Aurora Borealis Fall 2023

AURORA BOREALIS NORTHERN ALUMNI FOUNDATION FALL 2023

FALL 2023

CONTENTS

Letter From Our Executive Director

03

Nursing Simulation Lab

04

Introducing FreeWill

06

Golden Graduation

08

Catching Up

09

Governor Signs House Bill 5

10

Planned Giving

12

Remembering Lanny Wilke

14

In Memoriam

15

Contact us: (406) 265-3711 | alumni@msun.edu CONTRIBUTORS Content: AL GARVER, MELANIE SKOYEN Design & Layout: MELANIE SKOYEN Photography: EMILEE LUKE, COLTON TASH

Dear Alumni and Friends of Northern, Looking back on the 2022-2023 school year, MSU-Northern had some impressive accomplishments. Not only did the State of Montana authorize $25 million to fully fund and build the new Aurora Complex in the next few years, we also received $7 million to conduct major facility upgrades starting this year. Pershing Hall, for example, is getting a $2.4 million makeover to bring it up to modern standards.

Just before commencement in May of 2023, the MSU-Northern Foundation awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to students. $300,000 were academic and needs-based scholarships. The remainder were athletic scholarships.

Finally, we purchased a new software as a benefit to our alumni and friends of Northern.

Our new FreeWill software enables you to create a comprehensive, professional and legal will that just needs to be signed by two witnesses in front of a Notary Public. The best part is, it is 100% legally binding, and 100% free for you to use. You can also recommend it to other people (friends, family, coworkers), since it is not restricted to only alumni.

It takes about 20 minutes to answer the questions and “Voila!” you can print your will. You can find it on our home page at msunfoundation.org.

Sincerely,

Al Garver Aurora Borealis | 3

Simulation Lab for MSUN Nursing Program

On Thursday (April 27), the ribbon was cut on the Dr. Mary Pappas Simulation Lab. The lab is named in honor of Dr. Mary Pappas who was a long-time nursing professor and administrator at MSUNorthern. This ribbon cutting was originally scheduled for late April of 2020 but was cancelled because of the Covid-19 shutdown. Dr. Jaime Duke presented Dr. Mary Pappas with a plaque and Dr. Pappas cut the ribbon to the simulation lab. This nursing simulation lab is set up similar to what students might encounter in a clinical setting through the computer-controlled mannequin simulators that students practice clinical judgment skills on to improve their practice.

Dr. Pappas was integral in the development and planning of the RN to BSN program at MSU-Northern in 1987-88, and later helped to move that program online with a grant from eCollege.

Dr. Pappas recently participated in developing the new statewide Nursing curriculum which started in 2017, and is still in use today.

Dr. Pappas has been a nurse for over 40 years, which is an accomplishment in and of itself. Nursing is built on the premise of helping people, and she brought her knowledge and love of nursing to students and faculty at MSU-Northern. She was an example of ongoing educational goals and scholarship by pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing as a nurse Dr. Pappas served as a tenured Professor in the practitioner, and then her Doctorate in Education.

Department of Nursing and worked in various roles Most recently, in 2015, she completed requirements during her career, which included faculty, director, as a Certified Nurse Educator per the National League and RN to BSN program chair. She was instrumental of Nursing. She has mentored several faculty and in assisting the Department of Nursing in receiving national accreditation in 2005, and was a key member leaders in their roles at MSU-Northern and continues to support the Department of Nursing in her of the accreditation process in 2015. retirement.

A Lasting Heritage Planting the Flowers in front of Donaldson, a Cherished Tradition...

Spring in sunny

central Montana was again vibrant and served as a beautiful reminder of growth, rejuvenation, and the potential for new beginnings. We found ourselves looking towards future horizons and all the possibilities they hold for our students and the community.

Our staff and volunteers included: Marla Shulund (Director of Operations), Toni Pedersen (Director of Finance, Melanie Skoyen (Director of Development), Karla Bolken (Board Member), Shari Baltrusch (Board Member), and Patsy Divish (FAN Committee).

GIVING THANKS WHERE IT�S DESERVED Alumni, Kathy and Bob Doney have been so good to MSUNorthern and we appreciate their kind, annual donation of flowers to the Foundation.

The Northern Alumni Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of our dedicated volunteers.

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Introducing FreeWill A

t the MSU-Northern Foundation, we understand the importance of planning for the future. That’s why we’ve partnered with FreeWill, an online platform designed to simplify the estate planning process.

Whether you’re crafting your first will or need to make an updated one, FreeWill guides you step-by-step, ensuring your assets and loved ones are protected.

Plus, if you’re inspired to leave a lasting legacy at MSU-Northern, FreeWill makes it easy to include a gift in your plans, helping ensure exceptional academic opportunities in our community for generations to come.

Many of our supporters have included a gift to the Northern Alumni Foundation in their estate plans to make a lasting impact.

To create your legacy, we invite you to use FreeWill: an online estate planning tool that makes it 100% free to write your will and designate the beneficiary of your legacy.

Scan the QR code or visit msunfoundation.org/freewill/

The future begins with you!

We’re excited to offer you a free resource from FreeWill so you can protect your own future starting now. Write your estate plan with FreeWill today.

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HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES AND THE UNIVERSITY YOU LOVE YOU CAN CREATE A LEGACY THAT EXPRESSES YOUR VALUES, LOVE AND GRATITUDE Isn’t it time for a plan? We can help you get started. Whether your goals include transferring assets with minimal tax burdens for your heirs or establishing a named scholarship in the program that changed your life, our team can help.

“

FOREVER FAMILY and forever thankful for YOU! Aurora Borealis | 7

Celebrating the class of ‘73

Back row left to right: Peter DesRosier, Ralph Brigham, Jackie Hanson, Pam Wilson, Ken Larson Front row left to right: Dave Glunz, Kaye Young, Vicki Niederegger, Darryll Thackeray, Charles Shatzka When Peter DesRosier was invited to attend Golden Graduation in the spring of 2023, he saw it as a Golden Opportunity! Peter was set to graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education in 1963, but was three credits short. He had to take a summer class and immediately start teaching in Browning. Six years later he entered the Masters in Education program at Northern, while teaching and coaching at Rocky Boy. He had another teaching position waiting for him in the Virgin Islands, so again was not able to walk for commencement exercises.

Chancellor Kegel and Peter DesRosier

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“My mother has been gone for 20 years now, but I know she was looking down at the Golden Graduation with a smile on her face.

I want to Thank the Alumni Foundation, especially Melanie and Al, and to Torgerson’s for their financial support of this event. The whole weekend was so well-organized and so enjoyable.” said Peter DesRosier

CATCHING UP...

In June, MSUN Foundation Chair Jim Anderson (left) accepted a check for $3,000 from AgWest, presented by Jennifer Dees (middle). Lindsey Brandt-Bennett, Director, Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence (right) applied for a grant from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to build a campus walking trail that parallels 13th Street.

Because of the short deadline to apply for the grant, the MSU-Northern Foundation rose to the occasion to backstop the matching portion.

Brandt-Bennett then searched for interested donors and AgWest stepped up to the plate with their Rural Community Grant program. Independence Bank and Havre Trails also pitched in to match the grant funding.

The result was nearly $70,000 in funding from MFWP for the trail and construction will begin next spring.

Students, faculty, staff and the community will be able to enjoy the new walking trail by the end of next year.

MSUN Chancellor Greg Kegel (6th from the left) discusses the potential of an equine center with leaders from the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. The lunch event was held in the Diesel Technology Center (DTC) lobby on July 10th, 2023, and was followed by a campus tour.

The Farm Bureau leaders were impressed with the ag-related education offerings at Northern, and the world-class facilities like the DTC and Automotive Technology Center.

Independence Bank presented a check to the MSU-Northern Foundation from earnings of the School Spirit Debit Card program.

Left to Right: Kathy Dolphay, Eric Sinclair Tibbetts, Alec Breding, Al Garver, Isaac Bartel, Debbie Callahan

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HB 5 Signed by Governor Includes $32 Million for MSU-Northern In May of 2023, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 5 into law, which funds all long-range building appropriations for the state of Montana. The bill includes $7,167,560 to fund major deferred maintenance projects for buildings at MSU-Northern, plus $25 million to fully fund Phase II of the new Aurora Complex. The new facility will take approximately three years to plan and build, and will become the new architectural centerpiece of the University. It will create new classrooms, a full-service health and fitness center, and a modern gathering place for students. The Complex will host an indoor practice gymnasium that can be used as a multi-purpose event center for up to 800 people and a modern Black Box theater that can seat up to 400 guests.

There are many elected officials to thank, regarding the Aurora Complex funding: 1. Hi-Line County Commissioners: In October of 2022, the University requested letters of support for the Aurora Complex from 20 counties in Northern Montana.

Sixteen of them wrote compelling letters of support which were instrumental in convincing legislators of the merits of the project.

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2. Senator Mike Lang (Malta) and Representative Llew Jones (Conrad) became the primary champions behind the scenes. Rep Jones advocated for the Aurora Complex as part of the governor’s proposed budget, but it was not included. However, Senator Lang introduced the Aurora amendment to HB-5 and championed it all the way through dozens of committee and floor votes.

3. The seven members of the Long-Range Planning Committee: This joint House-Senate Committee included: Rep Mike Hopkins (Chair), Sen Mike Cuffe (Vice Chair), Sen Ellie Bodman, Sen Mike Lang, Rep Matt Regier (Speaker of the House), Rep John Fitzpatrick, and Paul Tuss (Havre). After reviewing the county commission letters and learning of the innovations and enrollment growth initiatives at Northern, this group voted unanimously to add the Aurora Complex to HB-5.

Sen John Esp (Big Timber) was also instrumental as the Chairman of Senate Finance & Claims.

4. The 150 legislators who weighed in positively on House Bill Five, and the majority that passed it in both chambers.

5. Governor Greg Gianforte, who recognized the merits of the Aurora Complex and allowed its funding, even though he had previously said no to any new facility funding on Montana campuses.

House Bill 5 will fund the following deferred maintenance and building projects on the campus of MSU-Northern: • Vande Bogart Library Roof Replacement - $675,000 • Brockmann Center HVAC Upgrade - $1,907,320 • Campus EMS Building Controls Upgrade Project - $400,000 • Electronics Tech. HVAC & Lighting Upgrade - $800,000 • Pershing Hall Renovation - $2,400,000 • Metals Technology Building Roof Project - $400,000 • Health and Recreation Complex, Operations & Maintenance - $585,240 • Aurora Center – Health and Recreation Complex - $25,000,000

MSU-Northern Foundation CEO Al Garver commented on the funding, “Of 36 buildings on campus, only four have ever received funds from a state legislative appropriation, and each of those was partial funding.

Chancellor Kegel did a great job convincing legislators that the community already invested $3.2 million of private money for Phase I of the Aurora Complex and if they only partially funded Phase II, it would be incredibly difficult to raise millions more. The legislators seemed genuinely impressed by this community effort and supported 100% funding of Phase II.” Chancellor Kegel added “I want to thank all of our elected officials for the outstanding job they did this year to support the future of Montana and specifically to support the future success of MSU-Northern and the Hi-Line. MSU-Northern is vital to this region and the entire Hi-line is a vital part of MSU-N. These improvements to our campus will help us recruit and retain students who will ultimately be trained to provide essential workers for the state of Montana and its future economy.”

BACKGROUND: On September 28, 2019, the campus broke ground on Tilleman Field which is phase I of the Aurora Complex. The MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation raised $3.2 million dollars in private donations to build Phase I, a state-of-the-art synthetic turf collegiate football field. Nearly 90% of these private funds came from Montana’s Hi-Line, so the grassroots community support for this effort was unprecedented.

“I have always felt that if our legislators saw the level of commitment our community has to our campus it would encourage and inspire them to help fund Phase II. Many of our local legislators saw the need and value to the campus along with the strong support of the community than they will want to help. For that support, I want to say thank you to the elected officials and behindthe-scenes volunteers and advocates who helped make this happen,” said Chancellor Kegel.

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PLANNED GIVING

RETIRED RODEO COWBOY GIVES PLANNED GIFT TO NORTHERN Bud Walen is 89 years old and he recently set up an appointment at the MSU-Northern Foundation office to discuss creating an endowment. When he arrived, we learned that he was a retired rodeo cowboy and rancher who wanted to fund an endowment that would provide scholarship funds each year for a member on Northern’s Rodeo Team.

After visiting with Bud and doing some research, we learned that he had an incredibly interesting rodeo career in the 1950s and 1960s. That included everything from bareback broncs, to bulls, to steer wrestling.

His specialty was bareback broncs and he made a living at it for more than 20 years, “retiring” from the sport at age 38. It would be unheard of to find a bronc rider at that age today. Bud racked up enough wins to make a living, but he broke a lot of bones doing it. He broke his neck—twice—and recovered from both. He’s had two broken arms, a broken leg, two broken ankles and injured ribs. The first time he broke his neck, it took a year to recover.

After he resumed rodeoing, he finished first or placed highly in 12 consecutive rodeos in 12 different towns.

In the winter, Bud would travel to Arizona to land movie roles at the studios of Old Tucson.

He was a horse-riding extra in many movies and even remembers being in one film with Ronald Reagan.

When he retired from rodeoing, he eventually made his way back to Havre and worked his dad’s ranch south of Havre in the foothills of the Bears Paw Mountains. When his dad passed away, Bud inherited the ranch and is still maintaining it to this day.

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Bud Walen on Yakima - Sidney, Iowa 1965 As Bud planned for his estate he wanted to leave a legacy for young rodeo riders at Northern. Bud has decided to create a planned gift in his estate of $10,000 that will generate a $300 scholarship each year, in perpetuity, for one rodeo athlete.

As the $10,000 grows in the endowment, that $300 will continue to increase over time.

If you’re interested in leaving a legacy in the same manner as Bud Walen, please contact the Foundation office at (406) 265-3711.

Anyone can donate to an endowed scholarship and help support MSU-Northern students.

Donate at msunfoundation.org/donate

TONY BRYANT MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Anton (Tony) Bryant graduated from Northern in 1941 with a degree in elementary education.

Tony also received a Founder’s Excellence Award in 1984. Tony first began the endowment as a student loan program. After Tony passed, his daughter Opal (Bryant) Bang established the funds, in perpetuity, as a memorial scholarship to fund one elementary education student per year.

Upon graduating from Northern Montana College in 1941, Tony spent his first years teaching in Conrad, Montana. He then served in WWII. After his discharge from the service, he taught at northern Idaho and received a Master’s degree in school administration from the University of Idaho. Tony married Ruth in 1950 and moved to southern Oregon to work as a school principal. Tony and Ruth had four children, George, Anton (Tony) Jr., Randall, and Opal. Tony continued to work as a school administrator in various rural school districts south of Portland, Oregon. He ended his career as Superintendent of the Clackamas County Education Service District in Oregon.

Randall and Anton Bryant Jr. visited Northern on September 15th of this year to add $25,000 to their father’s scholarship endowment. These funds came from the estate of Tony Sr.’s son-in-law, William Bang.

As Randall and Anton toured the Northern campus, they could not help but be impressed with the programming offered at the University.

They also remarked on the beauty of the campus grounds and the well-kept and very clean buildings. Members of the Foundation staff spent a wonderful afternoon with these gentlemen touring the campus and hearing many stories about their father’s love for Northern.

Toni Pedersen, Director of Finance; Jim Anderson, Board Chair; Jennifer Brown MSU-Northern Provost, Randall Bryant, son; Anton (Tony) Bryant, Jr., son ; Marla Shulund, Director of Operations

We are so pleased that the Tony Bryant Memorial Endowed Scholarship will increase and continue in perpetuity.

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REMEMBERING LANNY WILKE Lanny loved Montana and would share his feelings and knowledge about his home state with anyone who was interested.

T

he Foundation has created two accounts to preserve the lasting memory of our friend, colleague, and mentor Mr. Lanny Wilke, who passed away this year at age 72.

Lanny was a Northern alum who then taught at the school for 27 years. He had a long-lasting impact on most who crossed his path. Lanny was a kind man who was dedicated to his family, community and Northern. As a teacher, Lanny always did more than what was required of him, whether it be with students, staff or faculty. Lanny had a lifelong love of pursing knowledge and had many hobbies which included gardening, fishing, and watching the Seattle Mariners.

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If you would like to contribute to the preserving of Lanny ‘s memory please consider donating. There are two funds: 1) the Lanny Wilke Memorial Tree & Plaque Fund, and 2) the Lanny Wilke Memorial Scholarship Fund.

These are two ways to recognize and remember the beloved teacher and friend we will forever miss. Donations for either fund can be made online, dropped off at the foundation office or mailed to: MSUN Foundation, PO Box 1691, Havre, MT 59501. Please identify whether the donation is for the Memorial Tree & Plaque or the Memorial Scholarship.

By Bill Lanier

If you would like any further details, please contact the MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation office at (406) 265-3711

In Memoriam

We at the Northern Alumni Foundation extend our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those who have passed away this year. Names listed here are gathered from obituaries and notifications collected as of October 1, 2023. If you know of an Alum that has passed that we may have missed, please contact us.

Dr. Donald Rathbone, Northern Montana College class of 1948, passed away on April 11, 2023, in Manhattan, Kansas at the age of 94.

Dr. Rathbone was hired as a professor at the Kansas State University College of Engineering, where he rose through the ranks to become Dean of that college, a position which he held for 24 years.

In 1998, Dr. Rathbone was honored as an MSU-Northern Founders’ Day Award recipient, recognizing his lifetime of achievement.

1940s

Margaret Swenson (‘43) Donald (Don) Rathbone (‘48)

1950s

Mary Lois Hybner (‘51) Catherine Morgan (‘54)

1960s

Leslie ‘Les’ Stevenson (‘68) John McShane (‘68)

1970s

Thomas ‘Tom’ DesRosier (‘71) Carolyn E. Rosman (‘77) Elizabeth ‘Liz’ McIntosh (‘78)

1980s

Dr. Donald Rathbone

Robert ‘Bob’ Vylasek (‘80)

1990s

Beverly Williams (‘90) Cheryl Nelson (‘92) Roger Gruber (‘90) Lanny Wilke (‘95) Roselyn Azure (‘96) Patricia (Green) Dolphay (‘97)

Mike Ley

2000s

Gregory ‘Greg’ Ellison (‘04)

2010s

Robert Flesche (‘16)

Faculty & Friends Mike Ley Grace Hewitt Ruth Vukasin Walter Genereux Mark D. Larson Kenneth ‘Ken’ Nelson

Mary Hybner

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P.O. Box 1691 Havre, MT 59501

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