the past 22 years and was named Elementary School Counselor of the Year for the State of Nevada in February.

1970s Ronald Campbell, ’70 CET, Plano, Texas, retired from Texas Instrument, Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems in McKinney, Texas, after 31 years. He was lead mechanical engineer on the U.S. Air Force Predator, Navy helicopter and F-18 fighter aircraft programs.

During Ron’s career he contributed to the design of reconnaissance and targeting systems, which included forward looking infrared night vision and TV imagery transmitted to ground or airborne receivers via a satellite link. He now owns and operates CompuForms.com in Plano.

He and wife Rhonda enjoy webpage design, ranching, snow skiing and showing Brittany dogs.

Richard Danzer, ’72 Acctg, Clackamas, Ore., has a CPA and practice in Portland, Ore. Jack Hareland, ’72 CET, continues to fly the 777 for United Airlines. His wife, Cathy (MacLeod) Hareland, ’72 ElEd, is a teacher at heart but is enjoying her real estate career. They make their home in Marana, Ariz.

Barbara (Krantz) Markham, ’74 Nurs, Orlando, Fla., still works in pediatric nursing at Children’s

Collegian | 26

Medical Services. Son Gordon graduated from the University of Miami medical school in May. He will soon begin his Navy career.

Florida continues to be a sunny, warm place to live, but she still misses Montana.

Carol (Gordon) Brady, ’76 Ag, and husband, Kenneth Brady, 68 PE, were married on July 26, 2008, and are now making their home just south of Cascade. They own and operate Brady Construction, which Ken has been running in Great Falls for about 30 years. They each have three grown children and five grandchildren between them. They look forward to another grandchild on the way.

Dean Burkett, ’76 ChE, Bayfield, Colo., is a senior process engineer working for AKA Energy Group, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Durango, Colo.

Mark McManus, ’79 Soc, Akron, Ohio, graduated with a doctorate in social welfare from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Aug. 2007.

His dissertation was on friendships and quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.

1980s C.W. Stoddard, ’84 BioSci, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., retired Nov. 1, after 28 years active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He has finished his current assignment as the executive officer of the Marine Detachment in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. He has come back home to Bozeman to raise his three young children.

Gordon “Gordy” Thompson, ’84 Acctg, Havre, Mont., has joined the Montana Society of CPAs Board of Directors. He is a partner in Hamilton Consulting Group in Havre.

His appointment to the board represents the Highline as well as CPAs in public practice.

Meliss (Bruss) Maxfield, ’85 Micro, Olympia, Wash., is the drinking water quality supervisor for the City of Olympia, Wash. Husband Gary Maxfield, ’78 Ex EE, is a software engineer with Clear Creek Solutions

CLASS N OT E S in Tumwater, Wash. Their daughter, Melyn, is a freshman in high school.

Olga (Erickson) West, ’85 HmEc, San Diego, Calif., has received a Doctor of Education from UCSD, SDSU, and CSUSM in education leadership.

She is a principal at Veterans Elementary in Chula Vista, Calif.

Capt. Michael Holland, ’87 CE, Gales Ferry, Conn., turned over command of the USS Providence (SSN 719) in February during a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London’s Shepherd of the Sea Chapel.

During his tour as commanding officer, Providence, a Los Angeles class fast attack submarine, was awarded the 2007 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy. The award is presented annually to a ship or aviation squadron in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets that has achieved the greatest improvement in the Battle Efficiency Award program. He also led Providence through several deployments, including most recently a stop at the North Pole in July 2008 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first submarine polar transit, completed by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) in 1958.

Craig Ward, ’96 BioMed, Brainerd, Minn., received his master’s degree in healthcare administration on Jan. 22.

Justin Arnot, ’94 SecEd, Fort Mill, S.C., serves as the executive director of Christian World Adoption (CWA). He believes the adoption of his daughter, Alison, through CWA’S China program several years ago, stirred a passion in him and his wife, Nicole (Zaino) Arnot, ’73 ElEd, to be a part of bringing families together through international adoption. He previously served as inhouse legal counsel for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and has broad experience in supporting the work of an international nonprofit organization. He may be reached at: jarnot@cwa.org, or, http://www.cwa. org/cwa-execdir.htm.

Aaron Albertson, ’97 CE, Newport Beach, Calif., has started Commercial Development Resources, which develops and provides landowners, developers and tenants with fullservice development and construction management for neighborhood shopping centers.

Shauna Laden, ’95 Bus, Santa Monica, Calif., has just completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UCLA. Jerry McKinney, ’95 Educ PhD, Great Falls, Mont., after retiring from the FBI in 1978, spent 20 plus years teaching at various institutions. He retired from Western Carolina University in 2001. He then returned to Great Falls in 2003 where he stays active in politics and various community groups.

Kyla (Quintero) Stafford, ’97 ModL, ’97 Bus, ’00 Acctg M, Bozeman, has been named presidentelect of the Montana Society of CPAs. She is a shareholder in the Bozeman office of Anderson ZurMuehlen and Company.

2000s Jeremy Michael, ’02 Arch M, Longmeadow, Mass., has joined Dietz & Company Architects as the firm’s contract administrator and architectural intern. He currently is pursuing his architectural license by completing the National Council of Architectural Boards (NCARB) licensure requirements. Prior to joining Dietz, he worked at DBM Enterprises, Inc. in Agawam, Mass.

PHOTOS COURTESY C. MILLER

John Mott, ’87 Ag, Simms, has returned from a one-year deployment to Afghanistan as a USDA Provincial Reconstruction Team Agricultural Advisor. His work in Afghanistan helped to rebuild the country’s agricultural sector.

1990s

CDR John Tolliver, ’88 ME, Bangor, Wash., has just completed three very successful years as Commanding Officer of the USS Maine (SSBN 741), a U. S. Navy, OhioClass Ballistic Missile Submarine, home ported at Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, Wash. While he served as commanding officer, the Maine was awarded numerous awards and set the standard for submarine excellence. Kelly (Worrall) Tolliver, ’89 Bus, is John’s wife.

Kathleen Tonkovich, ’88 BuFi, ’00 MBA, Bozeman, was awarded the Community Involvement Award during the 2009 Awards for Excellence banquet held on Feb. 17, for outstanding community involvement in a great number of organizations and efforts. Her incredible stretch of campus and community participation is much appreciated.

Ron Roodell, ’89 EE, Red Lodge, is now the general manager and CEO of Beartooth Electric Cooperative. He is glad to be back in Montana. Go Bobcats!

Amy Thompson, ’07 Educ MED, Athens, Ga., serves as program coordinator of Academic Affairs in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

She finds her work both challenging and interesting. She especially enjoys working with the professional students. Husband Chris works as a staff photographer in an advertising and publishing firm.

Their dogs are thriving and enjoying the year round mild temperatures and all the squirrels on their heavily wooded lot.

MARRIAGES Jessica (Brown) Kirkendall, ’00 I&ME, married Matthew Kirkendall on Sept. 20, 2008. The couple resides in San Diego, Calif.

Cordell Huebsch, ’02 BuMg, married Kris (Robinson) Huebsch, ’03 AnSci, in Perham, Minn., June 20.

Kris works for the University of Minnesota at the County Extension Office running the 4-H program.

Cordell owns and operates a custom fence business and also farms. They reside in New York Mills, Minn.

Kendra Childree, ’03 I&ME, married Nick Busse on July 14, in Sandy, Utah.

Katie Stone, ’04 Art, married Paul Goldammer, ’02 Arch, on July 20, 2008, at Chico Hot Springs. They currently reside in Phoenix, Ariz.

Patty (Heath) Ferguson, ’05 MTA, and husband, Gabe Ferguson, ’04 MTA, married on June 14. Patty is an MSW student at EWU, and Gabe is a photographer for NBC affiliate KHQ. The couple resides in Spokane, Wash.

BIRTHS

Fighting Bobcats Lt. Col. Cory Miller, ’93 PSci, and MSU classmate Lt. Col. Edward “Pete” Peterson, ’93 Geog, recently met one another while deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic. On May 5, Pete relinquished command, and Cory assumed command of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. The squadron is responsible for moving 7,000 passengers

per week from all military services and several coalition partners into Afghanistan, as well as providing all fuel support to the air refueling missions for “Operation Enduring Freedom.” Cory and Pete made sure to hang the MSU banner prominently on the podium during the change of command ceremony. How strange for two Langford roomies to meet 16 years after graduation in the middle of the former Soviet Union!

Summer 2009 | 27

Rod Pipinich, ’84 I&ME, and wife, Missy, Fort Worth, Texas, announce the birth of a daughter, Petra, born on June 2, 2008.

Stacie (Jacobsen) Cline, ’94 PSci, and husband, Travis Cline, ’95 AnSci, Deer Lodge, welcomed twin girls, Charlee and Remington, born Oct. 1.

Jason Bliss, ’95 BuMk, and wife, Jomarie (Phelan) Bliss, ’95 BuMg, ’06 MBA, announce the arrival of son, Bennett, born March 7. continued

CLASS N OT E S Shane Bigelow, ’96 Hort, and wife, Sara (Edwards) Bigelow, ’03 HHD, Kalispell, announce the birth of daughter, Rylee, born Aug. 7, 2008.

Peter Landerdahl, ’96 Math , Duvall, Wash., celebrates the birth of twins, John and Lena, born on Feb. 19.

Michelle (Stamm) Gines, ’97 Bio, and her husband, Steven, of Layton, Utah, celebrated the birth of their third baby boy, Ryder, on May 15, 2008. He joins his two brothers, Dylan and Hayden.

Chris Jensen, ’97 AOT, and wife, Cheri (Solberg) Jensen, ’99 ElEd, Westby, announce the birth of their second child, Gavin, born on July 21, 2008. He joins big brother Nate, 5.

Aaron McCracken, ’97 ESci, and wife, Anna, Kalispell, celebrate the birth of Brooke Amelia, born Nov. 9.

Christy (Medders) Stein, ’97 PSci, and husband, Chris Stein, ’01 EE, Tucson, Ariz., welcomed daughter Joslyn Olivia, March 11.

Christopher Mullin, ’99 ElEd, Fountain Valley, Calif., had a baby girl, Delaney Marie, born on March 16.

Mortimer Lott, ’40 Ag, Twin Bridges, Mont., died Dec. 12.

Verne Lupton,* ’40 Ag, Spokane, Wash., died March 4.

George Ahlquist, ’42 Chem, Absarokee, Mont., died Dec. 9.

Jane (Doering) Gumprecht,* ’42 PreMed, Coeur D Alene, Idaho, died Jan. 21.

Charles “Bob” Hunt,* ’43 BioSci, ’45 BioSci M, ’47 BioSci PhD, Great Falls, Mont., died Dec. 24.

Jane (Sherman) Nelson,* ’43 HmEc, Polson, Mont., died March 4. She was 89.

Charles Rohde,* ’47 Agron, Pendleton, Ore., died Jan. 1.

William Collins,* ’48 Ag, Tempe, Ariz., died Feb. 16.

Albert Finley,* ’48 GenStu, Spokane, Wash., died Feb. 23.

William Zupan, ’48 PE, Helena, Mont., died Dec. 30.

Donna (Holm) Martin,* ’49 PE, Conrad, Mont., died Jan. 18.

Byron Nelson, ’49 EE, Kent, Wash., died Jan. 1.

Willis Stenehjem,* ’49 EE, Billings, Mont., died Jan. 9.

Robert McDonald, ’51 ME, ’58 Educ M, Circle, Mont., died Feb. 3.

Norman Chamberlin,* ’52 Bus, Ennis, died Dec. 25. He was 81.

Merle “Steve” Kovatch,* ’52 Ag, Bozeman, Mont., died Feb. 4. He was 85.

Charles “Chuck” O’Brien, ’52 AgEng, Belvedere Tiburon, Calif., died Dec. 30. *George Ryan, ’52 PE, Missoula, Mont., died Feb. 10.

Robert Packer, ’53 Ag, Plains, Mont., died Jan. 23. He was 85.

Janis (Carty) Neill,* ’56 Arch, Eagle River, Alaska, died Dec. 29.

She was 74.

Robert Petersen,* ’58 SecEd, ’59 Educ M, Colonial Heights, Va., died April, 29.

Harley Jordan, ’59 IArt, Great Falls, Mont., died July 28.

John Maykuth, ’59 CE, Big Timber, Mont., died Jan. 18.

Alonzo Crumley, ’60 IArt, Salem, Ore., died Feb. 9.

Richard “Dick” Orr, ’60 SecEd, Lewistown, Mont., died Dec. 25.

William Coey, ’61 EE, ’63 EE M, Snoqualmie, Wash., died Sept. 12.

Robert “Bob” Clark, ’70 AgEng, East Helena, Mont., died March 1.

Margaret Maguire, ’70 Nurs, Spokane, Wash., died Dec. 6.

Kent Nathe, ’70 Ag, Redstone, Mont., died Dec. 26.

Mike Torpy, ’70 Micro, Anchorage, Ala., died March 12.

Gail (Ellwein) Smith, ’71 ElEd, Billings, Mont., died March 4. She was 60.

Robert ”Bob” Yaeger, ’73 AgPl, Lewistown, Mont., died March 27.

Ward Cornwell, ’74 AgBu, Glasgow, Mont., died June 5.

Susan (Sherman) Cash, ’75 Nurs, Boise, Idaho, died March 4.

Jean (Klein) Dayton, ’75 Ex Ag, Corvallis, Ore., died March 30.

Sharon (Laws) Burghard,* ’76 Engl, Aloha, Ore., died Jan 4.

Laurie Billington, ’82 FTV, Bali, Indonesia, died Feb. 21.

Roger Braun, ’83 ESci, Brodhead, Wis., died March 31.

Brett Chytraus, ’85 Hist, Albany, Ore., died March 16.

Ronald Richey, ’85 EE, Garland, Texas, died Feb. 25. He was 51.

Holly (Huston) Flick, ’03 Phil, and husband, Chris, Dryden, Wash., are excited to announce the arrival of daughter, Annabelle, born June 28, 2008.

Joseph Kelly, ’50 Ex PE, Webster Groves, Mo., died March 2.

Robert Linfield, ’50 Ex GenStu, Boulder, Colo., died Feb. 20.

Leonard Groves, ’62 AnSci, ’64 AnSci M, Judith Gap, Mont., died Nov. 2.

Erin (Dilts) Thomas, ’03 BuMg, and husband, Colby, Clancy, welcomed daughter, Kira, on Oct. 22.

Charles Peters, ’50 CE, Boise, Idaho, died Sept. 8.

Marilyn (Krueger) Ranson,* ’62 Ex EE, Tucson, Ariz., died March 6.

Bobby Siebrasse, ’50 AgEd, ’58 AgEd M, Havre, Mont., died Nov. 20.

Lucille (Campbell) Balfour, ’63 Nurs, ’70 MN, Helena, Mont., died Dec. 22.

Matthew Thornton, ’50 EE, Seattle, Wash., died Feb. 5.

Al Bertelsen,* ’63 GenStu, Bozeman, Mont., died March 29.

Howard Breitbach, ’51 AgEng, Bismarck, N.D., died March 10.

Hans Roing, ’96 EE, Bozeman, Mont., died Feb. 19.

Frances (Mackley) Kennedy, ’63 Nurs, Billings, Mont., died Aug. 4.

Marvelle (Jackson) Cole,* ’51 HmEc, Billings, Mont., died Jan. 22.

Annabel Wolf, ’63 Nurs, Spokane, Wash., died Nov. 27. She was 67.

Matthew Jergeson, ’98 CE, Helena, Mont., died Feb. 8. He was 34.

Lynsey (Ross) Lund, ’04 BuMK, and husband, Chris Lund, ’03 ME, Billings, announce the birth of a baby girl, Aria Paige, born on Feb. 16. She joins big sister, Julia.

IN MEMORY Lewis Ambrose,* ’33 EE, Lacy, Wash., died Feb. 14.

Charles Bohlig,* ’39 CE, Crockett, Calif., died March 13.

Sigrid (Solberg) Fjare, ’39 HmEc, Big Timber, Mont., died March 28.

Anna (Wischmann) Hahn,* ’39 Art, Belgrade, Mont., died July 27.

Joseph Krall,* ’39 AgEd, died Jan. 5. He was 94.

George “Ed” Deschamps,* ’51 Ag, Missoula, Mont., died April 2.

LeRoy Corbin, ’64 I&ME, Missoula, Mont., died Feb. 19.

Lester Fryslie, ’51 Phys, Dayton, Ohio, died Feb. 16.

Robert Pipinich, ’64 EE, ’66 EE M, Port Townsend, Wash., died Dec. 9.

Clarence Jensen,* ’51 Hort, ’53 AgEc M, Bozeman, Mont., died April 4.

Vivian (Donegan) Franz, ’66 Nurs, Helena, Mont., died April 5.

Genevieve (Dellwo) Kaliowski, ’67 ElEd, Livingston, Mont., died Dec. 17. She was 93.

Collegian | 28

Scot Tietje, ’87 CS, Minden, Nev., died Oct. 31.

Deborah Yarlott, ’93 HmEc, Reno Creek, Mont., died Dec. 19. She was 60.

Timothy Clark, ’95 Ag, Jacksonville, Fla., died Jan. 12.

Mary Hockel, ’96 ElEd M, Bozeman, Mont., died Oct. 25.

Josh Norland, ’02 BuMg, Bismarck, N.D., died Dec. 27.

Shannon Oliver, ’06 Arch, Belgrade, Mont., died May 17. *Life member of the Alumni Association

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BOBBI (REID) JOHNSON A Montana native, from Geraldine, graduated from MSU in ’04 with a BS in Health and Human Development after following a family tradition of attending MSU. Bobbi joined the Hilton Garden Inn Sales staff in 2008 as the Event Coordinator.

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