MNews March 2007 - Montana Tech of the University of Montana

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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

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S P R I N G 2 0 0 7
Features
2 COVER STORY
INFECTIOUS SCIENCE RESEARCH
PROJECTS CURRENTLY ON CAMPUS
Montana Tech Biology Professor/Researcher Dr. Marisa Pedulla
and her students go digging: phagedigging to increase access
to inquiry-based science education for Montana students.
BY MARISA PEDULLA
6 PEAKING INTERESTS
Kevin Cullen, a Montana Tech business student, attempted to
climb Shisha Pangma, a 26,289’ peak in Tibet.
BY DAVID SCOTT
10 JOE’S SHOW (HE’S GOT GAME)
Joe McClafferty has been named the new Athletic Director at
Montana Tech. There have been many changes already and
Joe’s vision continues to grow.
BY DAVID SCOTT
12 SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY
Montana Tech’s student government has taken on the project of
saving the ‘M.’ This landmark is in dire need of restoration
and students are beginning the work of raising the $100,000 it
will take to save it.
Departments
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
14 PHOTO SHARING
15 CHANCELLOR’S REMARKS
17 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GREETING
18 MONTANA TECH FOUNDATION NEWS
21 CLASS NOTES
Cover photo from Photo Researchers, Inc. used with permission
Credit: Coneyl Jay / Photo Researchers, Inc
Description: Bacteriophage virus, computer illustration. A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria. It
attaches itself to the surface of the bacterium (lower right) using its tail fibers (long threads). It then uses its
tail (tube) to inject its genetic material (coiled in its head, upper left) into the bacterium. The viral DNA then
hijacks the bacterium’s own cellular machinery, forcing it to produce more copies of the bacteriophage. These
then erupt from the bacterial cell, killing it and releasing the new bacteriophages.
Images and Text Copyright © 2007 Photo Researchers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
6PEAKING INTERESTS
2SCIENCE
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M N ews M AG A Z I N E
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Montana Tech Biology Professor/Researcher Dr. Marisa Pedulla
and her students go digging: phagedigging to increase access
to inquiry-based science education for Montana students
Dr. Pedulla joined Montana
Tech’s Biology Department
in the summer
of 2005, but it was a long and
windy road to Butte. Marisa was
a Pennsylvania-born kid, bored
in junior high in Massachusetts,
when her parents signed her up
for judo. The “not very athletic”
kid took to the sport, won her
first tournament, and never
looked back. Today, the 1996
Olympian and 2004 Olympic
judo coach gives talks about the
commonalities between athletic
and academic achievement.
“Both require the ability to focus,
the tenacity to work through
tough times, and a serious commitment
to excellence. I really
think it was lessons learned in
judo that helped me in school,
and vice-versa. I studied my
opponents like I studied for
courses: with a purpose.”
Pedulla is passionate that real
science is not about memorization,
but discovery. Teaching
science as merely a long list of
facts not only misses the point,
but turns away curious students,
providing potential shortfalls of
future scientists, engineers, and
mathematicians. There is widespread
concern among educators
and policy makers that school
systems are under increasing
pressures with decreasing resources
and often lack the necessary
time and money to provide
inquiry-based science.
Today Pedulla focuses on
another purpose: bringing scientific
research opportunities to
students. She argues that one
of the special components of a
Montana Tech education is the
wide variety of opportunities
for students to become involved
in meaningful undergraduate
research projects. Pedulla and
undergraduates in her lab go one
step further and share that opportunity
with younger students
across Montana.
Undergraduate researchers in
Dr. Pedulla’s laboratory serve
as mentors in Montana Tech’s
Phagedigging Program, helping
her to pack up the lab and
to take it on the road to provide
real science research experiences
to pre-college students.
“A hands-on science experience
can be life altering for both
undergraduate and younger stu-
Dr. Pedulla, right, works in the lab with a
local biology teacher

dents,” said Dr. Pedulla. In recognition
of their contributions,
students who discover a new
virus get to name it. The excitement
of discovering something
new and meaningful to the
scientific community gives
students a tremendous sense of
pride and ownership. Providing
outreach visits during the
academic year and camps during
the summer is an integral
part of Dr. Pedulla’s teaching
and research programs. “I see
research and education as intertwined
and am convinced that
true educational experiences
in science must be centered on
meaningful research.”
A Visit to Dr. Pedulla’s Lab
Each participating student
brings in a soil or water sample
and screens it for the presence
of a bacteriophage, (a virus that
can infect bacteria, but is harmless
to human cells). Students
are taught that the viruses they
discover might hold the keys to
new treatments and diagnostic
tools for human disease.
Dr. Pedulla’s passion for this
project seems to be infectious
among students in her laboratory.
Since their first outreach
visit at Helena High School, in
October 2005, six Montana Tech
undergraduates, Kirk Caddell,
Christine Hash, Andrew
Ramstead, Matt Nottingham,
Sean Last, and Eddie Amberg
have helped more than 1,000
Montana Middle and High
School students to search for
previously undiscovered viruses
in soil and water samples.
The impact of the Phagedigging
Program on students will
be measured over time, but
early indications show growing
excitement for discovery.
Six pre-college students were
so enthralled by their discoveries
that they have returned to
Montana Tech to pursue independent
projects in Dr. Pedulla’s
laboratory. An article describing
the rewards of bacteriophage
research by pre-college students
was featured in the Education
Forum of Science Magazine
(Dec. 22, 2006), one of the top
scientific journals in the world.
This article was written by Dr.
Pedulla and her colleagues at
the University of Pittsburgh.
In addition to the Phagedigging
program, Montana Tech’s
Technical Outreach Office has
several programs bringing Science
to students in Montana.
Dr. Pedulla is partnering with
these dedicated educators during
the summer CWFEP Teacher
Education Programs. Dr. Padulla
will give the Expanding
Your Horizons keynote address,
“Believe in Your Dreams, The
First Element of Success” on
The snow was falling thick on a November Monday when Dr. Pedulla and her students visited Lloyd
Magnuson’s 8th grade science classes at East Middle School. Over 100 students were told about the unknown
viruses that are all around us, and their chance to find one the next day during a visit to Montana
Tech.
The normally upbeat Dr. Pedulla was not optimistic. All of the previous 14 phages isolated in the outreach
visits had been from the Helena area, with none isolated from Butte. “I thought between the weather and our
previous failures, we would be unlikely to find new phages that day.” Dr. Pedulla was wrong in a big way.
The next day, in spite of icy roads and a broken down school bus, 75 of these Butte students brought dirt
and water samples to Montana Tech with the hopes of discovering a new phage. In spite of past history and
the snow storm, there were 12 viruses discovered by the East Middle School students, and now lab members
were busy characterizing these newly discovered phages.
“These viruses were unidentified, and without the students’ efforts, they likely would have remained that
way. Characterizing the phages will provide research projects for years to come. Our long-term goal is learning
the DNA sequence of the viruses’ genomes and comparing this group of bacteriophages to everything
else in the world,” Dr. Pedulla said. This comparison could yield clues as to how new viruses (including the
ones that make people sick) are created, as well as provide tools to researchers who combat diseases caused
by bacteria. “Phages kill bacteria for a living,” says Dr. Pedulla. “What better source of tools could you imagine
to fight bacteria-caused diseases?” 3
S p r i n g 2 0 07

Freeform low cost fabrication using Titanium
Principal Researcher: Corby Anderson
This program extends current 3D fabrication technology to the manufacture of precision titanium
parts. The technology uses modified ink jet technology followed by a high temperature sintering.
Collaborators include Ex One, US Army Research Laboratory, and Montana Tech.
Titanium Extraction, Mining and Process Engineering Research (TEMPER)
Principal Researcher: Corby Anderson
The program develops processes for low cost titanium metal production that will directly benefit
military applications of the US Army and expanded commercial applications. The collaborative
program includes the US Army ARDEC, MIT, UTRS and Montana Tech.
Intelligent Control for Reliable Electric Energy
Principal Researcher: Dan Trudnowski
The program develops equipment and strategies to improve the efficiency, stability and reliability of
electric-power grid of the US with particular emphasis on the Western Grid. Collaborators include
PNNL, NETL, U of Wyoming, Montana State University, and Montana Tech.
Bioprospecting in the Pit - Bioactive Natural Products from an Unnatural World
Principal Researchers: Andrea Stierle Don Stierle
The Stierles are bioprospecting for anti-cancer agents and antibiotics produced by the microbes they
have isolated from waters and sediment of the Berkeley Pit. Their research, funded by the NIH and the
USGS, has already yielded two compounds with nanomolar activity against ovarian cancer and nonsmall
cell lung cancer, as well as a series of compounds active against leukemia. The Stierles are also
working with two scientists at Montana State University - Dr. Tim Ford, Department of Microbiology
to establish a genomic profile of the Pit and Dr. Allen Harmsen, Veterinarian Molecular Biology to
discover compounds active against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a leading cause of death in
immuno-compromised individuals.
INBRE-NIH
Principal Researcher: Rick Douglass
The program has several objectives. It investigates the physical and molecular pathways of emerging
infectious diseases, and the occurrence and propagation of Hantavirus in mice populations in western
Montana in both field and domestic environments.
Center for Advanced Separation Technology (CAST)
Principal Researcher: Peter Knudsen
This program develops more efficient and cost effective means of processing metallic and non-metallic ores.
Vehicular Identification using Smart Sensor Webs
Principal Researcher: Rick Donovan
The program develops sensor arrays and related signal process equipment for security applications in
4 public spaces and controlled spaces of regional airports.
M N ews M AG A Z I N E Research Projects Currently on Campus

March 31 st . Dr. Padulla was
also recently rewarded awarded
funding to provide Gear-
UP camps for 7-9 th graders in
a joint venture with Montana
Tech’s Technical Outreach office.
Dr. Pedulla is glad the
winding road has landed her
in Butte, and presented the
opportunity to impact the
education of not only students
enrolled in her biology courses,
but many more potential biologists
across Montana. “If there
is one less bored junior-high
kid, I have made a difference
in the world.”
Phages discovered through
outreach program
Phage Discovered by
Shabema Siobhan
Kirkpatrick &
Emma Hill
Thennis-
Wardell
Morgan Miller
Dumbledore Alayna Rasile
Sneaky Emmy Gilleran
Destiny David Tolberg
Froghopper Nikki Boyd
Macayla Macayla Robles
D.Lane Megan Lane
Macho Megan Lane
Fro-Fro Siobhan
Kirkpatrick &
Emma Hill
U Jake Aldrich
Corny Jake Aldrich
Guapo Megan Butler
Charlie Amy Erickson
Bezarayley Dezaray Hines
Bubbles Dezaray Hines
Beaver Dezaray Hines
SlrFlare Shannon Goodell
Snicklefrit Shannon Goodell
BBJoe Jackie Gierke
Nib Amy Novak
Bedussey Kady Nordstrom
Bhambug Breanna
McDougall
Jorm Randi Carpenter
Zebo Katie Bolstad
Maddie Maddie Burgher
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M N ews M AG A Z I N E
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The trail head started at Chinese Base
Camp at 15,500’ where they stayed for a
few days to start acclimating. The team’s
next step was Advanced Base Camp at
18,500’.
Peaking Interest
The night was still and
Kevin Cullen slept
peacefully in his tent.
That was until a deep rumble
off in the distance awakened
him. At first he was not sure
of what it is, but as he gathered
his senses he remembered
where he was. Kevin was at
advanced base camp (ABC)
located at 18,500’ on Mount
Shisha Pangma in southern
China. The rumble he had
heard was an avalanche, one of
many dangers Kevin had faced
in his assault on the mountain.
Kevin’s story starts all the
way back in Butte, Montana
where he was born and raised
and is currently attending
Montana Tech. Kevin is a
junior in the Business and
Information Technology
program at Montana Tech.
Kevin took a semester off
to pursue this dream of
summiting Mount Shisha
Pangma in Tibet, China. The
love for climbing started in
Kevin when he was a young
boy spending time in the
mountains around Butte.
When he wasn’t working or
in school he was trekking to a
mountain lake or climbing to
the peak of one of the many
mountains nestled around his
hometown.
Mac Dean, Kevin’s coworker
and friend first got
Kevin started in high altitude
climbing. Mac saw that Kevin
loved the mountains and had
the drive and the work ethic
to make it as a high-altitude
climber. Planning a trip to
Mexico, Mac asked Kevin to
come along, to try and climb
the 18,400’ Mexican volcano,
Pico de Orbizaba, the third
highest mountain in North
America. Kevin jumped at the
opportunity. It took months
of preparation and planning
but the feeling of being on top
of that mountain is something
Kevin will never forget.
“Summiting your first high
mountain is amazing. You
feel like you’re flying. It was
especially great on Orbizaba
because there are no other
mountains so you could see
for miles in all directions” said
Kevin.
After being successful in his
first attempt at high-altitude
climbing, Kevin caught the
bug and could not wait to test
himself on another peak. The
opportunity arose to climb
Shisha Pangma a year ago
when Mac Dean, along with
some of his friends, asked
Kevin if he would be interested
in attempting to climb another
high peak. Knowing that he
was probably not experienced
enough, but not wanting
to miss out, Kevin agreed.
Kevin knew it would be the
most mentally and physically
challenging climb of his life.
When he first landed in
Katmandu Nepal, Kevin was
awestruck by the cultural
differences. However he
did not have much time to
immerse himself in the rich
culture because he only had
three weeks and there was a
26,289’ peak to climb. After
hiring a Nepali camp cook and
rounding up the final pieces

of equipment they began their
drive to the Nepali/Chinese
border.
Thoughts raced through the
team’s heads ranging from,
fear to excitement during the
drive to the trailhead. Kevin
sat in the car thinking about
his journey; the pay-off for all
of the sacrifices by his family,
friends, and himself. All of
which was coming to fruition
just a few miles ahead.
The trailhead started at
Chinese Base Camp 15,500’
where they stayed for a few
days to begin the acclimation
process. The teams next step
was Advanced Base Camp
(ABC) at 18,500’. ABC was
higher in elevation than the
volcano in Mexico. It took
several days for Kevin to
acclimate and reach ABC.
Once he got there, there was no
time to relax because the trip to
Depot Camp, the next stop on
the climb, could not wait.
The trail to Depot Camp
was riddled with mudslides,
avalanches and falling rock.
Some parts of the trail were so
treacherous that Kevin’s team
would have to spot falling
rocks for one another as the
climber focused his eyes on
the ground to ensure that he
did not slip. After a long day
on the trail the team finally
reached Depot Camp. The trail
to Depot Camp would need to
be traveled at least five times
to get all of their gear further
up the mountain. Each trip
would take up to a day.
Once at Depot Camp, Kevin
began to feel sick. He knew
the nausea was caused by
the altitude, but the cough
and trouble breathing was
worrisome to the whole team.
Mountain climbing is already
a dangerous sport made more
so when a climber is impaired.
Kevin knew his sickness might
eliminate him from trying to
summit the mountain.
Kevin’s first night at Depot
Camp, 19,500’, saw a major
downturn in his health. He
knew that he had pushed
his body to the limit and he
was beginning to think he
would not make the summit.
The team felt that he needed
to return to ABC and seek
out a doctor from another
expedition.
To make matters worse,
Kevin’s team members began
the next part of their trip to
Camp One, located at 21,500’.
It would take two days of
hiking to get the gear moved
up to Camp One. Kevin was
too sick to participate and
was forced to try and rest
and recover at ABC camp.
During his recovery process,
the news came in from the
weather station that there was
a massive post-monsoon storm
moving in which threatened to
drop over six feet of snow on
the mountain.
The next morning, the team
awoke to the snow the weather
station had promised. There
was only two feet at ABC but
there was much more on the
upper reaches of the mountain.
After the storm, Kevin’s team
realized that summiting the
mountain was not a realistic
goal and to preserve their
health and equipment it would
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M N ews M AG A Z I N E
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be best to head down the mountain
and try again later.
As the team moved down the
mountain and began their trip back
to the States, Kevin had conflicting
emotions. He was trying to grasp
the feelings that he had tried to
summit this mountain and failed,
and he could not shake the feeling
that something was missing as he
rode back down the bumpy road
to civilization. As they boarded
the plane for home, Kevin knew
he would someday return to the
Himalayan region, its mountains,
and its people, to try again.
Kevin’s immediate goal is to
finish his degree at Montana
Tech in Business and Information
Technology. This summer he has
plans to climb Mount Rainer in
Washington and Denali in Alaska.
Once he completes these peaks, he
is eyeing his second attempt at an
8000m peak.
Upon the completion of his
degree, Kevin wants to follow his
entrepreneurial spirit and open
his own business. With a heart
and drive that are seen in very few
individuals, there is no doubt that
he will be successful in achieving
this dream.
World Elevations
Everest ..........................29,035’
Shisha Pangma ............26,289’
Granite Peak .................12,799’
(Highest Peak in Montana)
Butte ...............................5,545’
Los Angeles ....................... 330’

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M N ews M AG A Z I N E
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Everyone has a passion in life. For some,
that passion revolves around money, their
children, religion or their careers. Joe
McClafferty, Montana Tech’s new Athletic
Director is passionate about Montana Tech
and Digger Athletics.
Joe McClafferty, a 1986
graduate of Montana
Tech, credits basketball
for his opportunity
to receive a college
education. Without a then
unknown coach named Kelvin
Sampson giving Joe a chance to
play basketball, McClafferty may
not have had the chance to go to
college.
Joe was hired in August and
has been working on realizing
his vision for Montana Tech’s
athletics ever since. This vision
revolves around making Tech
athletic games more than just
games: they would be events.
Joe’s first order of business was
adding activities to the breaks in
both the football and volleyball
games. These activities give fans
the chance to get involved in
the games in a more meaningful
way. But Joe has more up his
sleeve.
Joe’s ultimate vision is to
make Montana Tech athletics
as successful as Montana Tech
academics. To accomplish this
means fulfilling his First Choice
vision for Montana Tech. First
Choice means that students,
athletes, parents, and supporters
all choose Montana Tech above
other universities in the state
when they select a college. In
order to be the first choice, there
are some changes planned for
the athletic department and their
facilities.
Part of having a first-rate
athletic program means having
JOE’S SHOW

first-rate facilities. There will be
some immediate changes this
summer: the HPER is going to get
a facelift. A new floor is going in,
and there are hopes to install new
bleachers at the same time. The
HPER will also be getting a new coat
of paint and some new electrical
work. With the new bleachers, there
will be 300 reserved seats available
on a five-year contract at $300 a
year. Joe envisions a facility that
players are proud to play in and
boosters are proud to support.
The football stadium is also due
for a facelift in the future. Some
of the plans include expanding the
press box, creating reserved seating,
and constructing a second entrance.
These new facilities can become a
great asset to the community. The
facilities will become a place where
the community will be proud to host
other events including conferences,
tournaments and concerts
When looking at athletics, Joe sees
more than just fundraising, facilities
and winning. He wants to keep the
student athletes in the forefront.
The true quality of collegiate
athletics is not in the physical
accomplishments, but in the
experience that the college athletes
have while in college. Beyond that,
it is also the experience that athletics
can provide for fans and other
students who attend the games.
Join Joe is pursuing his vision for
Tech athletics. Become a donor or
come to a game and see how bright
the future is for Montana Tech’s
athletic programs.
He’s got
game
Men’s Basketball Schedule
December
1 Dickinson State Butte, MT W 95-90
2 Minot State Butte, MT L 75-79
13 University of Montana Missoula, MT L 63-92
29 University of Saskatchewan Butte, MT W 67-64
January
6 UM-Western Butte, MT W 95-90
12 Carroll College Butte, MT L 68-78
13 Rocky Mountain College Butte, MT W 69-68
18 Westminster College Salt Lake City, UT L 48-78
20 Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID L 51-75
26 MSU-Northern Butte, MT W 68-64
27 University of Great Falls Butte, MT W 81-70
February
1 UM-Western Dillon, MT W 85-79
8 Rocky Mountain College Billings, MT L 58-69
10 Carroll College Helena, MT L 63-79
16 Lewis-Clark State College Butte, MT L 66-83
17 Westminster College Butte, MT L 61-70
23 University of Great Falls Great Falls, MT L 75-86
24 MSU-Northern Havre, MT L 66-75
28 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT
March
1 -3 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT
14-20 NAIA National Tournament Kansas City, MO
Women’s Basketball Schedule
December
1 Dickenson State Butte, MT W 76-50
16 Idaho State University Pocatello, ID L 59-102
18 Point Loma Nazarene San Diego, CA W 57-56
20 Roberts Wesleyan College San Diego, CA W 77-47
28 Jamestown College Bismarck, ND W 63-52
29 University of Mary Bismarck, ND W 78-72
January
6 UM-Western Butte, MT L 61-73
12 Carroll College Butte, MT L 52-81
13 Rocky Mountain College Butte, MT W 64-59
18 Westminster College Salt Lake City, UT L 58-57
20 Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID L 84-70
26 MSU-Northern Butte, MT W 76-75
27 University of Great Falls Butte, MT W 86-70
February
1 UM-Western Dillon, MT L 62-80
8 Rocky Mountain College Billings, MT L 76-90
10 Carroll College Helena, MT L 71-86
16 Lewis-Clark State College Butte, MT L 63-76
17 Westminster College Butte, MT L 53-63
23 University of Great Falls Great Falls, MT W 79-44
24 MSU-Northern Havre, MT L 57-68
28 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT
March
1 -3 Frontier Conference Tournament Butte, MT
14-20 NAIA National Tournament Jackson, TN
w w w . g o d i g g e r s . c o m 11
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M N ews M AG A Z I N E
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“The timing is right. We have a very ambitious ASMT this year
and huge support from the Butte Community.”
Chris Mjelde, ASMT President
SLIP SLIDIN’ Away
The ‘M’, on Big Butte
brings memories back
to everyone that has
ever attended Montana
Tech or lived in Butte. Some
remember building it, some
maintaining it, and still others
remember getting their first
kiss right at the base of it. It
has been used to host parties,
shoot fireworks, and to
announce victories by Montana
Tech athletic teams. The ‘M’
holds a special place in the
hearts of Tech students.
The ‘M’ was first constructed
in 1910 on the hill by the
students using the technology
known as the bucket brigade
as part of M-Day. In the
beginning, the ‘M’ was
maintained by the students
every spring. The students
would haul new rocks to the
‘M’ and give it a fresh dose
of sodium sulfide to keep it
white. The lights were added
in 1962 and the community
of Butte has had it lit ever
since. In the mid 80’s M-Days
were toned back and so was
the work that was done to the
‘M’. Since then, the Associated
Students of Montana Tech
(ASMT) have been paying
a club to go up and clean
the ‘M’ and replace the light
bulbs. However without the
manpower and excitement of
M-Day the heavy maintenance
required to keep the ‘M’
looking sharp has not been
possible.
Despite its great history and
solid construction, 97 years of
Butte weather is beginning to
take its toll on the structure.
The lighting and fencing are
beginning to fail and fall down.
Seeing this deterioration,
current students of Montana
Tech led by ASMT have
undertaken the task of raising
money for the renovation of
the ‘M’. The renovation will
call for the replacement of
the fence, electrical system,
and the reinforcement of the
structure that keeps the ‘M’ on
Big Butte. The student’s goal is
to raise $100,000. The students
will be actively soliciting
the community, alumni and
friends of Montana Tech for
money to ensure that the ‘M’
can remain a centerpiece of
Montana Tech history.
“The ‘M’ is what ties
Montana Tech and Butte
together. We want to make
sure the ‘M’ is still in good
shape for future Generations,”
said Chris Mjelde, ASMT
President.
The other members of ASMT
are, Donny Pfeifer, Kelley
Murphey, Curt Anderson,
Anna Carter, Zach Dill, Tom
Kientz, Preston Lofgren, Dan
Merchant, Steve Olig, Steve
Forsman, Kendra Daily, Tom
Ward, Crystal Cornett
If you are interested in
saving the ‘M’ please
contact the Montana
Tech Foundation
at 800-984-4683 or
cmcdonald@mtech.edu,
or ASMT President
Chris Mjelde at
camjelde@mtech.edu.

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M N ews M AG A Z I N E
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Shoot, Submit, Share
Are you traveling? Planning a trip? We want your
pictures!
Montana Tech is looking to build a photo library with
pictures of Tech alumni and friends from all over the world.
Just take your camera and a Tech memento and snap a
photo. When you return from your trip, email the photo to
alumni@mtech.edu and get your photo featured in the next
MNews.
Please send high-resolution images.
Happy traveling!

Dear Alumni and Friends:
The 107th Commencement
of this great institution
will be celebrated on May
12, 2007. Weather permitting,
the Commencement Exercise
will be held outside in Alumni
Coliseum at 11:00 am. Our
Commencement Speaker this
year is Tom Dyk, ‘76. The
classes that will be
honored at this year’s
commencement
ceremony are the
classes of 1947 and
1957. I would like
to personally invite
these alumni back to
campus.
As many of you know
from my invitations to
contribute to it, over
the past year a broad
and representative group
of Tech constituents has
developed “Vision 2025”
for Montana Tech. This
attractive publication
is ready to go to press
and will be available by
March 1, 2007. Because
of the expense of printing
and mailing, “Vision
2025” will have limited
distribution. Copies of our
vision may be requested by
contacting Tony Campeau,
Director of Admissions, at
tcampeau@mtech.edu.
Last fall we initiated a new
program to assist our students
in being more successful in
the competition for national
scholarships. This group has
been named the “National
Awards Committee.”
Dr. Marisa Pedulla from
Biological Sciences is chairing
this committee which will
identify potential candidates
for scholarships such as the
Truman Scholarship, Udall
Scholarship and the Goldwater
Scholarship in Math, Science
and Engineering. Our students
have been very successful
in the competition for many
scholarships but we are striving
to become more successful in
winning top-level national
scholarships.
Dr. Susan Patton’s decision
to retire and move to
Grand Junction, Colorado
to run her orchards and
vineyards precipitated a
national search for a Vice
Chancellor for Academic
Affairs and Research.
Dr. Doug Abbott, a 1985
graduate of Montana Tech
in Petroleum Engineering,
was selected following
a nationwide search to
fill the position. I thank
Susan for outstanding
service to our institution and
congratulate and thank Doug
for his desire to take on this
important job.
The College of Technology is
initiating a program in “Pre-
Apprenticeship Lineman
Training.” Students completing
this program will be prepared
to go into apprenticeship
programs to become linemen.
There is currently a shortage of
skilled linemen in Montana and
the Nation. I am proud to see
our College of Technology fulfill
its mission by answering the
call of the state and particularly
southwest Montana in creating
programs to fill an industry
need.
Frank Gilmore
Chancellor
Chancellor’s
Remarks
S p r i n g 2 0 07
15

M N ews M AG A Z I N E
16
Abbott Continues
Milt Brown
has a
legacy at
Montana Tech
that extends
well beyond his
tenure as an
employee.
He was a man who
gave 40 years of
his life to this
university and
helped shape it
into the school it
is today. Falling
under Milt’s
supervision was
Registrar, Director of
Food Service, Director
of the Dorms and
Vice-President. Milt
was also a favorite
among the students of
Montana Tech. Milt
was the staff member
that students
felt comfortable
approaching to talk about
personal issues or for a
little help financially. Milt
was well known for his
generosity to the students.
He always came through
with money for a student
who wasn’t quite going to
make it through the month.
Doug Abbott remembers
his grandfather being very
impressed with the students
because he was always paid
back. Sometimes it was the
next month, sometimes the
next semester and even some
took years, but out of respect
for Milt, students always paid
him back.
Doug Abbott
Vice Chancellor of
Academic Affairs
and Research
Milt not only had an influence
on this campus, but he
also had an influence on his
grandson Doug. Doug grew
up around Tech, hanging out
with his grandpa, walking
around the tunnels and attending
all of the Tech games.
Doug was taught to love
Montana Tech by Milt,
and now as an adult he
has a chance to guide
his grandfather’s beloved
university.
Doug Abbott is
Tech’s new Vice Chancellor
of Academic
Affairs and Research.
He assumes the position
after 18 years at Tech,
first as a professor in the
Business Department and
later, as the Dean of the
College of Humanities,
Social Science and Information
Technology. Doug
received his Bachelor’s
Degree in Petroleum Engineering
in 1985 from Tech
and then headed to the
University of Montana
in Missoula to pursue
his MBA. In the
second year of his
MBA, Doug was convinced
that he was going to graduate
and head to Wall Street
and be an investment banker
or stock-broker.
This all changed when his
grandfather passed away
and he came back to Butte
to be a pallbearer. While
in Butte, Vick Burt and Joe
Kasperick, both of whom
were friends of Doug’s
and were hired by Milt to
Legacy
work at Tech, asked Doug if
he was going to apply for the
open teaching position in the
Business Department. Being
a man of opportunity, Doug
applied for the job at Tech and
returned to Missoula to finish
his degree. Upon the completion
of his MBA, Doug got the
job at Montana Tech and began
working on what he thought
would be a one or two year
experience.
Doug is now going on his
19th year of that one to two
year job he thought he was
taking. His love for Tech has
grown stronger and now he
has risen to the position of
Vice-Chancellor for Academic
Affairs and Research. Doug
brings a wealth of experience
to this job, not only as an academic,
but as the young boy
who grew up supporting Tech
and wandering the halls with
his grandfather.
Milt Brown (left) with grandson Doug Abbott

Greetings from the Association,
People ask what is the Montana Tech Alumni
Association (MTAA) and what do we do?
Well, to answer that, the MTAA is an entity
that strives to promote Montana Tech.
The 2006-2007 year has been quite busy for the
Alumni Association. We got the year started with
the annual picnic held at the Copper Mountain
Park in Butte. Area alumni, faculty and staff attended
the event to enjoy burgers, hotdogs, games
and stories.
For the first time, the Association participated in
tailgating activities before
the home football games to
help promote Digger unity
and team spirit. Refreshments
and snacks were provided
to those who stopped
by. We are hoping to
continue this activity, so be
sure to stop by when you
are cheering on the Diggers
next season.
In addition, the Alumni
Association teamed with
other campus groups such
as the Digger Athletic Association
and the Touchdown
Club to sponsor pre and
Scott Sampson
President of the Montana Tech
Alumni Association
post-game socials. We look forward to another
great season of football next year.
Go Diggers!!
The Association also had another first, we sponsored
a student appreciation pizza social for Montana
Tech students at the Vu Villa. This event was
well received as the students found happy homes
for more than 50 pizzas in the 2-hour period. The
Association also plans to host another student
pizza social before finals week this spring.
The Association has been working with Peggy
McCoy, Director of Alumni Affairs, to establish
chartered chapters of the Montana Tech Alumni
Association across the country. Becoming an area
chapter president is simple. If you are interested
in establishing a chapter in your area, feel free to
contact Peggy McCoy, at pmccoy@mtech.edu, or
me for information on chapter guidelines.
Scott Sampson
scott.sampson@mse-ta.com
Welcome Back Classes of ‘47 & ‘57
Montana Tech Alumni Association president,
Scott Sampson, and the local governing
body look forward to seeing members of
the Class of 1947 and Class of 1957 back on campus
during commencement week.
The Montana Tech Alumni Association Annual
Banquet, to be held May 11 th , 2007 at the Copper
King Hotel is the highlight of the Montana Tech
Alumni Association’s year. We thoroughly enjoy
having our Anniversary Alumni in attendance and
listening to their college experiences while they
attended the Montana School of Mines.
The class of 1947 will celebrated their 60th
Anniversary this year. Many were able to attend
their 50th anniversary with us in 1997. We wish to
congratulate them and look forward to seeing them
again during commencement week.
We also welcome the class of 1957 back to campus
to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Some members
have not been back since the year they graduated.
Welcome back to your alma mater and Butte. We
hope you take the opportunity to tour campus while
you are here and see how much we have grown.
If you are not able to attend, we would appreciate
a little history of what you have been doing the
past 50 or 60 years. Many of your colleagues would
enjoy hearing from you. If you would like to share
your stories or your accomplishments, they can be
submitted to the alumni affairs office at alumni@
mtech.edu.
Thank you,
The Montana Tech Alumni Association
Please Join Us For Our
Annual Banquet
Honoring the Graduates of the class of 1947 and 1957
May 11, 2007 at the Copper King Hotel
6:30-7:00 p.m. No-Host Cocktail
7:00 Banquet
10 th Annual Raffle
Gold, Silver & Bronze Raffle
To be held at Banquet
Call Alumni Association office at
406-782-7076 for reservations
S p r i n g 2 0 07
17

18
of the VCIAD
M N ews M AG A Z I N E From the Office
It is a great time to be a member of the Digger family. With each
passing day, we are seeing more and more energy and unity on our
campus. Please stop by my office the next time you are in Butte and
let me show you what’s going on around Montana Tech!
Spring semester is now in full swing and we can see the beginnings of
a climate change in Butte, Montana (thankfully). The days are longer,
the temperature is slightly warmer, and the buzz of Spring Fever can be
heard in the classroom.
The activities of the Montana Tech Foundation have been fast
and furious. As illustrated on the next pages, the
fund raising activities for the Natural Resources
Building are rapidly coming to a close. When the
Montana Legislature honors our current request
for supplemental funding, we will be very near the
finish line.
A deliberate effort to reach out to all petroleum alumni to help
us with the last $600,000 began in 2007. The initiative, dubbed the
COUNCIL of 600, is described on the next pages. Many of our
alumni have been responsive to our needs and we sincerely thank
them for their continued support. We still have a long way to go
with our COUNCIL of 600 effort, so please know it is not too late to
add your name to the list.
I have been extremely proud of the entire advancement and
development staff. The COUNCIL of 600 initiative has served as a
tremendous catalyst to get this team focused, energized, and acting
as one group. The entire group has engaged in the initiative by
hosting alumni fund-raising events, meeting with corporations,
visiting prospective students, and cultivating potential employers.
Throughout our visits with alumni and friends all around the country,
we’ve had the privilege to listen to and explore many great ideas. This
effort to reach out to our alumni is sincere. I know we can’t be everywhere,
but we would like to make a trip to your area. If you have not seen a
representative of our campus in a while, please let me know. For those that
have attended our events, thanks for your continued support. For those
that we have missed, we look forward to seeing you soon!
Before I close, I want to congratulate Dr. Doug Abbott on his appointment
to Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. Doug is a terrific educator, a
dedicated professional, and a true gentleman. I am confident he will do a
great job and I look forward to working closely with him to advance this
institution.
Once again I ask for your input regarding this publication. We
continually try to change and evolve to meet the needs of our constituents.
Let us know what you think!
Mike Johnson
Vice Chancellor
for Institutional
Advancement and
Development and
President of the
Montana Tech
Foundation

Campaign Highlight
Montana Tech’s comprehensive campaign,
Strengthening Foundations...
Ensuring the Future, is divided into
four main areas of support: Student, Capital,
Program and Faculty.
One item within the Program area of support
is $400,000 to fund a new position within
the School of Mines and Engineering. This
position will be an Assistant to the Dean. The
main responsibility of this position will be
recruiting quality students into the mining,
metallurgy, and geological programs.
Since the campaign’s inception, over
$255,000 in cash and pledges has been collected
towards this goal. Funds have come
from industry, alumni and friends. Corporate
donors include Peabody Energy, Kennecott
Energy, Newmont, and Kiewit.
As the advancement and development
team travels and meets with companies, a
common theme is the concern within industry
over the scarcity of graduates in engineering
disciplines. This partnership with industry
will help serve our mission to educate
more students while helping to alleviate the
shortage of graduating engineers.
This workforce shortage is national. Montana
Tech wants to play an important role in
providing the needed workers to industry
and providing students with career opportunities
with real potential. Our goal is
to double the number of graduates in these
programs in four years. Recruitment is the
first step.
Did you know?
The SME Mineral Education
Sustainability Task Force has documented
the demand for new mining engineers to be
over 300 per year, yet in 2005 the United
States produced just over 100 new mining
engineers.
Support for the Recruiter
Newmont Mining Corporation has contributed
$140,000 to Montana Tech in
support of Tech’s campaign Strengthening
Foundations…Ensuring the Future.
The money has been designated to support
and advance Montana Tech’s Mining and
Metallurgical Engineering Departments.
The donation will provide funding for the
following areas:
•
Support for a permanent recruiter posi-
tion/assistant to the dean, designed to
increase enrollment in Tech’s Mining,
Metallurgical and Geological Sciences
degree programs.
• Scholarships for Metallurgy and Mining
Engineering students.
•
Support of a faculty position in the Metallurgical
Engineering Department.
Another major contribution was offered by
Goldcorp Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia
in the amount of $200,000. The funds
have been specifically designated to be equally
divided among the Mining Engineering,
Mineral Processing Engineering and Geological
Engineering Departments of Montana
Tech over a designated period of time.
“There is a significant and growing
demand for qualified professionals in
the mining industry. Montana Tech
prepares and graduates the young
men and women necessary to help
fill this important need. Therefore,
we are very pleased to be able to give
financial support to the extractive
industry programs at Montana Tech,”
said Dan Rovig a Mining and Mineral
Dressing graduate of Montana Tech
and a Director of Goldcorp Inc. Rovig
currently serves as the Chairman of the
Montana Tech Foundation’s Board of
Directors.
Montana Tech
Foundation News
S p r i n g 2 0 07
19

20
Foundation News
M N ews M AG A Z I N E Montana Tech
Update on the Natural Resources Building
A key component of Montana Tech’s comprehensive
campaign is the Natural Resources Building
(NRB) capital project. This facility will be
constructed on Granite Street, north of the HPER.
The Montana Legislature appropriated $9 million
towards the construction of this building during
its 2005 session. The legislature is considering
a supplemental appropriation of $3.2 million
during the 2007 session.
The Montana Tech Foundation has secured
$1.75 million in corporate and private support for
the Natural Resources Building. Major corporate
Initial Appropriation
donors to the building include Halliburton, ConocoPhillips
(Burlington Resources), Noble Energy,
Funds Raised to Date
St. Mary Land & Exploration (Nance Petroleum),
and Baker Hughes.
NRB Funding in
Millions
Initial Appropriation
Supplemental Appropriation
Funds Raised to Date
Estimated Council of 600 Contribution
Supplemental Appropriation
Estimated Council of 600 Contribution
To fund the
remaining por-
5
tion of this building,
the Montana
Tech Foundation
is eliciting the
0
help of Montana
Tech’s Petroleum
alumni through
5the
COUNCIL
of 600. A $1,000 donation, to be paid over the
next two years, will secure you as a member of the
COUNCIL of 600. A permanent monument to the
0corporate
donors mentioned above and the COUN-
CIL members will be placed in the new NRB.
15
10
Did you know?
With the construction of the Natural Resources
Building and relocation of the Petroleum Engineering
Department, current plans call for relocating the
Nursing Department from the south campus to the
current petroleum building.
15
10
Areas and cities visited:
Anchorage
Glendive and Billings, Montana
Missoula and Helena, Montana
Williston, North Dakota
Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
Rock Springs Cheyenne, Casper,
Gillette, Sheridan, and Cody,
Wyoming
Spokane and Kennewick,
Washington
The Bay Area of California
Bakersfield, California
Boise, Idaho
Denver, Durango and Grand
Junction, Colorado
Farmington, New Mexico
Houston, Texas
Calgary, Alberta
We will be coming soon to
the following:
Seattle, Washington
Portland, Oregon
Salt Lake City, Utah
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Tulsa and Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma
The remaining Montana
communities
These trips have proven to
be a wonderful way to connect
with alumni. Attendees
have enjoyed networking
with cohorts, making new
friends, and hearing about
what has been happening on
campus, and within the Butte
community.
“Noble Energy is proud
to support Montana Tech
in its campaign. Tech has
been a great resource for our
company and the oil and
gas industry, and we are
excited about the future for
the university,” said Bob
Burleson, Noble Energy’s
Senior Vice President of
Administration.
“Halliburton is proud to
support Montana Tech
in this project,” said
Jim Brown, senior vice
president, Western
Hemisphere, Halliburton
Energy Services Group.
“We believe that this collaboration
is a winning strategy
for both Montana Tech and
Halliburton.”
“As an alumnus of Montana
Tech, I am pleased to be able
to give something back to an
institution that played such
an important role in my
career. Additionally, I am
proud to work for a company
(St. Mary Land and Nance
Petroleum) that supports
its employees’ efforts to
give back to their communities,”
commented Jerry
Schuyler (Class of 1977),
Senior Vice President and
General Manager of the
Houston Region.
If you’ve recently attended one of these events,
thank you! If we haven’t been to your area yet, look
for our letter inviting you. We encourage you to
attend, and ask you to encourage your friends and
co-workers who are Tech alumni to join us.
As we travel this winter and spring, we are practically
applying the team concept to advancement and
development. We are listening, learning and reaching
out. As alumni and supporters of Montana Tech,
you are a part of our team and there are many ways
you can help. We encourage your input on making
these events better, your help in organizing events,
suggestions on high schools or community colleges
where we may want to recruit, and companies in
your area that may want to recruit Tech graduates or
place interns.

Wedding and announcements
1962
Joseph Keane has been appointed
director of Norsemont Mining Inc.
His appointment will take effect
immediately where he will oversee
and take responsibility for the
metallurgical and engineering aspects
of the company’s flagship Constancia
Copper-Molybdenum-Silver deposit
development in Peru. Joseph received
his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical
engineering in 1962 and his master’s
degree in mineral dressing in 1966.
1970
John Suydam was recently promoted to
Chief Geophysicist at Vecta Oil & Gas,
an exploration company specializing in
using shear wave technology to identify
trapping stratigraphy, as well as some
structures that cannot be seen on a
conventional compressional wave data.
John received his bachelor’s degree in
geophysical engineering in 1970 and his
master’s in 1972. He currently lives in
Tomball, TX.
1974
Eric H Olsen was appointed to
the Lions Petroleum, Inc. Board of
Directors. Eric received his bachelor’s
degree in petroleum engineering and is
currently working for Jake Oil, L.L.C. in
Billings, MT.
1980
Angel Alvarez joined MPCS (Peru
Copper Inc.) in 2005 as Exploration
Manager for the Toromocho Project.
Angel was previously the General
Manager and then Manager of
Operations of Centromin, Minera Peru
and Cerro de Pasco Mining in Peru.
Angel received his master’s degree in
geological engineering from Montana
Tech. He has published several papers
regarding geology in Peru and has
provided consulting services to several
mining companies in Peru.
1981
William (Bill) Weatherly and his wife
Laura celebrated their 50 th wedding
anniversary on April 11, 2006. Bill and
Laura were students at the University
of Montana when they met and wed
in 1956. Bill received his bachelor of
science degree in mining engineering
from Montana Tech in 1981. They
couple have lived in Butte for 40 years.
1984
Connie Ternes Daniels has been
appointed to serve as the director
of Senator Tester’s Butte field office.
Connie previously worked for
Headwaters RC and D in Butte as an
economic development planner. She
received her bachelor’s degree in
society and technology.
1985
William Carl (Bill) Howald has
been appointed Director with Soho
Resources Corp. He has twenty years
of experience in the international gold
exploration and mining industry.
He has worked for senior producers
Newmont Mining, Phelps Dodge
Mining, and most recently Placer
Dome (Barrick Gold Corporation).
He is a shareholder and director of
two privately held precious-metals
companies in South America and
Nevada and owns a consulting business
based out of Reno, NV. He received his
bachelor of science degree in geological
engineering.
Keith Knapstad has been appointed to
the newly created position of Executive
Vice President/Chief Operating Officer
at Storm Cat Energy Corporation.
Keith’s responsibilities include the
oversight of Storm Cat’s United States
and Canadian operations, including
all aspects of development, drilling
completions and workovers. Prior
to joining Storm Cat Keith served as
Manager of the Powder River Basin
Assets for J.M. Huber Corporation.
Keith received his bachelor’s degree in
petroleum engineering.
1986
Jerry and Dee Dee Ogrin of Grapevine,
TX announce the arrival of Jacob
Michael Ogrin (6 lbs., 13 oz, 20 in.)
on January 4, 2007. Jerry received
his bachelor’s degree in petroleum
engineering and is currently working
for Inka Oil and Gas. Dee Dee received
her bachelor’s degree in society and
technology/public policy in 1997 and is
working for Washington Mutual. The
family is living in Grapevine, TX
1989
Stuart L Green has been named
the new General Manager and Vice
President of Operations for Canyon
Resources Corporation, a Colorado
Base mining company. Stuart will
be based in California at the Briggs
Mines where his duties will include
finalizing the re-start feasibility study
and implementation phase of the
Briggs Mine while simultaneously
filling the roles of Project Manager at
the Reward Property. Stuart has over
30 years experience in open pit and
underground mining. He received
his bachelor’s degree in mining
engineering.
1991
Chris and Angela Crossman announce
the arrival of Noah Christopher
Crossman (5 lbs, 7 oz., 18 ½ in.) born in
Salt Lake City, UT. Chris received his
bachelor’s degree in occupational health
and safety and currently works for
Chevron in Salt Lake City.
1993
Alan Gilda has been hired as field
engineer for Shoshone Silver Mining
in Wallace, ID. Alan will manage the
final phase of rehabilitating Shoshone’s
Lakeview mill and develop engineering
projects for Shoshone Silver Mining’s
North Idaho properties. Alan received
his bachelor’s degree in mining
engineering.
1994
Kelly Smith has been named general
manager of the Butte Hampton Inn.
She is the former director of sales and
marketing at the Best Western Butte
Plaza Inn. Kelly received her bachelor
of science degree in society and
technology/ professional and technical
communications. She is on Butte’s
Convention and Visitor Bureau board
and is past member of the Montana
Innkeepers’ Sales and Marketing
Council.
Dean and Mary Ellen Lutey recently
moved to Calgary, Alberta with their 3
children (Jacob, Hannah and Alyssa).
Both Dean and Mary Ellen are currently
working for ConocoPhillips after
Burlington Resources was acquired this
spring. They both love being back in
the mountains and close to Montana.
Mary Ellen received her bachelor’s
degree in petroleum engineering.
Serge Pelletier is now based in
Johannesburg South Africa as a
Commercial Manager-Diamonds. Serge
received his bachelor’s degree in mining
engineering.
1995
Timothy and Lydia Thurmond
announce the arrival of Joshua
Mwesigwa (3 lbs, 7 oz., 17 ¼ in.),
born on December 27, 2006 in Butte,
MT. Joshua joins his siblings Sherina
and Declan. Timothy received his
bachelor’s degree in engineering
science/systems control. The
Thurmond family currently lives in
Cheltenham, U.K.
Class Notes
S p r i n g 2 0 07
21

22
M N ews M AG A Z I N E Class Notes
1996
Joe and Beth “Elizabeth” Stimatz
announce the arrival of Patrick James
Stimatz (9 lbs., 11 oz., 21 in.) born
November 21, 2006. Patrick joins his
sister Maggie in the Stimatz household.
Beth received her bachelor’s degree in
occupational health and safety and is
currently employed with Northwestern
Energy in Butte, MT.
Scott and Shannon Sampson announce
the arrival of Samuel Scott Thomas
Sampson (8 lbs., 8 oz. 21 ¾ in.) born
November 25, 2006. Samuel joins his
siblings Jacob, Bennett and Elizabeth
in the Sampson home. Scott received
his bachelor’s degree in engineering
science, is on the Montana Tech
Foundation Board of Directors, current
president of the Montana Tech Alumni
Association and assistant coach for
the Montana Tech Oredigger football
team. He currently works at MSE, Inc.
in Butte, MT. Shannon received her
bachelor degree in computer science/
technology and business and computer
science/business information systems.
She currently works for Montana Tech
as an administrative assistant in the
nursing department.
1997
Judy Hursh and Gary Staudinger were
married on July 15, 2006. Judy, a certified
public account, received her bachelor
of
science
degree
in business
and
informationtechnology
and is
currently a business analyst for Northwestern
Energy in Butte, MT. The
couple honeymooned in New York and
reside in Butte.
Todd Emslander joined Glacial Lakes
Energey LLC as the Project Manager in
March 2006. He has held engineering
positions in oil field services, cement
manufacturing, semi conductor
manufacturing and most recently as
an Area Manager with the US Water
Services. He received his bachelor’s
degree in environmental engineering.
1998
Jamie Mongoven has joined Robert
Peccia and Associates as a project
manager in streets and highways.
Jamie was previously employed at the
Montana Department of Transportation.
Jamie received his bachelor’s degree in
mining engineering.
1999
Brian Kukay recently was honored
as an outstanding graduate student
by the Utah State University civil
engineering department. Brian received
his bachelor’s of science degree in
environmental engineering and his
master’s degree in general engineering/
civil option; both from Montana
Tech. He is currently working on his
doctorate from Utah State University.
Roberta Forsell Stauffer has been
named The Montana Standard’s new
opinion/online editor. Roberta will
now oversee the editorial page. She will
write most of the Standard’s opinions
and coordinate letters to the editor
and guest editorials, Roberta received
her master’s degree in technical
communications.
Ryan and Danielle Brazill announce
the arrival of Tyler Daniel Brazill (9 lbs.,
1 oz., 22 in.) born December 20, 2006
in Raleigh, NC. Tyler joins his sibling
Rylee Evon. Danielle received her
associate’s degree in office technology.
The family lives in Youngsville, NC
2000
Mark and Amber Jensen announce the
arrival of Annika Katrine Jensen (7 lbs.,
5 oz., 20 in.) on November 22, 2006.
Annika joins
her brother
Bode in the
Jensen family.
Mark received
his bachelor’s
degree in
petroleum
engineering
and is
currently
working for 360 Networks in Butte, MT
Victoria Wagner and Jasen Lankford
announce the arrival of Joshua Keith
Lankford (8 lbs., ½ oz., 19 ½ in.) on
November 2, 2006. Joshua joins his
brother Andrew Wagner in the family.
Jasen received his associate’s degree
from the Montana Tech College of
Technology in automotive technology.
Brandt and Adrienne Sweet announce
the arrival of Ethan Brandy Sweet (8
lbs., 2 ½ oz., 20 ½ in.) on October 24,
2006. Ethan joins his sister Aryah.
Brandt received his certificate in trades
and technical/welding from the College
of Technology.
2001
Kurt Wilkinson is currently a Senior
Safety Specialist assigned to oversee
construction safety and the safety
certification process for a $557 million
light rail project for Tri County
Metropolitan Transportation District
in Portland, OR. The South Corridor
begins civil construction in January
2007. Al Hockaday (2003 graduate in
occupational health and safety) has
been hired to be the Project Safety
Manager for the Downtown Mall
Segment of the project. Kurt received
his bachelor’s degree in occupational
health and safety.
Joshua Shutey and Marie Kagie were
married on May 27, 2006 in Butte, MT.
Josh received his bachelor’s degree
in mining engineering and is a senior
engineer at Phelps Dodge in Tucson,
AZ.
2002
Shawn and Christina (Sonleitner)
Isakson have relocated from Houston,
TX and have taken positions in
Anchorage with BP Explorations
Alaska. Christina has been assigned
as a Reservoir Engineer for the Greater
Kuparuk Area, and Shawn has been
assigned as a Project leader for work in
the Prudhoe Bay field. Shawn received
his bachelor’s degree in general
engineer/mechanical option in 2002
and Christina received her bachelor’s
degree in geological engineering in
2003.
Matthew Vogel married Annbelle
Novoa at Santa Rose de Lima Church in
Caracas, Venezuela. Matthew received
his bachelor’s of science degree from
Montana Tech in petroleum engineering
and a degree in math from Carroll
College. The bride graduated from
Simon Bolivar University in mechanical
engineering. They are both sales
and design engineers for the Rocky
Mountain division of Schlumberger in
Denver. After a honeymoon in Tahiti
the couple will live in Highlands Ranch,
CO.
Brian and Janice Nelson announce the
arrival of Bryce Scott Nelson (7 lbs., 5
oz., 20 ½ in.) on January 7, 2007. Bryce
joins his siblings Hunter and Jaylie.
Brian received his bachelor’s degree
in occupational safety and health and
is currently working for the Bureau of
Reclamation. The family is living in
Anaconda, MT.
Marty Salusso and Beth Sonsteng
were married on August 26, 2006 in
an outdoor ceremony on the Big Hole

River. Mark completed his bachelor of
science degree in mining engineering
in December
2001 and is
employed by
Centennial
Concrete in
Butte. Beth
graduated
from
Montana
Tech in 2003
with a degree
in applied
health. She
went on to
receive her
doctorate in physical therapy from the
University of Montana in 2006 and
is employed at Silver Bow Therapy
Services in Butte.
2003
Mariya and Josh Peck announce the
arrival of
Michael
Patrick
Maguire
(7 lbs.,
2 ½ oz).
Josh received
his
bachelor’s
degree
in liberal
studies.
Mariya received
her
bachelor’s degree in professional and
technical communications. The family
is living in Butte, MT.
Jennifer and Craig Mulske announce
the arrival of Allie Michelle Mulske
(7 lbs., 6 oz., 20 in.). Allie joins her
brother Alexander in the family.
Jennifer received her associate’s degree
in automotive technology from the
College of Technology.
Jack Sucilsky has been working as
project engineer on the San Xavier
Rehabilitation Project in Arizona for
Barnard Construction since March
2006. This major irrigation project
includes the installation of four miles
of irrigation pipeline that will provide
critical water and fertilizer for the
surrounding area during the 11 month
drought season and diverts water
during the monsoon season. Jack
received his bachelor of science degree
in general engineering.
2004
Matt Stepan and his wife Sarah announce
the birth
of their
son Will
Matthew-
Michael
Stepan (8
lbs., 3 oz.,
20 in.)
on November
3, 2006.
Matt received
is bachelor’s degree in business
information systems and technology
and is currently working for Kiewit Pacific
Company as a business manager.
The Stepan family is living in Manteca,
CA.
Dan Fitzpatrick and Terra Bartholomew
were married on August 19,
2006. The ceremony was performed at
St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Butte,
MT. Dan received his bachelor of science
degree in occupational health and
safety. He currently is an industrial
hygienist at the Idaho National Laboratory.
The Fitzpatrick’s are living in
Idaho Falls, ID.
Kelly Lee and Krystin Mengon
announce the arrival of Tocher
Tillman Lee (8 lbs., 8 oz., 20 in.) born
on December 4, 2006. Kelly received
his associate’s degree in accounting
technology from the College of
Technology.
Tommie and Josh Perusich announce
the arrival of Joshua Michael Perusich
Jr. (7 lbs 10 ½ oz. 20 in.) on December 9,
2006. Josh joins his siblings Lynn and
Lydia. Tommie received her associate’s
degree in nursing.
Kent Kahl and Carly Newell were
married on June 3, 2006 in Wibaux, MT.
Kent received his bachelor’s degree in
general engineering/mechanical option
and is employed at WBI as an engineer.
Carly is a graduate of Montana State
University and is employed at Glendive
Medical Center as a registered nurse.
The couple is living in Glendive, MT.
Casey Campbell and Charles Siko were
married July 22, 2006. Casey received
a bachelor’s degree in mechanical
engineering. She is currently employed
at Micron Technologies. The couple
resides in Boise, ID.
Jennifer Gambill and David Kenner
were married on September 9, 2006 in
an outdoor ceremony in Cody, WY.
Jennifer
received
her bachelor’s
degree in
metallurgy
and
is a leach
metallurgist
for Newmont
Mining
in Carlin, NV. David is an Instrumentation
Technician for Newmont located in
Carlin. The couple is living in Spring
Creek, NV.
Michael and Melissa Swanson of Butte
announce the arrival of Madisyn Kay
Swanson (6 lbs., 13 oz., 19 ¾ in.) on
January 7, 2007. Melissa received her
bachelor’s degree in occupational safety
and health.
2005
Eric Lambrecht and Kayla
Hoffenbacker announce the arrival
of Karsyn Marie Lambrecht (6 lbs., 3
oz., 10 in.) on October 13, 2006. Eric
received his bachelor’s degree in
information technology and design.
Kelly and Summer Ferriter announce
the arrival of Gracie Nicole Ferriter (6
lbs., 15 oz., 19 ¾ in.) born on December
30, 2006 in Butte, MT. Gracie joins
her siblings Kaleb, Kennedi and Rian
Ferriter. Kelly received his associate
degree in networking technology
in 2005 and his bachelor’s degree in
information technology and design in
2006.
2006
Kristy Studney and Alfred Saile
announce the arrival of their son Austin
MaCall Studney (8 lbs., 6 oz.) born on
November 3, 2006. Austin joins his
sister Tristan Studney. Kristy received
her associate’s degree in nursing.
In memoriam
George T. Derana, 93, passed away on
October 30, 2006 after a short illness.
He was born in Butte January 26, 1913
and received his bachelor’s of science
degree in metallurgical engineering in
1939. He started his career at U.S. Steel
in Pittsburg, CA and during World
War II he worked for the Maritime
Commission as a Materials Inspector
Class Notes
S p r i n g 2 0 07
23

M N ews M AG A Z I N E
24
Class Notes
of the Liberty Ships. For over 28 years
George was a Real Property Manager
for Contra Costa County retiring in
1978. George is survived by his wife of
62 years Eva Derana. He was residing
in Benicia, CA at the time of his death.
Merwin Head passed away October
28, 2006 in Paradise, CA at the age
of 81. He was born in Williston, ND
but moved to Malta, MT where he
was raised. Merwin excelled both
academically and athletically in high
school. He enrolled at the Montana
School of Mines before joining the Navy
during World War II. He completed
his education while serving in the Navy
from the University of Washington.
David D. Walker, 81, passed away
Sunday, November 19, 2006 in Butte,
MT. David was born in Cleveland, OH
on October 12, 1925. He was raised
in Elkhorn, MT and later moved to
Anaconda, MT where he graduated
from Anaconda High School in 1942.
He served in the Navy during World
War II as commander of LCT 774
stationed at Palau in the South Pacific.
Following the war he remained active
in the Naval Reserves until 1968 when
he was honorably discharged with the
rank of ensign. David worked many
years in the Butte mining industry
holding positions with the U. S. Bureau
of Mines, ARCO, Alpha Engineering
and finishing his career with Golden
Sunlight Mines of Whitehall. He
received two degrees from the Montana
School of Mines. The first was his
bachelor’s of science degree in mining
engineering in 1951 and the second was
a bachelor’s of science in geological
engineering in 1959. The family
requests memorials be made to either
the American Legion Post No. 1 or the
Montana Tech Foundation in support
of mining and geological engineering
scholarships.
Lucille Eva Hilpert, 81, passed away
Saturday morning, November 25,
2006 in Butte, MT. Lucille and her
husband Conrad were both exceptional
musician’s and played for more than 20
years in the Montana Tech Pep Band.
Lucille graduated from Pennsylvania
State University with a degree in
chemistry. Memorials are requested by
the family to the Montana Pep Band,
c/o Dr. Pete Knudsen at Montana Tech.
Daniel Emmett O’Brien, 73, died Friday,
November 10, 2006 at the American
Lake Veterans Administration Hospital
in Tacoma, WA. Dan “Binty” was born
and raised in Butte, MT and attended
local schools graduating from Butte
Central in 1951. He attended the
Montana School of Mines and then
Seattle University. He served the Navy
for three years and was honorably
discharged in 1955.
Rosella Montana Dougherty Dekuper,
84, passed away on November 13, 2006.
She was born and raised in Butte, MT
where she attended the Montana School
of Mines. In 1945 she graduated from
Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR
where she was affectionately known as
the “Beaut from Butte”. She earned her
master’s in education from Portland
State University.
Gunther Sonnleitner, 53 passed away
peacefully after a determined struggle
with A.L.S., at Harmony Care Centre,
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, on Sunday,
August 13, 2006. Gunter was born
on May 27, 1953 in Graz, Austria. He
received his petroleum engineering
degree at Montana Tech and enjoyed
his career in his chosen field. He was
an avid water skier and also enjoyed
playing cribbage. Gunther will be sadly
missed but lovingly remembered and
forever cherished in the hearts of his
family and dear friends.
Michael Semanchick, 89, died Saturday,
December 16, 2006 in Pottsville, PA. He
attended Minersville schools and the
Montana School of Mines. He was a
graduate of the Dale Carnegie Institute.
He was a miner; first working in the
local anthracite mines and then in the
Montana copper mines before World
War II. During the war, he joined the U.
S. Navy as a gunner’s mate serving as
a Navy frogman in the Pacific Theater
with the naval underwater demolition
teams, a precursor to today’s Navy
Seals. He was awarded the Bronze
Star with Combat “V” for his efforts
in invading enemy beachheads to
pave the way for landing forces that
captured a Japanese-held island in July
1944. After the war he continued his
affiliation with local mining companies
in Pennsylvania.
Nancy (Wilcox) Golberg, 64, died
Tuesday, December 19, 2006 in
Spokane, WA. She lived throughout
Montana and parts of Washington the
majority of her life but her heart never
left Montana. Nancy received her
bachelor’s degree in computer science/
business information technology in 1996
from Montana Tech and was employed
in Seattle by Boeing and later in Butte in
the Butte Silver-Bow County Land and
Records Office.
Ellen Kay Kelly, 55, died at her parent’s
home Friday, December 22, 2006
following a four year battle with cancer.
She graduated with high honors in 1994
from Montana Tech with a bachelor’s
degree in computer science/business
information technology. At the time
of her death Ellen was deputy clerk of
court in the Butte Silver Bow office.
Ward T. Thompson Jr., 89, passed away
on January 11, 2007. His family moved
to Butte in 1921 and his father started
Ward Thompson Paper Company.
Ward Jr. graduated from Butte High
school in 1934 and attended the
Montana School of Mines for a short
time. In 1936 he started working for
the paper company and became owner
upon his father’s death. The business
was sold in 1994.
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If so, please contact
Peggy McCoy at
pmccoy@mtech.edu.
Publisher
Mike Johnson
Editor
David Scott
Graphic Designer
Norma Herron, Print Services
Contributing Writers
Michael Barth
David Scott
Marisa Pedulla
Photographers
Bernie Connor
Kevin Cullen
Dean Markovics
David Scott
Marisa Pedulla
Rainbow Photo
Milan Pěgřimek
Printer
Advanced Litho of Great Falls, MT

Brick Campaign Engraving Information
Engrave your name and year of graduation; in
To help pay for the completion of the
honor of or in memory of a loved one; your busi-
Montana Tech Alumni Center to be
ness name; or whatever thought or sentiment you
located on Granite Street, we are asking
want on your brick. The brick will be placed around
you the to new buy Alumni a brick! Center. The bricks will
be used � in 3 lines the per walkways brick around the
alumni � center, 20 characters the granite per line memorials
will be � placed Please on make the sure pillars, your engraving and the
marble will information be used is spelled on the correctly. floor inside
to spell � TECH. If you are By purchasing buying more a brick than one your brick
please make copies of this form.
name will become a part of the building
� When your brick is placed, you will be
for years to come.
contacted to inform you of the location.
Engraving Information
Engrave your name and year of
graduation; in honor of or in memory
of a loved one; your business name;
or whatever thought or sentiment you
want on your brick. The brick will be
placed Where around will the new bricks Alumni be placed? Center.
• 3 The lines “Bricks” per will brick make up the walkway around the
Alumni Center “Granite Memorials” will be placed
• 20 characters per line
on the columns that support the covered entries of
• Please the building, make and the sure limited your number engraving
of “Green Mar-
information ble” tiles will spell is TECH spelled in the hall. correctly. Any of these
• If purchases you are will purchasing permanently recognize more your than contribution
to the Montana Tech Alumni Center.
one brick, please make copies of
this form.
• When your brick is placed, you
will be contacted.
Address
Phone
E-mail address
Memorialize a Person or an Event
Become a part of Montana Tech history by
permanently recognizing a graduate, lovedone,
or significant event by engraving a brick
and having it placed at the Alumni Center.
Strengthening Foundations … Ensuring the Future.
Yes! I want to buy a brick in support of the Alumni Center project!
Your assistance is appreciated in helping to construct this facility.
� I wish to purchase a personalized 4” X 8” Brick for $125
� I wish to purchase a 12” X 12” Black Granite Memorial for $250
� I wish to purchase a 12” X 12” Green Marble Tile for $500
Personalization of Brick
We will make every effort to fulfill special requests, but cannot guarantee them.
Orders that contain inappropriate language or statements will not filled.
Request ________________________________________________________________
Name of Brick Purchaser Credit card number
Master Card Visa Amer Exp
Expiration Date
Signature
Date
Please send completed order form to
Montana Tech Foundation
1300 West Park Street, Butte MT 59701-8932
S p r i n g 2 0 07
25

1300 West Park Street
Butte, MT 59701-8997
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #151
Great Falls, MT