MNews March 2007 - Montana Tech of the University of Montana
MNews March 2007 - Montana Tech of the University of Montana
MNews March 2007 - Montana Tech of the University of Montana
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S P R I N G 2 0 0 7<br />
M o n t a n a t e c h T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M O N TA N A
A.<br />
B. C.<br />
D.<br />
MONTANA TECH IS ONLINE<br />
for everything copper and green.<br />
E.<br />
A. Wool Hooded Sweatshirt<br />
50/50 Cotton/Polyester ........... $32.95<br />
B. Dress Shirt<br />
55/45 Cotton/Polyester ........... $39.95<br />
C. Copper Print, artist Thom C<strong>of</strong>fman<br />
.......................................................$240<br />
D. Silver Desk Clock .................. $29.95<br />
E. Wine Glass<br />
gold print ...................................... $7.95<br />
F. Porcelain Beer Stein ............ $19.95<br />
F.<br />
G.<br />
H.<br />
G. <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Watch<br />
stainless steel two-tone case ......$275<br />
H. Glass Beer Stein<br />
Gold print ........................................ $11<br />
I. Black Hooded Sweatshirt<br />
80/20 Cotton/Polyester ........... $39.95<br />
J. Wool Stadium Blanket .............. $80<br />
K. Lea<strong>the</strong>r Briefcase<br />
Black or brown .......................... $79.95<br />
L. <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Necktie ............... $15<br />
I.<br />
K.<br />
J.<br />
L.<br />
SHIPPING RATES<br />
Order total Rate<br />
Less than $25.01 $5.95<br />
$25.01-50.00 $6.95<br />
$50.01-75.00 $7.95<br />
$75.01-100.00 $8.95<br />
$100.01 and up $9.95<br />
Online Store<br />
1300 W. Park Street<br />
Butte, MT 59701<br />
1-406-496-4190<br />
To view our constantly changing inventory or<br />
to order go to: www.montanatechbookstore.com
S P R I N G 2 0 0 7<br />
Features<br />
2 COVER STORY<br />
INFECTIOUS SCIENCE RESEARCH<br />
PROJECTS CURRENTLY ON CAMPUS<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Biology Pr<strong>of</strong>essor/Researcher Dr. Marisa Pedulla<br />
and her students go digging: phagedigging to increase access<br />
to inquiry-based science education for <strong>Montana</strong> students.<br />
BY MARISA PEDULLA<br />
6 PEAKING INTERESTS<br />
Kevin Cullen, a <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> business student, attempted to<br />
climb Shisha Pangma, a 26,289’ peak in Tibet.<br />
BY DAVID SCOTT<br />
10 JOE’S SHOW (HE’S GOT GAME)<br />
Joe McClafferty has been named <strong>the</strong> new Athletic Director at<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>. There have been many changes already and<br />
Joe’s vision continues to grow.<br />
BY DAVID SCOTT<br />
12 SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s student government has taken on <strong>the</strong> project <strong>of</strong><br />
saving <strong>the</strong> ‘M.’ This landmark is in dire need <strong>of</strong> restoration<br />
and students are beginning <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> raising <strong>the</strong> $100,000 it<br />
will take to save it.<br />
Departments<br />
M o n t a n a t e c h T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M O N TA N A<br />
14 PHOTO SHARING<br />
15 CHANCELLOR’S REMARKS<br />
17 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GREETING<br />
18 MONTANA TECH FOUNDATION NEWS<br />
21 CLASS NOTES<br />
Cover photo from Photo Researchers, Inc. used with permission<br />
Credit: Coneyl Jay / Photo Researchers, Inc<br />
Description: Bacteriophage virus, computer illustration. A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria. It<br />
attaches itself to <strong>the</strong> surface <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bacterium (lower right) using its tail fibers (long threads). It <strong>the</strong>n uses its<br />
tail (tube) to inject its genetic material (coiled in its head, upper left) into <strong>the</strong> bacterium. The viral DNA <strong>the</strong>n<br />
hijacks <strong>the</strong> bacterium’s own cellular machinery, forcing it to produce more copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bacteriophage. These<br />
<strong>the</strong>n erupt from <strong>the</strong> bacterial cell, killing it and releasing <strong>the</strong> new bacteriophages.<br />
Images and Text Copyright © <strong>2007</strong> Photo Researchers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<br />
6PEAKING INTERESTS<br />
2SCIENCE<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
1
M N ews M AG A Z I N E<br />
2<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Biology Pr<strong>of</strong>essor/Researcher Dr. Marisa Pedulla<br />
and her students go digging: phagedigging to increase access<br />
to inquiry-based science education for <strong>Montana</strong> students<br />
Dr. Pedulla joined <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>’s Biology Department<br />
in <strong>the</strong> summer<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2005, but it was a long and<br />
windy road to Butte. Marisa was<br />
a Pennsylvania-born kid, bored<br />
in junior high in Massachusetts,<br />
when her parents signed her up<br />
for judo. The “not very athletic”<br />
kid took to <strong>the</strong> sport, won her<br />
first tournament, and never<br />
looked back. Today, <strong>the</strong> 1996<br />
Olympian and 2004 Olympic<br />
judo coach gives talks about <strong>the</strong><br />
commonalities between athletic<br />
and academic achievement.<br />
“Both require <strong>the</strong> ability to focus,<br />
<strong>the</strong> tenacity to work through<br />
tough times, and a serious commitment<br />
to excellence. I really<br />
think it was lessons learned in<br />
judo that helped me in school,<br />
and vice-versa. I studied my<br />
opponents like I studied for<br />
courses: with a purpose.”<br />
Pedulla is passionate that real<br />
science is not about memorization,<br />
but discovery. Teaching<br />
science as merely a long list <strong>of</strong><br />
facts not only misses <strong>the</strong> point,<br />
but turns away curious students,<br />
providing potential shortfalls <strong>of</strong><br />
future scientists, engineers, and<br />
ma<strong>the</strong>maticians. There is widespread<br />
concern among educators<br />
and policy makers that school<br />
systems are under increasing<br />
pressures with decreasing resources<br />
and <strong>of</strong>ten lack <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />
time and money to provide<br />
inquiry-based science.<br />
Today Pedulla focuses on<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r purpose: bringing scientific<br />
research opportunities to<br />
students. She argues that one<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> special components <strong>of</strong> a<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> education is <strong>the</strong><br />
wide variety <strong>of</strong> opportunities<br />
for students to become involved<br />
in meaningful undergraduate<br />
research projects. Pedulla and<br />
undergraduates in her lab go one<br />
step fur<strong>the</strong>r and share that opportunity<br />
with younger students<br />
across <strong>Montana</strong>.<br />
Undergraduate researchers in<br />
Dr. Pedulla’s laboratory serve<br />
as mentors in <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s<br />
Phagedigging Program, helping<br />
her to pack up <strong>the</strong> lab and<br />
to take it on <strong>the</strong> road to provide<br />
real science research experiences<br />
to pre-college students.<br />
“A hands-on science experience<br />
can be life altering for both<br />
undergraduate and younger stu-<br />
Dr. Pedulla, right, works in <strong>the</strong> lab with a<br />
local biology teacher
dents,” said Dr. Pedulla. In recognition<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir contributions,<br />
students who discover a new<br />
virus get to name it. The excitement<br />
<strong>of</strong> discovering something<br />
new and meaningful to <strong>the</strong><br />
scientific community gives<br />
students a tremendous sense <strong>of</strong><br />
pride and ownership. Providing<br />
outreach visits during <strong>the</strong><br />
academic year and camps during<br />
<strong>the</strong> summer is an integral<br />
part <strong>of</strong> Dr. Pedulla’s teaching<br />
and research programs. “I see<br />
research and education as intertwined<br />
and am convinced that<br />
true educational experiences<br />
in science must be centered on<br />
meaningful research.”<br />
A Visit to Dr. Pedulla’s Lab<br />
Each participating student<br />
brings in a soil or water sample<br />
and screens it for <strong>the</strong> presence<br />
<strong>of</strong> a bacteriophage, (a virus that<br />
can infect bacteria, but is harmless<br />
to human cells). Students<br />
are taught that <strong>the</strong> viruses <strong>the</strong>y<br />
discover might hold <strong>the</strong> keys to<br />
new treatments and diagnostic<br />
tools for human disease.<br />
Dr. Pedulla’s passion for this<br />
project seems to be infectious<br />
among students in her laboratory.<br />
Since <strong>the</strong>ir first outreach<br />
visit at Helena High School, in<br />
October 2005, six <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
undergraduates, Kirk Caddell,<br />
Christine Hash, Andrew<br />
Ramstead, Matt Nottingham,<br />
Sean Last, and Eddie Amberg<br />
have helped more than 1,000<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> Middle and High<br />
School students to search for<br />
previously undiscovered viruses<br />
in soil and water samples.<br />
The impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Phagedigging<br />
Program on students will<br />
be measured over time, but<br />
early indications show growing<br />
excitement for discovery.<br />
Six pre-college students were<br />
so enthralled by <strong>the</strong>ir discoveries<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y have returned to<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> to pursue independent<br />
projects in Dr. Pedulla’s<br />
laboratory. An article describing<br />
<strong>the</strong> rewards <strong>of</strong> bacteriophage<br />
research by pre-college students<br />
was featured in <strong>the</strong> Education<br />
Forum <strong>of</strong> Science Magazine<br />
(Dec. 22, 2006), one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> top<br />
scientific journals in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
This article was written by Dr.<br />
Pedulla and her colleagues at<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Pittsburgh.<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> Phagedigging<br />
program, <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s<br />
<strong>Tech</strong>nical Outreach Office has<br />
several programs bringing Science<br />
to students in <strong>Montana</strong>.<br />
Dr. Pedulla is partnering with<br />
<strong>the</strong>se dedicated educators during<br />
<strong>the</strong> summer CWFEP Teacher<br />
Education Programs. Dr. Padulla<br />
will give <strong>the</strong> Expanding<br />
Your Horizons keynote address,<br />
“Believe in Your Dreams, The<br />
First Element <strong>of</strong> Success” on<br />
The snow was falling thick on a November Monday when Dr. Pedulla and her students visited Lloyd<br />
Magnuson’s 8th grade science classes at East Middle School. Over 100 students were told about <strong>the</strong> unknown<br />
viruses that are all around us, and <strong>the</strong>ir chance to find one <strong>the</strong> next day during a visit to <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>.<br />
The normally upbeat Dr. Pedulla was not optimistic. All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> previous 14 phages isolated in <strong>the</strong> outreach<br />
visits had been from <strong>the</strong> Helena area, with none isolated from Butte. “I thought between <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r and our<br />
previous failures, we would be unlikely to find new phages that day.” Dr. Pedulla was wrong in a big way.<br />
The next day, in spite <strong>of</strong> icy roads and a broken down school bus, 75 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se Butte students brought dirt<br />
and water samples to <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> with <strong>the</strong> hopes <strong>of</strong> discovering a new phage. In spite <strong>of</strong> past history and<br />
<strong>the</strong> snow storm, <strong>the</strong>re were 12 viruses discovered by <strong>the</strong> East Middle School students, and now lab members<br />
were busy characterizing <strong>the</strong>se newly discovered phages.<br />
“These viruses were unidentified, and without <strong>the</strong> students’ efforts, <strong>the</strong>y likely would have remained that<br />
way. Characterizing <strong>the</strong> phages will provide research projects for years to come. Our long-term goal is learning<br />
<strong>the</strong> DNA sequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> viruses’ genomes and comparing this group <strong>of</strong> bacteriophages to everything<br />
else in <strong>the</strong> world,” Dr. Pedulla said. This comparison could yield clues as to how new viruses (including <strong>the</strong><br />
ones that make people sick) are created, as well as provide tools to researchers who combat diseases caused<br />
by bacteria. “Phages kill bacteria for a living,” says Dr. Pedulla. “What better source <strong>of</strong> tools could you imagine<br />
to fight bacteria-caused diseases?” 3<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07
Freeform low cost fabrication using Titanium<br />
Principal Researcher: Corby Anderson<br />
This program extends current 3D fabrication technology to <strong>the</strong> manufacture <strong>of</strong> precision titanium<br />
parts. The technology uses modified ink jet technology followed by a high temperature sintering.<br />
Collaborators include Ex One, US Army Research Laboratory, and <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>.<br />
Titanium Extraction, Mining and Process Engineering Research (TEMPER)<br />
Principal Researcher: Corby Anderson<br />
The program develops processes for low cost titanium metal production that will directly benefit<br />
military applications <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US Army and expanded commercial applications. The collaborative<br />
program includes <strong>the</strong> US Army ARDEC, MIT, UTRS and <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>.<br />
Intelligent Control for Reliable Electric Energy<br />
Principal Researcher: Dan Trudnowski<br />
The program develops equipment and strategies to improve <strong>the</strong> efficiency, stability and reliability <strong>of</strong><br />
electric-power grid <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US with particular emphasis on <strong>the</strong> Western Grid. Collaborators include<br />
PNNL, NETL, U <strong>of</strong> Wyoming, <strong>Montana</strong> State <strong>University</strong>, and <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>.<br />
Bioprospecting in <strong>the</strong> Pit - Bioactive Natural Products from an Unnatural World<br />
Principal Researchers: Andrea Stierle Don Stierle<br />
The Stierles are bioprospecting for anti-cancer agents and antibiotics produced by <strong>the</strong> microbes <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have isolated from waters and sediment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Berkeley Pit. Their research, funded by <strong>the</strong> NIH and <strong>the</strong><br />
USGS, has already yielded two compounds with nanomolar activity against ovarian cancer and nonsmall<br />
cell lung cancer, as well as a series <strong>of</strong> compounds active against leukemia. The Stierles are also<br />
working with two scientists at <strong>Montana</strong> State <strong>University</strong> - Dr. Tim Ford, Department <strong>of</strong> Microbiology<br />
to establish a genomic pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pit and Dr. Allen Harmsen, Veterinarian Molecular Biology to<br />
discover compounds active against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a leading cause <strong>of</strong> death in<br />
immuno-compromised individuals.<br />
INBRE-NIH<br />
Principal Researcher: Rick Douglass<br />
The program has several objectives. It investigates <strong>the</strong> physical and molecular pathways <strong>of</strong> emerging<br />
infectious diseases, and <strong>the</strong> occurrence and propagation <strong>of</strong> Hantavirus in mice populations in western<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> in both field and domestic environments.<br />
Center for Advanced Separation <strong>Tech</strong>nology (CAST)<br />
Principal Researcher: Peter Knudsen<br />
This program develops more efficient and cost effective means <strong>of</strong> processing metallic and non-metallic ores.<br />
Vehicular Identification using Smart Sensor Webs<br />
Principal Researcher: Rick Donovan<br />
The program develops sensor arrays and related signal process equipment for security applications in<br />
4 public spaces and controlled spaces <strong>of</strong> regional airports.<br />
M N ews M AG A Z I N E Research Projects Currently on Campus
<strong>March</strong> 31 st . Dr. Padulla was<br />
also recently rewarded awarded<br />
funding to provide Gear-<br />
UP camps for 7-9 th graders in<br />
a joint venture with <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>’s <strong>Tech</strong>nical Outreach <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Dr. Pedulla is glad <strong>the</strong><br />
winding road has landed her<br />
in Butte, and presented <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to impact <strong>the</strong><br />
education <strong>of</strong> not only students<br />
enrolled in her biology courses,<br />
but many more potential biologists<br />
across <strong>Montana</strong>. “If <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is one less bored junior-high<br />
kid, I have made a difference<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world.”<br />
Phages discovered through<br />
outreach program<br />
Phage Discovered by<br />
Shabema Siobhan<br />
Kirkpatrick &<br />
Emma Hill<br />
Thennis-<br />
Wardell<br />
Morgan Miller<br />
Dumbledore Alayna Rasile<br />
Sneaky Emmy Gilleran<br />
Destiny David Tolberg<br />
Froghopper Nikki Boyd<br />
Macayla Macayla Robles<br />
D.Lane Megan Lane<br />
Macho Megan Lane<br />
Fro-Fro Siobhan<br />
Kirkpatrick &<br />
Emma Hill<br />
U Jake Aldrich<br />
Corny Jake Aldrich<br />
Guapo Megan Butler<br />
Charlie Amy Erickson<br />
Bezarayley Dezaray Hines<br />
Bubbles Dezaray Hines<br />
Beaver Dezaray Hines<br />
SlrFlare Shannon Goodell<br />
Snicklefrit Shannon Goodell<br />
BBJoe Jackie Gierke<br />
Nib Amy Novak<br />
Bedussey Kady Nordstrom<br />
Bhambug Breanna<br />
McDougall<br />
Jorm Randi Carpenter<br />
Zebo Katie Bolstad<br />
Maddie Maddie Burgher<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
5
M N ews M AG A Z I N E<br />
6<br />
The trail head started at Chinese Base<br />
Camp at 15,500’ where <strong>the</strong>y stayed for a<br />
few days to start acclimating. The team’s<br />
next step was Advanced Base Camp at<br />
18,500’.<br />
Peaking Interest<br />
The night was still and<br />
Kevin Cullen slept<br />
peacefully in his tent.<br />
That was until a deep rumble<br />
<strong>of</strong>f in <strong>the</strong> distance awakened<br />
him. At first he was not sure<br />
<strong>of</strong> what it is, but as he ga<strong>the</strong>red<br />
his senses he remembered<br />
where he was. Kevin was at<br />
advanced base camp (ABC)<br />
located at 18,500’ on Mount<br />
Shisha Pangma in sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
China. The rumble he had<br />
heard was an avalanche, one <strong>of</strong><br />
many dangers Kevin had faced<br />
in his assault on <strong>the</strong> mountain.<br />
Kevin’s story starts all <strong>the</strong><br />
way back in Butte, <strong>Montana</strong><br />
where he was born and raised<br />
and is currently attending<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>. Kevin is a<br />
junior in <strong>the</strong> Business and<br />
Information <strong>Tech</strong>nology<br />
program at <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>.<br />
Kevin took a semester <strong>of</strong>f<br />
to pursue this dream <strong>of</strong><br />
summiting Mount Shisha<br />
Pangma in Tibet, China. The<br />
love for climbing started in<br />
Kevin when he was a young<br />
boy spending time in <strong>the</strong><br />
mountains around Butte.<br />
When he wasn’t working or<br />
in school he was trekking to a<br />
mountain lake or climbing to<br />
<strong>the</strong> peak <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> many<br />
mountains nestled around his<br />
hometown.<br />
Mac Dean, Kevin’s coworker<br />
and friend first got<br />
Kevin started in high altitude<br />
climbing. Mac saw that Kevin<br />
loved <strong>the</strong> mountains and had<br />
<strong>the</strong> drive and <strong>the</strong> work ethic<br />
to make it as a high-altitude<br />
climber. Planning a trip to<br />
Mexico, Mac asked Kevin to<br />
come along, to try and climb<br />
<strong>the</strong> 18,400’ Mexican volcano,<br />
Pico de Orbizaba, <strong>the</strong> third<br />
highest mountain in North<br />
America. Kevin jumped at <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity. It took months<br />
<strong>of</strong> preparation and planning<br />
but <strong>the</strong> feeling <strong>of</strong> being on top<br />
<strong>of</strong> that mountain is something<br />
Kevin will never forget.<br />
“Summiting your first high<br />
mountain is amazing. You<br />
feel like you’re flying. It was<br />
especially great on Orbizaba<br />
because <strong>the</strong>re are no o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
mountains so you could see<br />
for miles in all directions” said<br />
Kevin.<br />
After being successful in his<br />
first attempt at high-altitude<br />
climbing, Kevin caught <strong>the</strong><br />
bug and could not wait to test<br />
himself on ano<strong>the</strong>r peak. The<br />
opportunity arose to climb<br />
Shisha Pangma a year ago<br />
when Mac Dean, along with<br />
some <strong>of</strong> his friends, asked<br />
Kevin if he would be interested<br />
in attempting to climb ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
high peak. Knowing that he<br />
was probably not experienced<br />
enough, but not wanting<br />
to miss out, Kevin agreed.<br />
Kevin knew it would be <strong>the</strong><br />
most mentally and physically<br />
challenging climb <strong>of</strong> his life.<br />
When he first landed in<br />
Katmandu Nepal, Kevin was<br />
awestruck by <strong>the</strong> cultural<br />
differences. However he<br />
did not have much time to<br />
immerse himself in <strong>the</strong> rich<br />
culture because he only had<br />
three weeks and <strong>the</strong>re was a<br />
26,289’ peak to climb. After<br />
hiring a Nepali camp cook and<br />
rounding up <strong>the</strong> final pieces
<strong>of</strong> equipment <strong>the</strong>y began <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
drive to <strong>the</strong> Nepali/Chinese<br />
border.<br />
Thoughts raced through <strong>the</strong><br />
team’s heads ranging from,<br />
fear to excitement during <strong>the</strong><br />
drive to <strong>the</strong> trailhead. Kevin<br />
sat in <strong>the</strong> car thinking about<br />
his journey; <strong>the</strong> pay-<strong>of</strong>f for all<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sacrifices by his family,<br />
friends, and himself. All <strong>of</strong><br />
which was coming to fruition<br />
just a few miles ahead.<br />
The trailhead started at<br />
Chinese Base Camp 15,500’<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y stayed for a few<br />
days to begin <strong>the</strong> acclimation<br />
process. The teams next step<br />
was Advanced Base Camp<br />
(ABC) at 18,500’. ABC was<br />
higher in elevation than <strong>the</strong><br />
volcano in Mexico. It took<br />
several days for Kevin to<br />
acclimate and reach ABC.<br />
Once he got <strong>the</strong>re, <strong>the</strong>re was no<br />
time to relax because <strong>the</strong> trip to<br />
Depot Camp, <strong>the</strong> next stop on<br />
<strong>the</strong> climb, could not wait.<br />
The trail to Depot Camp<br />
was riddled with mudslides,<br />
avalanches and falling rock.<br />
Some parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trail were so<br />
treacherous that Kevin’s team<br />
would have to spot falling<br />
rocks for one ano<strong>the</strong>r as <strong>the</strong><br />
climber focused his eyes on<br />
<strong>the</strong> ground to ensure that he<br />
did not slip. After a long day<br />
on <strong>the</strong> trail <strong>the</strong> team finally<br />
reached Depot Camp. The trail<br />
to Depot Camp would need to<br />
be traveled at least five times<br />
to get all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir gear fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
up <strong>the</strong> mountain. Each trip<br />
would take up to a day.<br />
Once at Depot Camp, Kevin<br />
began to feel sick. He knew<br />
<strong>the</strong> nausea was caused by<br />
<strong>the</strong> altitude, but <strong>the</strong> cough<br />
and trouble breathing was<br />
worrisome to <strong>the</strong> whole team.<br />
Mountain climbing is already<br />
a dangerous sport made more<br />
so when a climber is impaired.<br />
Kevin knew his sickness might<br />
eliminate him from trying to<br />
summit <strong>the</strong> mountain.<br />
Kevin’s first night at Depot<br />
Camp, 19,500’, saw a major<br />
downturn in his health. He<br />
knew that he had pushed<br />
his body to <strong>the</strong> limit and he<br />
was beginning to think he<br />
would not make <strong>the</strong> summit.<br />
The team felt that he needed<br />
to return to ABC and seek<br />
out a doctor from ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
expedition.<br />
To make matters worse,<br />
Kevin’s team members began<br />
<strong>the</strong> next part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir trip to<br />
Camp One, located at 21,500’.<br />
It would take two days <strong>of</strong><br />
hiking to get <strong>the</strong> gear moved<br />
up to Camp One. Kevin was<br />
too sick to participate and<br />
was forced to try and rest<br />
and recover at ABC camp.<br />
During his recovery process,<br />
<strong>the</strong> news came in from <strong>the</strong><br />
wea<strong>the</strong>r station that <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
a massive post-monsoon storm<br />
moving in which threatened to<br />
drop over six feet <strong>of</strong> snow on<br />
<strong>the</strong> mountain.<br />
The next morning, <strong>the</strong> team<br />
awoke to <strong>the</strong> snow <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r<br />
station had promised. There<br />
was only two feet at ABC but<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was much more on <strong>the</strong><br />
upper reaches <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mountain.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> storm, Kevin’s team<br />
realized that summiting <strong>the</strong><br />
mountain was not a realistic<br />
goal and to preserve <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
health and equipment it would<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
7
M N ews M AG A Z I N E<br />
8<br />
be best to head down <strong>the</strong> mountain<br />
and try again later.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> team moved down <strong>the</strong><br />
mountain and began <strong>the</strong>ir trip back<br />
to <strong>the</strong> States, Kevin had conflicting<br />
emotions. He was trying to grasp<br />
<strong>the</strong> feelings that he had tried to<br />
summit this mountain and failed,<br />
and he could not shake <strong>the</strong> feeling<br />
that something was missing as he<br />
rode back down <strong>the</strong> bumpy road<br />
to civilization. As <strong>the</strong>y boarded<br />
<strong>the</strong> plane for home, Kevin knew<br />
he would someday return to <strong>the</strong><br />
Himalayan region, its mountains,<br />
and its people, to try again.<br />
Kevin’s immediate goal is to<br />
finish his degree at <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> in Business and Information<br />
<strong>Tech</strong>nology. This summer he has<br />
plans to climb Mount Rainer in<br />
Washington and Denali in Alaska.<br />
Once he completes <strong>the</strong>se peaks, he<br />
is eyeing his second attempt at an<br />
8000m peak.<br />
Upon <strong>the</strong> completion <strong>of</strong> his<br />
degree, Kevin wants to follow his<br />
entrepreneurial spirit and open<br />
his own business. With a heart<br />
and drive that are seen in very few<br />
individuals, <strong>the</strong>re is no doubt that<br />
he will be successful in achieving<br />
this dream.<br />
World Elevations<br />
Everest ..........................29,035’<br />
Shisha Pangma ............26,289’<br />
Granite Peak .................12,799’<br />
(Highest Peak in <strong>Montana</strong>)<br />
Butte ...............................5,545’<br />
Los Angeles ....................... 330’
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
9
M N ews M AG A Z I N E<br />
10<br />
Everyone has a passion in life. For some,<br />
that passion revolves around money, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children, religion or <strong>the</strong>ir careers. Joe<br />
McClafferty, <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s new Athletic<br />
Director is passionate about <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
and Digger Athletics.<br />
Joe McClafferty, a 1986<br />
graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>, credits basketball<br />
for his opportunity<br />
to receive a college<br />
education. Without a <strong>the</strong>n<br />
unknown coach named Kelvin<br />
Sampson giving Joe a chance to<br />
play basketball, McClafferty may<br />
not have had <strong>the</strong> chance to go to<br />
college.<br />
Joe was hired in August and<br />
has been working on realizing<br />
his vision for <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s<br />
athletics ever since. This vision<br />
revolves around making <strong>Tech</strong><br />
athletic games more than just<br />
games: <strong>the</strong>y would be events.<br />
Joe’s first order <strong>of</strong> business was<br />
adding activities to <strong>the</strong> breaks in<br />
both <strong>the</strong> football and volleyball<br />
games. These activities give fans<br />
<strong>the</strong> chance to get involved in<br />
<strong>the</strong> games in a more meaningful<br />
way. But Joe has more up his<br />
sleeve.<br />
Joe’s ultimate vision is to<br />
make <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> athletics<br />
as successful as <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
academics. To accomplish this<br />
means fulfilling his First Choice<br />
vision for <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>. First<br />
Choice means that students,<br />
athletes, parents, and supporters<br />
all choose <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> above<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r universities in <strong>the</strong> state<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y select a college. In<br />
order to be <strong>the</strong> first choice, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are some changes planned for<br />
<strong>the</strong> athletic department and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
facilities.<br />
Part <strong>of</strong> having a first-rate<br />
athletic program means having<br />
JOE’S SHOW
first-rate facilities. There will be<br />
some immediate changes this<br />
summer: <strong>the</strong> HPER is going to get<br />
a facelift. A new floor is going in,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>re are hopes to install new<br />
bleachers at <strong>the</strong> same time. The<br />
HPER will also be getting a new coat<br />
<strong>of</strong> paint and some new electrical<br />
work. With <strong>the</strong> new bleachers, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
will be 300 reserved seats available<br />
on a five-year contract at $300 a<br />
year. Joe envisions a facility that<br />
players are proud to play in and<br />
boosters are proud to support.<br />
The football stadium is also due<br />
for a facelift in <strong>the</strong> future. Some<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plans include expanding <strong>the</strong><br />
press box, creating reserved seating,<br />
and constructing a second entrance.<br />
These new facilities can become a<br />
great asset to <strong>the</strong> community. The<br />
facilities will become a place where<br />
<strong>the</strong> community will be proud to host<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r events including conferences,<br />
tournaments and concerts<br />
When looking at athletics, Joe sees<br />
more than just fundraising, facilities<br />
and winning. He wants to keep <strong>the</strong><br />
student athletes in <strong>the</strong> forefront.<br />
The true quality <strong>of</strong> collegiate<br />
athletics is not in <strong>the</strong> physical<br />
accomplishments, but in <strong>the</strong><br />
experience that <strong>the</strong> college athletes<br />
have while in college. Beyond that,<br />
it is also <strong>the</strong> experience that athletics<br />
can provide for fans and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
students who attend <strong>the</strong> games.<br />
Join Joe is pursuing his vision for<br />
<strong>Tech</strong> athletics. Become a donor or<br />
come to a game and see how bright<br />
<strong>the</strong> future is for <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s<br />
athletic programs.<br />
He’s got<br />
game<br />
Men’s Basketball Schedule<br />
December<br />
1 Dickinson State Butte, MT W 95-90<br />
2 Minot State Butte, MT L 75-79<br />
13 <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> Missoula, MT L 63-92<br />
29 <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saskatchewan Butte, MT W 67-64<br />
January<br />
6 UM-Western Butte, MT W 95-90<br />
12 Carroll College Butte, MT L 68-78<br />
13 Rocky Mountain College Butte, MT W 69-68<br />
18 Westminster College Salt Lake City, UT L 48-78<br />
20 Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID L 51-75<br />
26 MSU-Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Butte, MT W 68-64<br />
27 <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Great Falls Butte, MT W 81-70<br />
February<br />
1 UM-Western Dillon, MT W 85-79<br />
8 Rocky Mountain College Billings, MT L 58-69<br />
10 Carroll College Helena, MT L 63-79<br />
16 Lewis-Clark State College Butte, MT L 66-83<br />
17 Westminster College Butte, MT L 61-70<br />
23 <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Great Falls Great Falls, MT L 75-86<br />
24 MSU-Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Havre, MT L 66-75<br />
28 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT<br />
<strong>March</strong><br />
1 -3 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT<br />
14-20 NAIA National Tournament Kansas City, MO<br />
Women’s Basketball Schedule<br />
December<br />
1 Dickenson State Butte, MT W 76-50<br />
16 Idaho State <strong>University</strong> Pocatello, ID L 59-102<br />
18 Point Loma Nazarene San Diego, CA W 57-56<br />
20 Roberts Wesleyan College San Diego, CA W 77-47<br />
28 Jamestown College Bismarck, ND W 63-52<br />
29 <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Mary Bismarck, ND W 78-72<br />
January<br />
6 UM-Western Butte, MT L 61-73<br />
12 Carroll College Butte, MT L 52-81<br />
13 Rocky Mountain College Butte, MT W 64-59<br />
18 Westminster College Salt Lake City, UT L 58-57<br />
20 Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID L 84-70<br />
26 MSU-Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Butte, MT W 76-75<br />
27 <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Great Falls Butte, MT W 86-70<br />
February<br />
1 UM-Western Dillon, MT L 62-80<br />
8 Rocky Mountain College Billings, MT L 76-90<br />
10 Carroll College Helena, MT L 71-86<br />
16 Lewis-Clark State College Butte, MT L 63-76<br />
17 Westminster College Butte, MT L 53-63<br />
23 <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Great Falls Great Falls, MT W 79-44<br />
24 MSU-Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Havre, MT L 57-68<br />
28 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT<br />
<strong>March</strong><br />
1 -3 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT<br />
14-20 NAIA National Tournament Jackson, TN<br />
w w w . g o d i g g e r s . c o m 11<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07
M N ews M AG A Z I N E<br />
12<br />
“The timing is right. We have a very ambitious ASMT this year<br />
and huge support from <strong>the</strong> Butte Community.”<br />
Chris Mjelde, ASMT President<br />
SLIP SLIDIN’ Away<br />
The ‘M’, on Big Butte<br />
brings memories back<br />
to everyone that has<br />
ever attended <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> or lived in Butte. Some<br />
remember building it, some<br />
maintaining it, and still o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
remember getting <strong>the</strong>ir first<br />
kiss right at <strong>the</strong> base <strong>of</strong> it. It<br />
has been used to host parties,<br />
shoot fireworks, and to<br />
announce victories by <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> athletic teams. The ‘M’<br />
holds a special place in <strong>the</strong><br />
hearts <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> students.<br />
The ‘M’ was first constructed<br />
in 1910 on <strong>the</strong> hill by <strong>the</strong><br />
students using <strong>the</strong> technology<br />
known as <strong>the</strong> bucket brigade<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> M-Day. In <strong>the</strong><br />
beginning, <strong>the</strong> ‘M’ was<br />
maintained by <strong>the</strong> students<br />
every spring. The students<br />
would haul new rocks to <strong>the</strong><br />
‘M’ and give it a fresh dose<br />
<strong>of</strong> sodium sulfide to keep it<br />
white. The lights were added<br />
in 1962 and <strong>the</strong> community<br />
<strong>of</strong> Butte has had it lit ever<br />
since. In <strong>the</strong> mid 80’s M-Days<br />
were toned back and so was<br />
<strong>the</strong> work that was done to <strong>the</strong><br />
‘M’. Since <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> Associated<br />
Students <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
(ASMT) have been paying<br />
a club to go up and clean<br />
<strong>the</strong> ‘M’ and replace <strong>the</strong> light<br />
bulbs. However without <strong>the</strong><br />
manpower and excitement <strong>of</strong><br />
M-Day <strong>the</strong> heavy maintenance<br />
required to keep <strong>the</strong> ‘M’<br />
looking sharp has not been<br />
possible.<br />
Despite its great history and<br />
solid construction, 97 years <strong>of</strong><br />
Butte wea<strong>the</strong>r is beginning to<br />
take its toll on <strong>the</strong> structure.<br />
The lighting and fencing are<br />
beginning to fail and fall down.<br />
Seeing this deterioration,<br />
current students <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> led by ASMT have<br />
undertaken <strong>the</strong> task <strong>of</strong> raising<br />
money for <strong>the</strong> renovation <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> ‘M’. The renovation will<br />
call for <strong>the</strong> replacement <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> fence, electrical system,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> reinforcement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
structure that keeps <strong>the</strong> ‘M’ on<br />
Big Butte. The student’s goal is<br />
to raise $100,000. The students<br />
will be actively soliciting<br />
<strong>the</strong> community, alumni and<br />
friends <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> for<br />
money to ensure that <strong>the</strong> ‘M’<br />
can remain a centerpiece <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> history.<br />
“The ‘M’ is what ties<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> and Butte<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r. We want to make<br />
sure <strong>the</strong> ‘M’ is still in good<br />
shape for future Generations,”<br />
said Chris Mjelde, ASMT<br />
President.<br />
The o<strong>the</strong>r members <strong>of</strong> ASMT<br />
are, Donny Pfeifer, Kelley<br />
Murphey, Curt Anderson,<br />
Anna Carter, Zach Dill, Tom<br />
Kientz, Preston L<strong>of</strong>gren, Dan<br />
Merchant, Steve Olig, Steve<br />
Forsman, Kendra Daily, Tom<br />
Ward, Crystal Cornett<br />
If you are interested in<br />
saving <strong>the</strong> ‘M’ please<br />
contact <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> Foundation<br />
at 800-984-4683 or<br />
cmcdonald@mtech.edu,<br />
or ASMT President<br />
Chris Mjelde at<br />
camjelde@mtech.edu.
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
13
M N ews M AG A Z I N E<br />
14<br />
Shoot, Submit, Share<br />
Are you traveling? Planning a trip? We want your<br />
pictures!<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> is looking to build a photo library with<br />
pictures <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> alumni and friends from all over <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Just take your camera and a <strong>Tech</strong> memento and snap a<br />
photo. When you return from your trip, email <strong>the</strong> photo to<br />
alumni@mtech.edu and get your photo featured in <strong>the</strong> next<br />
<strong>MNews</strong>.<br />
Please send high-resolution images.<br />
Happy traveling!
Dear Alumni and Friends:<br />
The 107th Commencement<br />
<strong>of</strong> this great institution<br />
will be celebrated on May<br />
12, <strong>2007</strong>. Wea<strong>the</strong>r permitting,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Commencement Exercise<br />
will be held outside in Alumni<br />
Coliseum at 11:00 am. Our<br />
Commencement Speaker this<br />
year is Tom Dyk, ‘76. The<br />
classes that will be<br />
honored at this year’s<br />
commencement<br />
ceremony are <strong>the</strong><br />
classes <strong>of</strong> 1947 and<br />
1957. I would like<br />
to personally invite<br />
<strong>the</strong>se alumni back to<br />
campus.<br />
As many <strong>of</strong> you know<br />
from my invitations to<br />
contribute to it, over<br />
<strong>the</strong> past year a broad<br />
and representative group<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> constituents has<br />
developed “Vision 2025”<br />
for <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>. This<br />
attractive publication<br />
is ready to go to press<br />
and will be available by<br />
<strong>March</strong> 1, <strong>2007</strong>. Because<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> expense <strong>of</strong> printing<br />
and mailing, “Vision<br />
2025” will have limited<br />
distribution. Copies <strong>of</strong> our<br />
vision may be requested by<br />
contacting Tony Campeau,<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Admissions, at<br />
tcampeau@mtech.edu.<br />
Last fall we initiated a new<br />
program to assist our students<br />
in being more successful in<br />
<strong>the</strong> competition for national<br />
scholarships. This group has<br />
been named <strong>the</strong> “National<br />
Awards Committee.”<br />
Dr. Marisa Pedulla from<br />
Biological Sciences is chairing<br />
this committee which will<br />
identify potential candidates<br />
for scholarships such as <strong>the</strong><br />
Truman Scholarship, Udall<br />
Scholarship and <strong>the</strong> Goldwater<br />
Scholarship in Math, Science<br />
and Engineering. Our students<br />
have been very successful<br />
in <strong>the</strong> competition for many<br />
scholarships but we are striving<br />
to become more successful in<br />
winning top-level national<br />
scholarships.<br />
Dr. Susan Patton’s decision<br />
to retire and move to<br />
Grand Junction, Colorado<br />
to run her orchards and<br />
vineyards precipitated a<br />
national search for a Vice<br />
Chancellor for Academic<br />
Affairs and Research.<br />
Dr. Doug Abbott, a 1985<br />
graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
in Petroleum Engineering,<br />
was selected following<br />
a nationwide search to<br />
fill <strong>the</strong> position. I thank<br />
Susan for outstanding<br />
service to our institution and<br />
congratulate and thank Doug<br />
for his desire to take on this<br />
important job.<br />
The College <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>nology is<br />
initiating a program in “Pre-<br />
Apprenticeship Lineman<br />
Training.” Students completing<br />
this program will be prepared<br />
to go into apprenticeship<br />
programs to become linemen.<br />
There is currently a shortage <strong>of</strong><br />
skilled linemen in <strong>Montana</strong> and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Nation. I am proud to see<br />
our College <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>nology fulfill<br />
its mission by answering <strong>the</strong><br />
call <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state and particularly<br />
southwest <strong>Montana</strong> in creating<br />
programs to fill an industry<br />
need.<br />
Frank Gilmore<br />
Chancellor<br />
Chancellor’s<br />
Remarks<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
15
M N ews M AG A Z I N E<br />
16<br />
Abbott Continues<br />
Milt Brown<br />
has a<br />
legacy at<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
that extends<br />
well beyond his<br />
tenure as an<br />
employee.<br />
He was a man who<br />
gave 40 years <strong>of</strong><br />
his life to this<br />
university and<br />
helped shape it<br />
into <strong>the</strong> school it<br />
is today. Falling<br />
under Milt’s<br />
supervision was<br />
Registrar, Director <strong>of</strong><br />
Food Service, Director<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dorms and<br />
Vice-President. Milt<br />
was also a favorite<br />
among <strong>the</strong> students <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>. Milt<br />
was <strong>the</strong> staff member<br />
that students<br />
felt comfortable<br />
approaching to talk about<br />
personal issues or for a<br />
little help financially. Milt<br />
was well known for his<br />
generosity to <strong>the</strong> students.<br />
He always came through<br />
with money for a student<br />
who wasn’t quite going to<br />
make it through <strong>the</strong> month.<br />
Doug Abbott remembers<br />
his grandfa<strong>the</strong>r being very<br />
impressed with <strong>the</strong> students<br />
because he was always paid<br />
back. Sometimes it was <strong>the</strong><br />
next month, sometimes <strong>the</strong><br />
next semester and even some<br />
took years, but out <strong>of</strong> respect<br />
for Milt, students always paid<br />
him back.<br />
Doug Abbott<br />
Vice Chancellor <strong>of</strong><br />
Academic Affairs<br />
and Research<br />
Milt not only had an influence<br />
on this campus, but he<br />
also had an influence on his<br />
grandson Doug. Doug grew<br />
up around <strong>Tech</strong>, hanging out<br />
with his grandpa, walking<br />
around <strong>the</strong> tunnels and attending<br />
all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> games.<br />
Doug was taught to love<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> by Milt,<br />
and now as an adult he<br />
has a chance to guide<br />
his grandfa<strong>the</strong>r’s beloved<br />
university.<br />
Doug Abbott is<br />
<strong>Tech</strong>’s new Vice Chancellor<br />
<strong>of</strong> Academic<br />
Affairs and Research.<br />
He assumes <strong>the</strong> position<br />
after 18 years at <strong>Tech</strong>,<br />
first as a pr<strong>of</strong>essor in <strong>the</strong><br />
Business Department and<br />
later, as <strong>the</strong> Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
College <strong>of</strong> Humanities,<br />
Social Science and Information<br />
<strong>Tech</strong>nology. Doug<br />
received his Bachelor’s<br />
Degree in Petroleum Engineering<br />
in 1985 from <strong>Tech</strong><br />
and <strong>the</strong>n headed to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
in Missoula to pursue<br />
his MBA. In <strong>the</strong><br />
second year <strong>of</strong> his<br />
MBA, Doug was convinced<br />
that he was going to graduate<br />
and head to Wall Street<br />
and be an investment banker<br />
or stock-broker.<br />
This all changed when his<br />
grandfa<strong>the</strong>r passed away<br />
and he came back to Butte<br />
to be a pallbearer. While<br />
in Butte, Vick Burt and Joe<br />
Kasperick, both <strong>of</strong> whom<br />
were friends <strong>of</strong> Doug’s<br />
and were hired by Milt to<br />
Legacy<br />
work at <strong>Tech</strong>, asked Doug if<br />
he was going to apply for <strong>the</strong><br />
open teaching position in <strong>the</strong><br />
Business Department. Being<br />
a man <strong>of</strong> opportunity, Doug<br />
applied for <strong>the</strong> job at <strong>Tech</strong> and<br />
returned to Missoula to finish<br />
his degree. Upon <strong>the</strong> completion<br />
<strong>of</strong> his MBA, Doug got <strong>the</strong><br />
job at <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> and began<br />
working on what he thought<br />
would be a one or two year<br />
experience.<br />
Doug is now going on his<br />
19th year <strong>of</strong> that one to two<br />
year job he thought he was<br />
taking. His love for <strong>Tech</strong> has<br />
grown stronger and now he<br />
has risen to <strong>the</strong> position <strong>of</strong><br />
Vice-Chancellor for Academic<br />
Affairs and Research. Doug<br />
brings a wealth <strong>of</strong> experience<br />
to this job, not only as an academic,<br />
but as <strong>the</strong> young boy<br />
who grew up supporting <strong>Tech</strong><br />
and wandering <strong>the</strong> halls with<br />
his grandfa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Milt Brown (left) with grandson Doug Abbott
Greetings from <strong>the</strong> Association,<br />
People ask what is <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni<br />
Association (MTAA) and what do we do?<br />
Well, to answer that, <strong>the</strong> MTAA is an entity<br />
that strives to promote <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>.<br />
The 2006-<strong>2007</strong> year has been quite busy for <strong>the</strong><br />
Alumni Association. We got <strong>the</strong> year started with<br />
<strong>the</strong> annual picnic held at <strong>the</strong> Copper Mountain<br />
Park in Butte. Area alumni, faculty and staff attended<br />
<strong>the</strong> event to enjoy burgers, hotdogs, games<br />
and stories.<br />
For <strong>the</strong> first time, <strong>the</strong> Association participated in<br />
tailgating activities before<br />
<strong>the</strong> home football games to<br />
help promote Digger unity<br />
and team spirit. Refreshments<br />
and snacks were provided<br />
to those who stopped<br />
by. We are hoping to<br />
continue this activity, so be<br />
sure to stop by when you<br />
are cheering on <strong>the</strong> Diggers<br />
next season.<br />
In addition, <strong>the</strong> Alumni<br />
Association teamed with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r campus groups such<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Digger Athletic Association<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Touchdown<br />
Club to sponsor pre and<br />
Scott Sampson<br />
President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
Alumni Association<br />
post-game socials. We look forward to ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
great season <strong>of</strong> football next year.<br />
Go Diggers!!<br />
The Association also had ano<strong>the</strong>r first, we sponsored<br />
a student appreciation pizza social for <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> students at <strong>the</strong> Vu Villa. This event was<br />
well received as <strong>the</strong> students found happy homes<br />
for more than 50 pizzas in <strong>the</strong> 2-hour period. The<br />
Association also plans to host ano<strong>the</strong>r student<br />
pizza social before finals week this spring.<br />
The Association has been working with Peggy<br />
McCoy, Director <strong>of</strong> Alumni Affairs, to establish<br />
chartered chapters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni<br />
Association across <strong>the</strong> country. Becoming an area<br />
chapter president is simple. If you are interested<br />
in establishing a chapter in your area, feel free to<br />
contact Peggy McCoy, at pmccoy@mtech.edu, or<br />
me for information on chapter guidelines.<br />
Scott Sampson<br />
scott.sampson@mse-ta.com<br />
Welcome Back Classes <strong>of</strong> ‘47 & ‘57<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni Association president,<br />
Scott Sampson, and <strong>the</strong> local governing<br />
body look forward to seeing members <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Class <strong>of</strong> 1947 and Class <strong>of</strong> 1957 back on campus<br />
during commencement week.<br />
The <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni Association Annual<br />
Banquet, to be held May 11 th , <strong>2007</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Copper<br />
King Hotel is <strong>the</strong> highlight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
Alumni Association’s year. We thoroughly enjoy<br />
having our Anniversary Alumni in attendance and<br />
listening to <strong>the</strong>ir college experiences while <strong>the</strong>y<br />
attended <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Mines.<br />
The class <strong>of</strong> 1947 will celebrated <strong>the</strong>ir 60th<br />
Anniversary this year. Many were able to attend<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir 50th anniversary with us in 1997. We wish to<br />
congratulate <strong>the</strong>m and look forward to seeing <strong>the</strong>m<br />
again during commencement week.<br />
We also welcome <strong>the</strong> class <strong>of</strong> 1957 back to campus<br />
to celebrate <strong>the</strong>ir 50th Anniversary. Some members<br />
have not been back since <strong>the</strong> year <strong>the</strong>y graduated.<br />
Welcome back to your alma mater and Butte. We<br />
hope you take <strong>the</strong> opportunity to tour campus while<br />
you are here and see how much we have grown.<br />
If you are not able to attend, we would appreciate<br />
a little history <strong>of</strong> what you have been doing <strong>the</strong><br />
past 50 or 60 years. Many <strong>of</strong> your colleagues would<br />
enjoy hearing from you. If you would like to share<br />
your stories or your accomplishments, <strong>the</strong>y can be<br />
submitted to <strong>the</strong> alumni affairs <strong>of</strong>fice at alumni@<br />
mtech.edu.<br />
Thank you,<br />
The <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni Association<br />
Please Join Us For Our<br />
Annual Banquet<br />
Honoring <strong>the</strong> Graduates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> class <strong>of</strong> 1947 and 1957<br />
May 11, <strong>2007</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Copper King Hotel<br />
6:30-7:00 p.m. No-Host Cocktail<br />
7:00 Banquet<br />
10 th Annual Raffle<br />
Gold, Silver & Bronze Raffle<br />
To be held at Banquet<br />
Call Alumni Association <strong>of</strong>fice at<br />
406-782-7076 for reservations<br />
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18<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> VCIAD<br />
M N ews M AG A Z I N E From <strong>the</strong> Office<br />
It is a great time to be a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Digger family. With each<br />
passing day, we are seeing more and more energy and unity on our<br />
campus. Please stop by my <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>the</strong> next time you are in Butte and<br />
let me show you what’s going on around <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>!<br />
Spring semester is now in full swing and we can see <strong>the</strong> beginnings <strong>of</strong><br />
a climate change in Butte, <strong>Montana</strong> (thankfully). The days are longer,<br />
<strong>the</strong> temperature is slightly warmer, and <strong>the</strong> buzz <strong>of</strong> Spring Fever can be<br />
heard in <strong>the</strong> classroom.<br />
The activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Foundation have been fast<br />
and furious. As illustrated on <strong>the</strong> next pages, <strong>the</strong><br />
fund raising activities for <strong>the</strong> Natural Resources<br />
Building are rapidly coming to a close. When <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> Legislature honors our current request<br />
for supplemental funding, we will be very near <strong>the</strong><br />
finish line.<br />
A deliberate effort to reach out to all petroleum alumni to help<br />
us with <strong>the</strong> last $600,000 began in <strong>2007</strong>. The initiative, dubbed <strong>the</strong><br />
COUNCIL <strong>of</strong> 600, is described on <strong>the</strong> next pages. Many <strong>of</strong> our<br />
alumni have been responsive to our needs and we sincerely thank<br />
<strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong>ir continued support. We still have a long way to go<br />
with our COUNCIL <strong>of</strong> 600 effort, so please know it is not too late to<br />
add your name to <strong>the</strong> list.<br />
I have been extremely proud <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire advancement and<br />
development staff. The COUNCIL <strong>of</strong> 600 initiative has served as a<br />
tremendous catalyst to get this team focused, energized, and acting<br />
as one group. The entire group has engaged in <strong>the</strong> initiative by<br />
hosting alumni fund-raising events, meeting with corporations,<br />
visiting prospective students, and cultivating potential employers.<br />
Throughout our visits with alumni and friends all around <strong>the</strong> country,<br />
we’ve had <strong>the</strong> privilege to listen to and explore many great ideas. This<br />
effort to reach out to our alumni is sincere. I know we can’t be everywhere,<br />
but we would like to make a trip to your area. If you have not seen a<br />
representative <strong>of</strong> our campus in a while, please let me know. For those that<br />
have attended our events, thanks for your continued support. For those<br />
that we have missed, we look forward to seeing you soon!<br />
Before I close, I want to congratulate Dr. Doug Abbott on his appointment<br />
to Vice Chancellor <strong>of</strong> Academic Affairs. Doug is a terrific educator, a<br />
dedicated pr<strong>of</strong>essional, and a true gentleman. I am confident he will do a<br />
great job and I look forward to working closely with him to advance this<br />
institution.<br />
Once again I ask for your input regarding this publication. We<br />
continually try to change and evolve to meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> our constituents.<br />
Let us know what you think!<br />
Mike Johnson<br />
Vice Chancellor<br />
for Institutional<br />
Advancement and<br />
Development and<br />
President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
Foundation
Campaign Highlight<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s comprehensive campaign,<br />
Streng<strong>the</strong>ning Foundations...<br />
Ensuring <strong>the</strong> Future, is divided into<br />
four main areas <strong>of</strong> support: Student, Capital,<br />
Program and Faculty.<br />
One item within <strong>the</strong> Program area <strong>of</strong> support<br />
is $400,000 to fund a new position within<br />
<strong>the</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Mines and Engineering. This<br />
position will be an Assistant to <strong>the</strong> Dean. The<br />
main responsibility <strong>of</strong> this position will be<br />
recruiting quality students into <strong>the</strong> mining,<br />
metallurgy, and geological programs.<br />
Since <strong>the</strong> campaign’s inception, over<br />
$255,000 in cash and pledges has been collected<br />
towards this goal. Funds have come<br />
from industry, alumni and friends. Corporate<br />
donors include Peabody Energy, Kennecott<br />
Energy, Newmont, and Kiewit.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> advancement and development<br />
team travels and meets with companies, a<br />
common <strong>the</strong>me is <strong>the</strong> concern within industry<br />
over <strong>the</strong> scarcity <strong>of</strong> graduates in engineering<br />
disciplines. This partnership with industry<br />
will help serve our mission to educate<br />
more students while helping to alleviate <strong>the</strong><br />
shortage <strong>of</strong> graduating engineers.<br />
This workforce shortage is national. <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> wants to play an important role in<br />
providing <strong>the</strong> needed workers to industry<br />
and providing students with career opportunities<br />
with real potential. Our goal is<br />
to double <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> graduates in <strong>the</strong>se<br />
programs in four years. Recruitment is <strong>the</strong><br />
first step.<br />
Did you know?<br />
The SME Mineral Education<br />
Sustainability Task Force has documented<br />
<strong>the</strong> demand for new mining engineers to be<br />
over 300 per year, yet in 2005 <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States produced just over 100 new mining<br />
engineers.<br />
Support for <strong>the</strong> Recruiter<br />
Newmont Mining Corporation has contributed<br />
$140,000 to <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> in<br />
support <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s campaign Streng<strong>the</strong>ning<br />
Foundations…Ensuring <strong>the</strong> Future.<br />
The money has been designated to support<br />
and advance <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s Mining and<br />
Metallurgical Engineering Departments.<br />
The donation will provide funding for <strong>the</strong><br />
following areas:<br />
•<br />
Support for a permanent recruiter posi-<br />
tion/assistant to <strong>the</strong> dean, designed to<br />
increase enrollment in <strong>Tech</strong>’s Mining,<br />
Metallurgical and Geological Sciences<br />
degree programs.<br />
• Scholarships for Metallurgy and Mining<br />
Engineering students.<br />
•<br />
Support <strong>of</strong> a faculty position in <strong>the</strong> Metallurgical<br />
Engineering Department.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r major contribution was <strong>of</strong>fered by<br />
Goldcorp Inc. <strong>of</strong> Vancouver, British Columbia<br />
in <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> $200,000. The funds<br />
have been specifically designated to be equally<br />
divided among <strong>the</strong> Mining Engineering,<br />
Mineral Processing Engineering and Geological<br />
Engineering Departments <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> over a designated period <strong>of</strong> time.<br />
“There is a significant and growing<br />
demand for qualified pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in<br />
<strong>the</strong> mining industry. <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
prepares and graduates <strong>the</strong> young<br />
men and women necessary to help<br />
fill this important need. Therefore,<br />
we are very pleased to be able to give<br />
financial support to <strong>the</strong> extractive<br />
industry programs at <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>,”<br />
said Dan Rovig a Mining and Mineral<br />
Dressing graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
and a Director <strong>of</strong> Goldcorp Inc. Rovig<br />
currently serves as <strong>the</strong> Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Foundation’s Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors.<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
Foundation News<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
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Foundation News<br />
M N ews M AG A Z I N E <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
Update on <strong>the</strong> Natural Resources Building<br />
A key component <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>’s comprehensive<br />
campaign is <strong>the</strong> Natural Resources Building<br />
(NRB) capital project. This facility will be<br />
constructed on Granite Street, north <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HPER.<br />
The <strong>Montana</strong> Legislature appropriated $9 million<br />
towards <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>of</strong> this building during<br />
its 2005 session. The legislature is considering<br />
a supplemental appropriation <strong>of</strong> $3.2 million<br />
during <strong>the</strong> <strong>2007</strong> session.<br />
The <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Foundation has secured<br />
$1.75 million in corporate and private support for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Natural Resources Building. Major corporate<br />
Initial Appropriation<br />
donors to <strong>the</strong> building include Halliburton, ConocoPhillips<br />
(Burlington Resources), Noble Energy,<br />
Funds Raised to Date<br />
St. Mary Land & Exploration (Nance Petroleum),<br />
and Baker Hughes.<br />
NRB Funding in<br />
Millions<br />
Initial Appropriation<br />
Supplemental Appropriation<br />
Funds Raised to Date<br />
Estimated Council <strong>of</strong> 600 Contribution<br />
Supplemental Appropriation<br />
Estimated Council <strong>of</strong> 600 Contribution<br />
To fund <strong>the</strong><br />
remaining por-<br />
5<br />
tion <strong>of</strong> this building,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> Foundation<br />
is eliciting <strong>the</strong><br />
0<br />
help <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>’s Petroleum<br />
alumni through<br />
5<strong>the</strong><br />
COUNCIL<br />
<strong>of</strong> 600. A $1,000 donation, to be paid over <strong>the</strong><br />
next two years, will secure you as a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
COUNCIL <strong>of</strong> 600. A permanent monument to <strong>the</strong><br />
0corporate<br />
donors mentioned above and <strong>the</strong> COUN-<br />
CIL members will be placed in <strong>the</strong> new NRB.<br />
15<br />
10<br />
Did you know?<br />
With <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Natural Resources<br />
Building and relocation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Petroleum Engineering<br />
Department, current plans call for relocating <strong>the</strong><br />
Nursing Department from <strong>the</strong> south campus to <strong>the</strong><br />
current petroleum building.<br />
15<br />
10<br />
Areas and cities visited:<br />
Anchorage<br />
Glendive and Billings, <strong>Montana</strong><br />
Missoula and Helena, <strong>Montana</strong><br />
Williston, North Dakota<br />
Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona<br />
Rock Springs Cheyenne, Casper,<br />
Gillette, Sheridan, and Cody,<br />
Wyoming<br />
Spokane and Kennewick,<br />
Washington<br />
The Bay Area <strong>of</strong> California<br />
Bakersfield, California<br />
Boise, Idaho<br />
Denver, Durango and Grand<br />
Junction, Colorado<br />
Farmington, New Mexico<br />
Houston, Texas<br />
Calgary, Alberta<br />
We will be coming soon to<br />
<strong>the</strong> following:<br />
Seattle, Washington<br />
Portland, Oregon<br />
Salt Lake City, Utah<br />
Idaho Falls, Idaho<br />
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas<br />
Tulsa and Oklahoma City,<br />
Oklahoma<br />
The remaining <strong>Montana</strong><br />
communities<br />
These trips have proven to<br />
be a wonderful way to connect<br />
with alumni. Attendees<br />
have enjoyed networking<br />
with cohorts, making new<br />
friends, and hearing about<br />
what has been happening on<br />
campus, and within <strong>the</strong> Butte<br />
community.<br />
“Noble Energy is proud<br />
to support <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
in its campaign. <strong>Tech</strong> has<br />
been a great resource for our<br />
company and <strong>the</strong> oil and<br />
gas industry, and we are<br />
excited about <strong>the</strong> future for<br />
<strong>the</strong> university,” said Bob<br />
Burleson, Noble Energy’s<br />
Senior Vice President <strong>of</strong><br />
Administration.<br />
“Halliburton is proud to<br />
support <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
in this project,” said<br />
Jim Brown, senior vice<br />
president, Western<br />
Hemisphere, Halliburton<br />
Energy Services Group.<br />
“We believe that this collaboration<br />
is a winning strategy<br />
for both <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> and<br />
Halliburton.”<br />
“As an alumnus <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>, I am pleased to be able<br />
to give something back to an<br />
institution that played such<br />
an important role in my<br />
career. Additionally, I am<br />
proud to work for a company<br />
(St. Mary Land and Nance<br />
Petroleum) that supports<br />
its employees’ efforts to<br />
give back to <strong>the</strong>ir communities,”<br />
commented Jerry<br />
Schuyler (Class <strong>of</strong> 1977),<br />
Senior Vice President and<br />
General Manager <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Houston Region.<br />
If you’ve recently attended one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se events,<br />
thank you! If we haven’t been to your area yet, look<br />
for our letter inviting you. We encourage you to<br />
attend, and ask you to encourage your friends and<br />
co-workers who are <strong>Tech</strong> alumni to join us.<br />
As we travel this winter and spring, we are practically<br />
applying <strong>the</strong> team concept to advancement and<br />
development. We are listening, learning and reaching<br />
out. As alumni and supporters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>,<br />
you are a part <strong>of</strong> our team and <strong>the</strong>re are many ways<br />
you can help. We encourage your input on making<br />
<strong>the</strong>se events better, your help in organizing events,<br />
suggestions on high schools or community colleges<br />
where we may want to recruit, and companies in<br />
your area that may want to recruit <strong>Tech</strong> graduates or<br />
place interns.
Wedding and announcements<br />
1962<br />
Joseph Keane has been appointed<br />
director <strong>of</strong> Norsemont Mining Inc.<br />
His appointment will take effect<br />
immediately where he will oversee<br />
and take responsibility for <strong>the</strong><br />
metallurgical and engineering aspects<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> company’s flagship Constancia<br />
Copper-Molybdenum-Silver deposit<br />
development in Peru. Joseph received<br />
his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical<br />
engineering in 1962 and his master’s<br />
degree in mineral dressing in 1966.<br />
1970<br />
John Suydam was recently promoted to<br />
Chief Geophysicist at Vecta Oil & Gas,<br />
an exploration company specializing in<br />
using shear wave technology to identify<br />
trapping stratigraphy, as well as some<br />
structures that cannot be seen on a<br />
conventional compressional wave data.<br />
John received his bachelor’s degree in<br />
geophysical engineering in 1970 and his<br />
master’s in 1972. He currently lives in<br />
Tomball, TX.<br />
1974<br />
Eric H Olsen was appointed to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lions Petroleum, Inc. Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors. Eric received his bachelor’s<br />
degree in petroleum engineering and is<br />
currently working for Jake Oil, L.L.C. in<br />
Billings, MT.<br />
1980<br />
Angel Alvarez joined MPCS (Peru<br />
Copper Inc.) in 2005 as Exploration<br />
Manager for <strong>the</strong> Toromocho Project.<br />
Angel was previously <strong>the</strong> General<br />
Manager and <strong>the</strong>n Manager <strong>of</strong><br />
Operations <strong>of</strong> Centromin, Minera Peru<br />
and Cerro de Pasco Mining in Peru.<br />
Angel received his master’s degree in<br />
geological engineering from <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>. He has published several papers<br />
regarding geology in Peru and has<br />
provided consulting services to several<br />
mining companies in Peru.<br />
1981<br />
William (Bill) Wea<strong>the</strong>rly and his wife<br />
Laura celebrated <strong>the</strong>ir 50 th wedding<br />
anniversary on April 11, 2006. Bill and<br />
Laura were students at <strong>the</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> when <strong>the</strong>y met and wed<br />
in 1956. Bill received his bachelor <strong>of</strong><br />
science degree in mining engineering<br />
from <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> in 1981. They<br />
couple have lived in Butte for 40 years.<br />
1984<br />
Connie Ternes Daniels has been<br />
appointed to serve as <strong>the</strong> director<br />
<strong>of</strong> Senator Tester’s Butte field <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Connie previously worked for<br />
Headwaters RC and D in Butte as an<br />
economic development planner. She<br />
received her bachelor’s degree in<br />
society and technology.<br />
1985<br />
William Carl (Bill) Howald has<br />
been appointed Director with Soho<br />
Resources Corp. He has twenty years<br />
<strong>of</strong> experience in <strong>the</strong> international gold<br />
exploration and mining industry.<br />
He has worked for senior producers<br />
Newmont Mining, Phelps Dodge<br />
Mining, and most recently Placer<br />
Dome (Barrick Gold Corporation).<br />
He is a shareholder and director <strong>of</strong><br />
two privately held precious-metals<br />
companies in South America and<br />
Nevada and owns a consulting business<br />
based out <strong>of</strong> Reno, NV. He received his<br />
bachelor <strong>of</strong> science degree in geological<br />
engineering.<br />
Keith Knapstad has been appointed to<br />
<strong>the</strong> newly created position <strong>of</strong> Executive<br />
Vice President/Chief Operating Officer<br />
at Storm Cat Energy Corporation.<br />
Keith’s responsibilities include <strong>the</strong><br />
oversight <strong>of</strong> Storm Cat’s United States<br />
and Canadian operations, including<br />
all aspects <strong>of</strong> development, drilling<br />
completions and workovers. Prior<br />
to joining Storm Cat Keith served as<br />
Manager <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Powder River Basin<br />
Assets for J.M. Huber Corporation.<br />
Keith received his bachelor’s degree in<br />
petroleum engineering.<br />
1986<br />
Jerry and Dee Dee Ogrin <strong>of</strong> Grapevine,<br />
TX announce <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Jacob<br />
Michael Ogrin (6 lbs., 13 oz, 20 in.)<br />
on January 4, <strong>2007</strong>. Jerry received<br />
his bachelor’s degree in petroleum<br />
engineering and is currently working<br />
for Inka Oil and Gas. Dee Dee received<br />
her bachelor’s degree in society and<br />
technology/public policy in 1997 and is<br />
working for Washington Mutual. The<br />
family is living in Grapevine, TX<br />
1989<br />
Stuart L Green has been named<br />
<strong>the</strong> new General Manager and Vice<br />
President <strong>of</strong> Operations for Canyon<br />
Resources Corporation, a Colorado<br />
Base mining company. Stuart will<br />
be based in California at <strong>the</strong> Briggs<br />
Mines where his duties will include<br />
finalizing <strong>the</strong> re-start feasibility study<br />
and implementation phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Briggs Mine while simultaneously<br />
filling <strong>the</strong> roles <strong>of</strong> Project Manager at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Reward Property. Stuart has over<br />
30 years experience in open pit and<br />
underground mining. He received<br />
his bachelor’s degree in mining<br />
engineering.<br />
1991<br />
Chris and Angela Crossman announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Noah Christopher<br />
Crossman (5 lbs, 7 oz., 18 ½ in.) born in<br />
Salt Lake City, UT. Chris received his<br />
bachelor’s degree in occupational health<br />
and safety and currently works for<br />
Chevron in Salt Lake City.<br />
1993<br />
Alan Gilda has been hired as field<br />
engineer for Shoshone Silver Mining<br />
in Wallace, ID. Alan will manage <strong>the</strong><br />
final phase <strong>of</strong> rehabilitating Shoshone’s<br />
Lakeview mill and develop engineering<br />
projects for Shoshone Silver Mining’s<br />
North Idaho properties. Alan received<br />
his bachelor’s degree in mining<br />
engineering.<br />
1994<br />
Kelly Smith has been named general<br />
manager <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Butte Hampton Inn.<br />
She is <strong>the</strong> former director <strong>of</strong> sales and<br />
marketing at <strong>the</strong> Best Western Butte<br />
Plaza Inn. Kelly received her bachelor<br />
<strong>of</strong> science degree in society and<br />
technology/ pr<strong>of</strong>essional and technical<br />
communications. She is on Butte’s<br />
Convention and Visitor Bureau board<br />
and is past member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
Innkeepers’ Sales and Marketing<br />
Council.<br />
Dean and Mary Ellen Lutey recently<br />
moved to Calgary, Alberta with <strong>the</strong>ir 3<br />
children (Jacob, Hannah and Alyssa).<br />
Both Dean and Mary Ellen are currently<br />
working for ConocoPhillips after<br />
Burlington Resources was acquired this<br />
spring. They both love being back in<br />
<strong>the</strong> mountains and close to <strong>Montana</strong>.<br />
Mary Ellen received her bachelor’s<br />
degree in petroleum engineering.<br />
Serge Pelletier is now based in<br />
Johannesburg South Africa as a<br />
Commercial Manager-Diamonds. Serge<br />
received his bachelor’s degree in mining<br />
engineering.<br />
1995<br />
Timothy and Lydia Thurmond<br />
announce <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Joshua<br />
Mwesigwa (3 lbs, 7 oz., 17 ¼ in.),<br />
born on December 27, 2006 in Butte,<br />
MT. Joshua joins his siblings Sherina<br />
and Declan. Timothy received his<br />
bachelor’s degree in engineering<br />
science/systems control. The<br />
Thurmond family currently lives in<br />
Cheltenham, U.K.<br />
Class Notes<br />
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M N ews M AG A Z I N E Class Notes<br />
1996<br />
Joe and Beth “Elizabeth” Stimatz<br />
announce <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Patrick James<br />
Stimatz (9 lbs., 11 oz., 21 in.) born<br />
November 21, 2006. Patrick joins his<br />
sister Maggie in <strong>the</strong> Stimatz household.<br />
Beth received her bachelor’s degree in<br />
occupational health and safety and is<br />
currently employed with Northwestern<br />
Energy in Butte, MT.<br />
Scott and Shannon Sampson announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Samuel Scott Thomas<br />
Sampson (8 lbs., 8 oz. 21 ¾ in.) born<br />
November 25, 2006. Samuel joins his<br />
siblings Jacob, Bennett and Elizabeth<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Sampson home. Scott received<br />
his bachelor’s degree in engineering<br />
science, is on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
Foundation Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, current<br />
president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni<br />
Association and assistant coach for<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Oredigger football<br />
team. He currently works at MSE, Inc.<br />
in Butte, MT. Shannon received her<br />
bachelor degree in computer science/<br />
technology and business and computer<br />
science/business information systems.<br />
She currently works for <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong><br />
as an administrative assistant in <strong>the</strong><br />
nursing department.<br />
1997<br />
Judy Hursh and Gary Staudinger were<br />
married on July 15, 2006. Judy, a certified<br />
public account, received her bachelor<br />
<strong>of</strong><br />
science<br />
degree<br />
in business<br />
and<br />
informationtechnology<br />
and is<br />
currently a business analyst for Northwestern<br />
Energy in Butte, MT. The<br />
couple honeymooned in New York and<br />
reside in Butte.<br />
Todd Emslander joined Glacial Lakes<br />
Energey LLC as <strong>the</strong> Project Manager in<br />
<strong>March</strong> 2006. He has held engineering<br />
positions in oil field services, cement<br />
manufacturing, semi conductor<br />
manufacturing and most recently as<br />
an Area Manager with <strong>the</strong> US Water<br />
Services. He received his bachelor’s<br />
degree in environmental engineering.<br />
1998<br />
Jamie Mongoven has joined Robert<br />
Peccia and Associates as a project<br />
manager in streets and highways.<br />
Jamie was previously employed at <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Transportation.<br />
Jamie received his bachelor’s degree in<br />
mining engineering.<br />
1999<br />
Brian Kukay recently was honored<br />
as an outstanding graduate student<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Utah State <strong>University</strong> civil<br />
engineering department. Brian received<br />
his bachelor’s <strong>of</strong> science degree in<br />
environmental engineering and his<br />
master’s degree in general engineering/<br />
civil option; both from <strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>. He is currently working on his<br />
doctorate from Utah State <strong>University</strong>.<br />
Roberta Forsell Stauffer has been<br />
named The <strong>Montana</strong> Standard’s new<br />
opinion/online editor. Roberta will<br />
now oversee <strong>the</strong> editorial page. She will<br />
write most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standard’s opinions<br />
and coordinate letters to <strong>the</strong> editor<br />
and guest editorials, Roberta received<br />
her master’s degree in technical<br />
communications.<br />
Ryan and Danielle Brazill announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Tyler Daniel Brazill (9 lbs.,<br />
1 oz., 22 in.) born December 20, 2006<br />
in Raleigh, NC. Tyler joins his sibling<br />
Rylee Evon. Danielle received her<br />
associate’s degree in <strong>of</strong>fice technology.<br />
The family lives in Youngsville, NC<br />
2000<br />
Mark and Amber Jensen announce <strong>the</strong><br />
arrival <strong>of</strong> Annika Katrine Jensen (7 lbs.,<br />
5 oz., 20 in.) on November 22, 2006.<br />
Annika joins<br />
her bro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Bode in <strong>the</strong><br />
Jensen family.<br />
Mark received<br />
his bachelor’s<br />
degree in<br />
petroleum<br />
engineering<br />
and is<br />
currently<br />
working for 360 Networks in Butte, MT<br />
Victoria Wagner and Jasen Lankford<br />
announce <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Joshua Keith<br />
Lankford (8 lbs., ½ oz., 19 ½ in.) on<br />
November 2, 2006. Joshua joins his<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r Andrew Wagner in <strong>the</strong> family.<br />
Jasen received his associate’s degree<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> College <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>nology in automotive technology.<br />
Brandt and Adrienne Sweet announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Ethan Brandy Sweet (8<br />
lbs., 2 ½ oz., 20 ½ in.) on October 24,<br />
2006. Ethan joins his sister Aryah.<br />
Brandt received his certificate in trades<br />
and technical/welding from <strong>the</strong> College<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>nology.<br />
2001<br />
Kurt Wilkinson is currently a Senior<br />
Safety Specialist assigned to oversee<br />
construction safety and <strong>the</strong> safety<br />
certification process for a $557 million<br />
light rail project for Tri County<br />
Metropolitan Transportation District<br />
in Portland, OR. The South Corridor<br />
begins civil construction in January<br />
<strong>2007</strong>. Al Hockaday (2003 graduate in<br />
occupational health and safety) has<br />
been hired to be <strong>the</strong> Project Safety<br />
Manager for <strong>the</strong> Downtown Mall<br />
Segment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project. Kurt received<br />
his bachelor’s degree in occupational<br />
health and safety.<br />
Joshua Shutey and Marie Kagie were<br />
married on May 27, 2006 in Butte, MT.<br />
Josh received his bachelor’s degree<br />
in mining engineering and is a senior<br />
engineer at Phelps Dodge in Tucson,<br />
AZ.<br />
2002<br />
Shawn and Christina (Sonleitner)<br />
Isakson have relocated from Houston,<br />
TX and have taken positions in<br />
Anchorage with BP Explorations<br />
Alaska. Christina has been assigned<br />
as a Reservoir Engineer for <strong>the</strong> Greater<br />
Kuparuk Area, and Shawn has been<br />
assigned as a Project leader for work in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Prudhoe Bay field. Shawn received<br />
his bachelor’s degree in general<br />
engineer/mechanical option in 2002<br />
and Christina received her bachelor’s<br />
degree in geological engineering in<br />
2003.<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Vogel married Annbelle<br />
Novoa at Santa Rose de Lima Church in<br />
Caracas, Venezuela. Mat<strong>the</strong>w received<br />
his bachelor’s <strong>of</strong> science degree from<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> in petroleum engineering<br />
and a degree in math from Carroll<br />
College. The bride graduated from<br />
Simon Bolivar <strong>University</strong> in mechanical<br />
engineering. They are both sales<br />
and design engineers for <strong>the</strong> Rocky<br />
Mountain division <strong>of</strong> Schlumberger in<br />
Denver. After a honeymoon in Tahiti<br />
<strong>the</strong> couple will live in Highlands Ranch,<br />
CO.<br />
Brian and Janice Nelson announce <strong>the</strong><br />
arrival <strong>of</strong> Bryce Scott Nelson (7 lbs., 5<br />
oz., 20 ½ in.) on January 7, <strong>2007</strong>. Bryce<br />
joins his siblings Hunter and Jaylie.<br />
Brian received his bachelor’s degree<br />
in occupational safety and health and<br />
is currently working for <strong>the</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong><br />
Reclamation. The family is living in<br />
Anaconda, MT.<br />
Marty Salusso and Beth Sonsteng<br />
were married on August 26, 2006 in<br />
an outdoor ceremony on <strong>the</strong> Big Hole
River. Mark completed his bachelor <strong>of</strong><br />
science degree in mining engineering<br />
in December<br />
2001 and is<br />
employed by<br />
Centennial<br />
Concrete in<br />
Butte. Beth<br />
graduated<br />
from<br />
<strong>Montana</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong> in 2003<br />
with a degree<br />
in applied<br />
health. She<br />
went on to<br />
receive her<br />
doctorate in physical <strong>the</strong>rapy from <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> in 2006 and<br />
is employed at Silver Bow Therapy<br />
Services in Butte.<br />
2003<br />
Mariya and Josh Peck announce <strong>the</strong><br />
arrival <strong>of</strong><br />
Michael<br />
Patrick<br />
Maguire<br />
(7 lbs.,<br />
2 ½ oz).<br />
Josh received<br />
his<br />
bachelor’s<br />
degree<br />
in liberal<br />
studies.<br />
Mariya received<br />
her<br />
bachelor’s degree in pr<strong>of</strong>essional and<br />
technical communications. The family<br />
is living in Butte, MT.<br />
Jennifer and Craig Mulske announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Allie Michelle Mulske<br />
(7 lbs., 6 oz., 20 in.). Allie joins her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r Alexander in <strong>the</strong> family.<br />
Jennifer received her associate’s degree<br />
in automotive technology from <strong>the</strong><br />
College <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>nology.<br />
Jack Sucilsky has been working as<br />
project engineer on <strong>the</strong> San Xavier<br />
Rehabilitation Project in Arizona for<br />
Barnard Construction since <strong>March</strong><br />
2006. This major irrigation project<br />
includes <strong>the</strong> installation <strong>of</strong> four miles<br />
<strong>of</strong> irrigation pipeline that will provide<br />
critical water and fertilizer for <strong>the</strong><br />
surrounding area during <strong>the</strong> 11 month<br />
drought season and diverts water<br />
during <strong>the</strong> monsoon season. Jack<br />
received his bachelor <strong>of</strong> science degree<br />
in general engineering.<br />
2004<br />
Matt Stepan and his wife Sarah announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> birth<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
son Will<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w-<br />
Michael<br />
Stepan (8<br />
lbs., 3 oz.,<br />
20 in.)<br />
on November<br />
3, 2006.<br />
Matt received<br />
is bachelor’s degree in business<br />
information systems and technology<br />
and is currently working for Kiewit Pacific<br />
Company as a business manager.<br />
The Stepan family is living in Manteca,<br />
CA.<br />
Dan Fitzpatrick and Terra Bartholomew<br />
were married on August 19,<br />
2006. The ceremony was performed at<br />
St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Butte,<br />
MT. Dan received his bachelor <strong>of</strong> science<br />
degree in occupational health and<br />
safety. He currently is an industrial<br />
hygienist at <strong>the</strong> Idaho National Laboratory.<br />
The Fitzpatrick’s are living in<br />
Idaho Falls, ID.<br />
Kelly Lee and Krystin Mengon<br />
announce <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Tocher<br />
Tillman Lee (8 lbs., 8 oz., 20 in.) born<br />
on December 4, 2006. Kelly received<br />
his associate’s degree in accounting<br />
technology from <strong>the</strong> College <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Tech</strong>nology.<br />
Tommie and Josh Perusich announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Joshua Michael Perusich<br />
Jr. (7 lbs 10 ½ oz. 20 in.) on December 9,<br />
2006. Josh joins his siblings Lynn and<br />
Lydia. Tommie received her associate’s<br />
degree in nursing.<br />
Kent Kahl and Carly Newell were<br />
married on June 3, 2006 in Wibaux, MT.<br />
Kent received his bachelor’s degree in<br />
general engineering/mechanical option<br />
and is employed at WBI as an engineer.<br />
Carly is a graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> State<br />
<strong>University</strong> and is employed at Glendive<br />
Medical Center as a registered nurse.<br />
The couple is living in Glendive, MT.<br />
Casey Campbell and Charles Siko were<br />
married July 22, 2006. Casey received<br />
a bachelor’s degree in mechanical<br />
engineering. She is currently employed<br />
at Micron <strong>Tech</strong>nologies. The couple<br />
resides in Boise, ID.<br />
Jennifer Gambill and David Kenner<br />
were married on September 9, 2006 in<br />
an outdoor ceremony in Cody, WY.<br />
Jennifer<br />
received<br />
her bachelor’s<br />
degree in<br />
metallurgy<br />
and<br />
is a leach<br />
metallurgist<br />
for Newmont<br />
Mining<br />
in Carlin, NV. David is an Instrumentation<br />
<strong>Tech</strong>nician for Newmont located in<br />
Carlin. The couple is living in Spring<br />
Creek, NV.<br />
Michael and Melissa Swanson <strong>of</strong> Butte<br />
announce <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Madisyn Kay<br />
Swanson (6 lbs., 13 oz., 19 ¾ in.) on<br />
January 7, <strong>2007</strong>. Melissa received her<br />
bachelor’s degree in occupational safety<br />
and health.<br />
2005<br />
Eric Lambrecht and Kayla<br />
H<strong>of</strong>fenbacker announce <strong>the</strong> arrival<br />
<strong>of</strong> Karsyn Marie Lambrecht (6 lbs., 3<br />
oz., 10 in.) on October 13, 2006. Eric<br />
received his bachelor’s degree in<br />
information technology and design.<br />
Kelly and Summer Ferriter announce<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> Gracie Nicole Ferriter (6<br />
lbs., 15 oz., 19 ¾ in.) born on December<br />
30, 2006 in Butte, MT. Gracie joins<br />
her siblings Kaleb, Kennedi and Rian<br />
Ferriter. Kelly received his associate<br />
degree in networking technology<br />
in 2005 and his bachelor’s degree in<br />
information technology and design in<br />
2006.<br />
2006<br />
Kristy Studney and Alfred Saile<br />
announce <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir son Austin<br />
MaCall Studney (8 lbs., 6 oz.) born on<br />
November 3, 2006. Austin joins his<br />
sister Tristan Studney. Kristy received<br />
her associate’s degree in nursing.<br />
In memoriam<br />
George T. Derana, 93, passed away on<br />
October 30, 2006 after a short illness.<br />
He was born in Butte January 26, 1913<br />
and received his bachelor’s <strong>of</strong> science<br />
degree in metallurgical engineering in<br />
1939. He started his career at U.S. Steel<br />
in Pittsburg, CA and during World<br />
War II he worked for <strong>the</strong> Maritime<br />
Commission as a Materials Inspector<br />
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Class Notes<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Liberty Ships. For over 28 years<br />
George was a Real Property Manager<br />
for Contra Costa County retiring in<br />
1978. George is survived by his wife <strong>of</strong><br />
62 years Eva Derana. He was residing<br />
in Benicia, CA at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> his death.<br />
Merwin Head passed away October<br />
28, 2006 in Paradise, CA at <strong>the</strong> age<br />
<strong>of</strong> 81. He was born in Williston, ND<br />
but moved to Malta, MT where he<br />
was raised. Merwin excelled both<br />
academically and athletically in high<br />
school. He enrolled at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
School <strong>of</strong> Mines before joining <strong>the</strong> Navy<br />
during World War II. He completed<br />
his education while serving in <strong>the</strong> Navy<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Washington.<br />
David D. Walker, 81, passed away<br />
Sunday, November 19, 2006 in Butte,<br />
MT. David was born in Cleveland, OH<br />
on October 12, 1925. He was raised<br />
in Elkhorn, MT and later moved to<br />
Anaconda, MT where he graduated<br />
from Anaconda High School in 1942.<br />
He served in <strong>the</strong> Navy during World<br />
War II as commander <strong>of</strong> LCT 774<br />
stationed at Palau in <strong>the</strong> South Pacific.<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> war he remained active<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Naval Reserves until 1968 when<br />
he was honorably discharged with <strong>the</strong><br />
rank <strong>of</strong> ensign. David worked many<br />
years in <strong>the</strong> Butte mining industry<br />
holding positions with <strong>the</strong> U. S. Bureau<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mines, ARCO, Alpha Engineering<br />
and finishing his career with Golden<br />
Sunlight Mines <strong>of</strong> Whitehall. He<br />
received two degrees from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong><br />
School <strong>of</strong> Mines. The first was his<br />
bachelor’s <strong>of</strong> science degree in mining<br />
engineering in 1951 and <strong>the</strong> second was<br />
a bachelor’s <strong>of</strong> science in geological<br />
engineering in 1959. The family<br />
requests memorials be made to ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>the</strong> American Legion Post No. 1 or <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Foundation in support<br />
<strong>of</strong> mining and geological engineering<br />
scholarships.<br />
Lucille Eva Hilpert, 81, passed away<br />
Saturday morning, November 25,<br />
2006 in Butte, MT. Lucille and her<br />
husband Conrad were both exceptional<br />
musician’s and played for more than 20<br />
years in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Pep Band.<br />
Lucille graduated from Pennsylvania<br />
State <strong>University</strong> with a degree in<br />
chemistry. Memorials are requested by<br />
<strong>the</strong> family to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> Pep Band,<br />
c/o Dr. Pete Knudsen at <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>.<br />
Daniel Emmett O’Brien, 73, died Friday,<br />
November 10, 2006 at <strong>the</strong> American<br />
Lake Veterans Administration Hospital<br />
in Tacoma, WA. Dan “Binty” was born<br />
and raised in Butte, MT and attended<br />
local schools graduating from Butte<br />
Central in 1951. He attended <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Mines and <strong>the</strong>n<br />
Seattle <strong>University</strong>. He served <strong>the</strong> Navy<br />
for three years and was honorably<br />
discharged in 1955.<br />
Rosella <strong>Montana</strong> Dougherty Dekuper,<br />
84, passed away on November 13, 2006.<br />
She was born and raised in Butte, MT<br />
where she attended <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> School<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mines. In 1945 she graduated from<br />
Pacific <strong>University</strong> in Forest Grove, OR<br />
where she was affectionately known as<br />
<strong>the</strong> “Beaut from Butte”. She earned her<br />
master’s in education from Portland<br />
State <strong>University</strong>.<br />
Gun<strong>the</strong>r Sonnleitner, 53 passed away<br />
peacefully after a determined struggle<br />
with A.L.S., at Harmony Care Centre,<br />
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, on Sunday,<br />
August 13, 2006. Gunter was born<br />
on May 27, 1953 in Graz, Austria. He<br />
received his petroleum engineering<br />
degree at <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> and enjoyed<br />
his career in his chosen field. He was<br />
an avid water skier and also enjoyed<br />
playing cribbage. Gun<strong>the</strong>r will be sadly<br />
missed but lovingly remembered and<br />
forever cherished in <strong>the</strong> hearts <strong>of</strong> his<br />
family and dear friends.<br />
Michael Semanchick, 89, died Saturday,<br />
December 16, 2006 in Pottsville, PA. He<br />
attended Minersville schools and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Mines. He was a<br />
graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dale Carnegie Institute.<br />
He was a miner; first working in <strong>the</strong><br />
local anthracite mines and <strong>the</strong>n in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> copper mines before World<br />
War II. During <strong>the</strong> war, he joined <strong>the</strong> U.<br />
S. Navy as a gunner’s mate serving as<br />
a Navy frogman in <strong>the</strong> Pacific Theater<br />
with <strong>the</strong> naval underwater demolition<br />
teams, a precursor to today’s Navy<br />
Seals. He was awarded <strong>the</strong> Bronze<br />
Star with Combat “V” for his efforts<br />
in invading enemy beachheads to<br />
pave <strong>the</strong> way for landing forces that<br />
captured a Japanese-held island in July<br />
1944. After <strong>the</strong> war he continued his<br />
affiliation with local mining companies<br />
in Pennsylvania.<br />
Nancy (Wilcox) Golberg, 64, died<br />
Tuesday, December 19, 2006 in<br />
Spokane, WA. She lived throughout<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> and parts <strong>of</strong> Washington <strong>the</strong><br />
majority <strong>of</strong> her life but her heart never<br />
left <strong>Montana</strong>. Nancy received her<br />
bachelor’s degree in computer science/<br />
business information technology in 1996<br />
from <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> and was employed<br />
in Seattle by Boeing and later in Butte in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Butte Silver-Bow County Land and<br />
Records Office.<br />
Ellen Kay Kelly, 55, died at her parent’s<br />
home Friday, December 22, 2006<br />
following a four year battle with cancer.<br />
She graduated with high honors in 1994<br />
from <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> with a bachelor’s<br />
degree in computer science/business<br />
information technology. At <strong>the</strong> time<br />
<strong>of</strong> her death Ellen was deputy clerk <strong>of</strong><br />
court in <strong>the</strong> Butte Silver Bow <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Ward T. Thompson Jr., 89, passed away<br />
on January 11, <strong>2007</strong>. His family moved<br />
to Butte in 1921 and his fa<strong>the</strong>r started<br />
Ward Thompson Paper Company.<br />
Ward Jr. graduated from Butte High<br />
school in 1934 and attended <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Montana</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Mines for a short<br />
time. In 1936 he started working for<br />
<strong>the</strong> paper company and became owner<br />
upon his fa<strong>the</strong>r’s death. The business<br />
was sold in 1994.<br />
Would you like to receive<br />
<strong>MNews</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Tech</strong><br />
mailings via your email?<br />
If so, please contact<br />
Peggy McCoy at<br />
pmccoy@mtech.edu.<br />
Publisher<br />
Mike Johnson<br />
Editor<br />
David Scott<br />
Graphic Designer<br />
Norma Herron, Print Services<br />
Contributing Writers<br />
Michael Barth<br />
David Scott<br />
Marisa Pedulla<br />
Photographers<br />
Bernie Connor<br />
Kevin Cullen<br />
Dean Markovics<br />
David Scott<br />
Marisa Pedulla<br />
Rainbow Photo<br />
Milan Pěgřimek<br />
Printer<br />
Advanced Litho <strong>of</strong> Great Falls, MT
Brick Campaign Engraving Information<br />
Engrave your name and year <strong>of</strong> graduation; in<br />
To help pay for <strong>the</strong> completion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
honor <strong>of</strong> or in memory <strong>of</strong> a loved one; your busi-<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni Center to be<br />
ness name; or whatever thought or sentiment you<br />
located on Granite Street, we are asking<br />
want on your brick. The brick will be placed around<br />
you <strong>the</strong> to new buy Alumni a brick! Center. The bricks will<br />
be used � in 3 lines <strong>the</strong> per walkways brick around <strong>the</strong><br />
alumni � center, 20 characters <strong>the</strong> granite per line memorials<br />
will be � placed Please on make <strong>the</strong> sure pillars, your engraving and <strong>the</strong><br />
marble will information be used is spelled on <strong>the</strong> correctly. floor inside<br />
to spell � TECH. If you are By purchasing buying more a brick than one your brick<br />
please make copies <strong>of</strong> this form.<br />
name will become a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> building<br />
� When your brick is placed, you will be<br />
for years to come.<br />
contacted to inform you <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> location.<br />
Engraving Information<br />
Engrave your name and year <strong>of</strong><br />
graduation; in honor <strong>of</strong> or in memory<br />
<strong>of</strong> a loved one; your business name;<br />
or whatever thought or sentiment you<br />
want on your brick. The brick will be<br />
placed Where around will <strong>the</strong> new bricks Alumni be placed? Center.<br />
• 3 The lines “Bricks” per will brick make up <strong>the</strong> walkway around <strong>the</strong><br />
Alumni Center “Granite Memorials” will be placed<br />
• 20 characters per line<br />
on <strong>the</strong> columns that support <strong>the</strong> covered entries <strong>of</strong><br />
• Please <strong>the</strong> building, make and <strong>the</strong> sure limited your number engraving<br />
<strong>of</strong> “Green Mar-<br />
information ble” tiles will spell is TECH spelled in <strong>the</strong> hall. correctly. Any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
• If purchases you are will purchasing permanently recognize more your than contribution<br />
to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Alumni Center.<br />
one brick, please make copies <strong>of</strong><br />
this form.<br />
• When your brick is placed, you<br />
will be contacted.<br />
Address<br />
Phone<br />
E-mail address<br />
Memorialize a Person or an Event<br />
Become a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> history by<br />
permanently recognizing a graduate, lovedone,<br />
or significant event by engraving a brick<br />
and having it placed at <strong>the</strong> Alumni Center.<br />
Streng<strong>the</strong>ning Foundations … Ensuring <strong>the</strong> Future.<br />
Yes! I want to buy a brick in support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Alumni Center project!<br />
Your assistance is appreciated in helping to construct this facility.<br />
� I wish to purchase a personalized 4” X 8” Brick for $125<br />
� I wish to purchase a 12” X 12” Black Granite Memorial for $250<br />
� I wish to purchase a 12” X 12” Green Marble Tile for $500<br />
Personalization <strong>of</strong> Brick<br />
We will make every effort to fulfill special requests, but cannot guarantee <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Orders that contain inappropriate language or statements will not filled.<br />
Request ________________________________________________________________<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Brick Purchaser Credit card number<br />
Master Card Visa Amer Exp<br />
Expiration Date<br />
Signature<br />
Date<br />
Please send completed order form to<br />
<strong>Montana</strong> <strong>Tech</strong> Foundation<br />
1300 West Park Street, Butte MT 59701-8932<br />
S p r i n g 2 0 07<br />
25
1300 West Park Street<br />
Butte, MT 59701-8997<br />
Non-Pr<strong>of</strong>it<br />
U.S. Postage<br />
PAID<br />
Permit #151<br />
Great Falls, MT