CHANCELLOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Wednesday, August 28, during his annual "State of the University" address to faculty and staff opening the 1997-98 academic year, Chancellor Bill Daehling announced his intention to retire in July of 1998. MSU President Michael Malone visited Northern’s Havre campus September 8 to begin the process of selecting a new Chancellor.

Daehling came to Northern in July of 1990 as President and assumed the title of Chancellor in July of 1994 when the Montana University System was re-structured by the Board of Regents. Northern was aligned with MSU-Billings, the MSU-College of Technology in Great Falls, and the flagship campus for the eastern side of the system, MSU-Bozeman. "During my time as the Chief Executive Officer of Northern there have been many changes," Daehling stated during his address. "No doubt restructuring of the University System was the most significant. I have great respect for the way President Malone has worked with all the units. I can always be assured that my voice will be heard and that actions taken are in the best interest of Montana students."

When interview shortly after his announcement, Daehling was asked to gaze into his crystal ball and describe the MSU-Northern campus in the year 2000. "We need to build stability after these years of dramatic change," Daehling explained. "Enrollment will continue to climb because of our enhanced reputation as a quality institution. Although the University is emphasizing out-of-state student recruitment to supplement state dollars and bring added diversity to the student body, he predicts Northern will also enroll more Montana students, "because of the nature of our four-year technical programs" which make it easy for students to make the transition from community colleges and colleges of technology. "There be continuing pressure to demonstrate the value we add to a person with a higher education. During the coming years Northern will place more emphasis on outcomes assessment and how we use the data we gather to make changes. The campus will continue to expand distance education technologies, incorporating – in the very near future – internet and world wide web communications. All of these initiatives will help us stabilize enrollment and, by stabilizing enrollment, stabilizing funding.

After completing a process this past year that saw the University streamline its programs and curriculum and downsize course offerings, Daehling also recommended the University look at new program offerings. "We are already discussing a four-year, hi-tech program in agricultural technology emphasizing precision farming and global positioning that could be offered in cooperation with MSU-Bozeman. A new program in palentological technology would take advantage of Northern’s fossil-rich surroundings." He also predicted restructuring in nursing education statewide to better meet the changing needs of health care professions.

Daehling doesn’t expect the transition to a new administrator to change the nature of the institution, however. " I have a commitment from both President Malone and from thechairman of the Board of Regents ( Havre attorney Jim Kaze) to fill the Chancellor’s position," he explained. Although the new affiliated campus model was implemented nearly four years ago, the most visible changes to date have been in the academic areas. Daehling believes the Board of Regents would like to see increased consolidation and predicts future changes in the business, personnel, payroll and student records systems. This will probably not mean fewer employees on the Havre campus, because there are areas that are currently understaffed, but will mean a shifting of resources from one area to another. "Our challenge is to work smarter and more efficiently," he added. The most difficult task the Regents face is the political challenge of adding new programs with limited dollars." Bozeman and Billings are working on Health Management programs.

The Center policy of the Regents is the problem in Great Falls. Need to seriously examine the veto authority they have given the private institutions over degrees and programs.

U.S. News & World Report rating of institutions is a very flawed process. Northern has chosen NOT to participate by not providing information, so U.S. News uses data about the institution avaialble from national sources. They are ranking institutions on the basis of indicators that have nothing to do with quality, such as library holdings, faculty salaries, cost of attending, the size of their endowment, etc.

Outcomes assessment won’t affect institutional resources. Its a means of helping us re-arrange our priorities. For example, we use external advisory committees, We need followup surveys of graduates at the departmental level. Could produce a connection to the institution through the alumni association. Let us know what you think.

Impression of the institution: We enjoy tremendous support from local alums. The community has a core of loyalists to the institution…the Alumni Auction is a great example. What alumni do for the 50-year Reunion each year. This all builds a sense of attachment and loyalty that people have to the institution.

"I’m also very pleasedwith the activities of the Foundation. We have put more resources into the Foundation and have received an outstanding return on our investment.

I walked in to this job with my eyes wide open. I knew the rift was there between the faculty and the administration. I felt with my interpersonal skills I could overcome the problems. I think those faculty members who have participated in the collaborative negotiations as pushed by the Governor’s Office have found the process extremely helpful and I believe it has been good for the institution. The faculty who have gone through the process agree it built trust…they have more access to data and information, including budget information.

ADVICE: I know I have done some things wrong and there are things I could have done better. It’s important for whoever is in this position to get to know students, walk around campus. Visit classes. Be visible. One of the advantages of this institution is it is small. Back early in the affiliation process President Malone and I walked across campus and I was able to call four or five students by name. He commented he couldn’t do that on his campus.

The growing expertise of our faculty are a tremendous asset to Northern and to the community as well. The development of our distance learning program has really given Northern a national reputation. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the regional telephone cooperatives.
 
 

NORTHWEST ACCREDITATION COMMENTS
UNIVERSITY READY FOR ACCREDITATION VISIT
Montana State University-Northern has changed over the past 10 years. Probably the most visible, and political, was the name change from "Northern Montana College" to reflect a Montana Board of Regents mandated re-structuring and affiliation with the campuses of Montana State University. Probably the least visible change, at least to the general public, was the review and eventual elimination of role and scope statements and the adoption of shorter and more general mission statements by all Montana University System campuses. The past decade saw the campus move from a quarter to semester academic calendar, and, because of a dramatic drop in enrollment, initiate major and continuing program restructuring 

All of these changes are reflected in the "Self-Study Evaluation Report" the campus recently submitted to the Northwest Commission on Colleges as preparation for a full-scale 10-year evaluation by the Commission October 6 through 8, 1997 capping nearly two years of campus internal review.

The Commission on Colleges is based in Seattle, Washington. Members include 78 baccalaureate or higher degree granting universities and colleges and 73 two-year community and technical colleges, centers and institutes in Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Canada and Russia.

MSU-Northern is currently fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The University’s last full accreditation visit was in 1987. That evaluation was re-affirmed in October of 1992 in a Fifth-Year Interim Report. The school’s affiliation with Montana State University was recognized by the Commission in 1994.

"The purpose of the accreditation is for Northern to examine itself as an institution, to determine whether or not we have a clearly stated mission and goals, to determine if we are meeting those goals according to established standards, and to identify areas for improve

ALUMNI NEWS FALL SEMESTER 1997
 Montana State University-Northern has changed over the past 10 years. Probably the most visible, and political, was the name change from "Northern Montana College" to reflect a Montana Board of Regents mandated re-structuring and affiliation with the campuses of Montana State University. Probably the least visible change, at least to the general public, was the review and eventual elimination of role and scope statements and the adoption of shorter and more general mission statements by all Montana University System campuses. The past decade saw the campus move from a quarter to semester academic calendar, and, because of a dramatic drop in enrollment, initiate major and continuing program restructuring 

All of these changes are reflected in the "Self-Study Evaluation Report" the campus recently submitted to the Northwest Commission on Colleges as preparation for a full-scale 10-year evaluation by the Commission October 6 through 8, 1997 capping nearly two years of campus internal review.

The Commission on Colleges is based in Seattle, Washington. Members include 78 baccalaureate or higher degree granting universities and colleges and 73 two-year community and technical colleges, centers and institutes in Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Canada and Russia.

MSU-Northern is currently fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The University’s last full accreditation visit was in 1987. That evaluation was re-affirmed in October of 1992 in a Fifth-Year Interim Report. The school’s affiliation with Montana State University was recognized by the Commission in 1994.

"The purpose of the accreditation is for Northern to examine itself as an institution, to determine whether or not we have a clearly stated mission and goals, to determine if we are meeting those goals according to established standards, and to identify areas for improvethe outcomes assessment of our students." Student satisfaction surveys, benchmarking according to national standards, physical plant surveys, QPA (quality, productivity and accountability) progress reports and academic and administrative budget hearings have all been implemented to provide data for assessment and planning.

Another concern, a hold-over from the1987 review, is the relationship of the faculty and administration. The interim review in 1992 stated that it was "time for faculty and administration to lay down their arms and begin to work together." LaRoe believes the recent revision of the Faculty Senate constitution, clear procedures for changing curriculum and policy, and the Governor’s collaborative negotiations process initiated last year for union contracts has all helped bring people together.

While on campus, the Northwest visitation committee will also have an opportunity to make recommendations for change. LaRoe expressed some concern about years of change in the student services area, how the university has addressed areas of weakness and limited resources, and how the University has, today, one of the strongest student affairs programs ever. "They will be particularly interested in the Regents direction as far as campus affiliation, and the new programs we have discussed as part of our strategic planning process," she added. The University is currently examining the feasibility of an associate degree in paleontology technology, bachelor’s degrees in agriculture and health science, and revisions in the interdisciplinary studies metals program that would lead more naturally to the four-year manufacturing degree.

The University welcomes the participation of alumni, friends, and interested citizens in the accreditation and review process. Until a formal graduate survey is initiated, alumni are invited to send comments on the quality of their educational experience at Northern to: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, MSU-Northern, P.O. Box 7751, Havre, MT 59501. 

In accordance with Commission policy, the University invites third party comment, in writing, concerning MSU-Northern’s qualifications for re-accreditation. Comments may be addressed to: Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Colleges, 11130 N.E. 33rd Place, Suite 120, Bellevue, Washington 98004. Comments will be accepted only when they are submitted in writing and signed.

Aurora Borealis is published in October, January, and May by the Northern Alumni Association and the MSU-Northern University Relations Office, P.O. Box 7751, Havre, MT 59501. This publication is available electronically at http://polaris.nmclites.edu

Opinions expressed in the Aurora Borealis are those of the individuals expressing them, not of MSU—Northern or any other individual or group.

Montana State University—Northern is committed to a program of equal opportunity for education, employment, and participation in College activities without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, marital status, physical handicap, national origin, or because of mental handicap unless based on reasonable grounds. Persons with inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination should contact Human Resource Services at MSU—Northern or the Director, Office of Civil Rights, Federal Office Building, Denver, Colorado.
 
 

FALL 1997 ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI NOTES

1930’s
Wilbur M. Watters, ’36, and wife Bernice, have retired to Salem, Oregon. Wilbur was an administrator of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Roeburg, Oregon. He writes that he would "enjoy hearing from any of the old timers."

1940’s
Pat (Burke) Gudmundson, ‘__, wrote the Alumni Association in April requesting information about Northern’s aviation students who were on campus during the summer of 1940. Called the Civilian Pilot Training program, the students attended ground school at the college, and learned to fly at the Etchart Flying School at the Airport. Pat remembers the government allowed one student in 10 to be female ( to avoid problems with discrimination) and the other two women in her class were Barbara (Mellblom) O’Neill, and Vivian (Green) Anderson. Pat and Gene Etchart of Glasgow are collecting information about students in the program to "write a little history of our part of the war effort and hopefully report on how many pilots went on to be airline pilots, military pilots, etc. If you have anecdotes you would like to share, you can contact Gudmundson at 1001 N. Haynes, Miles City, Montana, 59301-5508.
Doris Burress, ’47, traveled from her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to attend the Class of 1947 50-Year Reunion in May. She later forwarded a number of reunion snapshots for this issue of the Aurora Borealis, and wrote, "Autumn [Backe, a Northstar Student Ambassador who helped with the campus tour] is such a neat kid, treated us with the utmost patience and didn’t lose a one of us! You were all very gracious and I thank you for giving us such red carpet hospitality."

1950’s
Jack Hitchcock, ’58, and wife Pat (Milne), ’57, were married while students at Northern and write that they are now celebrating their 40th Anniversary. Pat has retired as a school counselor for the Shoreline School District in Seattle, Washington and they currently live in Sequim. They have two grown children, Laura and Dean.
Marilyn (Walker) McCartney, ’58, and husband Dick, ’60, have retired to Mead, Washington. They have two children, Gary and Lisa.

1960’s
Bob Itnyre, ’68, is at home in Twentynine Palms, California. He recently send the Alumni Association a press clipping from the Los Angeles Times that featured a discussion of colleges recasting themselves as universities to lure students and faculty. The article discussed some of the advantages and pitfalls of name changes, and quoted former MSU-Northern University Relations Director Lynn Hamilton, who discussed the 1994 name change at the Havre campus.
Mike Wojtowick, ’67, was named Professor Emeritus of Automotive Technology at MSU-Northern at the May Board of Regents Meeting. Mike retired two years ago from the automotive technology faculty. Mike’s wife, Marilyn (Draeger), ‘__, is a retired elementary school teacher. Together, they own M&M Salvage in Havre. Their son, Chad, will enter dental school this fall.
1980’s
Lois Ann (Nichols), ’85, and husband Pat Mader, ’83, are proud to announce the arrival of Nicholas Patrick Mader, born August 23 and weighing in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. He joins brothers and sisters Banjamin, Kendra, Colby and Ashley at home in Havre.
Steve Barton, ’__, and wife Denise (Plummer), ’85, recently sent an e-mail note from Sidney, Nebraska. Steve accepted a new position with Cabela’s as Outbound Operations Manager in their Sidney Distribution Center. In addition to all outbound order fulfillment, he is responsible for the ship-alone distribution center in Kearney, Nebraska, as well as all retail order fulfillment for the company’s retail division. Prior to this position, Steve worked for the Norm Thompson mail order company in Portland, Oregon, and later relocated with that company to West Virginia. While in Portland, Denise was the general manager for a chain of secretarial services, and in West Virginia she managed the office for a construction company that was building a new records facility for the Internal Revenue Service. Steve and Denise have two children: Chelsea, age six, and Taylor, age two.
Gary Ernest, ’84, is director of Rehabilitation Nursing at Horizon Mental Health Care in Eureka, California. After graduating from Northern, Gary earned National Certification in Rehabilitation Nursing and National Certification in Case Management. He and wife, Vicki, live in McKinleyville with their eight children.
Les Morse, ’86, has accepted a position as principal of Dzantik/I Heeni Middle School in Juneau/Douglas, Alaska. Prior to his appointment, he was a teacher in the high school Phoenix program, where students are required to create interdisciplinary projects using computers and other technology. Morse has been on the Juneau-Douglas High School faculty since 1990, first in the business department, then in social studies. Before moving to Juneau, he was a teacher, coach and advisor in the Lower Yukon School District. After graduating from Northern, he completed master’s degrees in educational leadership and policy studies and in educational technology at the University of Alaska Southeast.
Chuck Fyfe, ’86, and wife Michelle are at home in Billings, Montana, where Chuck is job manager for WMK Steel Fabrication and Design. They have one son, Samuel.
Paula (Gibson) Gardenier, ’89, lives in Missoula, Montana, and will begin her law studies this Fall Semester.
Mark Dolezal, ’89, was selected as the 1997 Coach of the Year by thenevada Wrestling Coaches Association after guiding the White Pine High School Bobcats to their second state AAA title in the past three years. White Pine High School is in Ely, Nevada.
Jake Lind, ’86, has been hired as the Meagher County Deputy Sheriff. Prior to his appointment he administered the block management program in Meagher County for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department.

1990’s
Rob Desch, ‘__, and wife Michelle (Monson), ‘__, are at home in Hiawatha, Iowa, just outside Cedar Rapids. Michelle works as a substitute teacher for the Cedar Rapids school system, primarily in Special Education classes, and Rob writes that "she really enjoys it. I was recently promoted as a Technical Operations Specialist for Toyota. In my position I am now authorizing approximately two million dollars worth of claims a year. We are online and can be reached at Kalispell7@aol.com. if anyone is in Iowa, drop us a line or an e-mail."
Lance Wasson, ’93, is COT Manager at the Forsyth, Montana, Farm Service Agency Office.
Stephanie Konesky, ’94, is a contract administrator for the Department of Defense in Portland, Oregon. She writes that "I am almost finished earning a Master of Taxation degree at Portland State University."
Jeff Moos, ’94, is a mechanic and ranch hand for Ash Creek Farms near Terry, Montana.
William Yeagley, ’95, is an implementation engineer for Ericsson Radio in Beltsville, Maryland.
Jesse Voss, ’95, wife Lisa, and son Justin have moved to Laurel, Montana. 
 
 

SPOTLIGHTS
NEW NURSING FACULTY MEMBERS
Joan Van Duynhoven, a certified nurse midwife and Northern alumnae, joined the nursing faculty Fall Semester an instructor on the Havre campus. Prior to her appointment, she was a private practice nurse/midwife in Butte. She earned her associate’s degree from NMC in 1982, attended the School Nurse Achievement Program at the University of Colorado in 1983 and 1984, and completed her MS degree in nurse midwifery in 1995 from the University of Utah.
Judy Jacoby joins the nursing faculty on the Great Falls campus. A graduate of Northern’s associate degree and Bachelor of Science degree programs, she holds certifications in neonatal resuscitation, advanced cardiac life support, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid. She has served in numerous capacities at Montana Deaconess Medical Center in Great Falls, and prior to her appointment at Northern provided contracted RN services to the Rocky Boy Clinic.
Gaayle Gransbery comes to the nursing faculty after completing her graduate program at Montana State University-Bozeman. She has served as a charge nurse at the Bozeman Care Center, was Student Health Nurse at Western Montana College in Dillon, was a nursing supervisor at Parkview Convalescent Center and staff nurse at Barrett Hospital, both in Dillon.
Trish Goudie has accepted a position teaching medical-surgical nursing at MSU-Northern. She recently completed a nurse-midwifery clinical residency at W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque Technical-Vocational Institute, and earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. She has worked as a childbirth educator, float nurse, perinatal nurse, charge nurse and rehabilitation, medical/surgical staff nurse at Benefis East Health Care in Great Falls.
Jan Leishman-Donahue will be teaching the MSU-Northern nursing faculty in Lewistown. She is a graduate of the University of Montana, MSU-Bozeman and the University of Utah where she earned her master’s degree specializing in parent child nursing and nurse-midwifery. She opened and owned the first birth center in Montana, providing full scope nurse-midwifery care, and has served as an instructor in the Carroll College nursing program.
Loretta Anderson has accepted a tenure-track position as an assistant professor of nursing. From her home in Fort Shaw, Montana, she has been an instructor for Northern’s program since 1994. She earned her BSN degree at MSU-Bozeman in 1984 and a Master of Science degree in Gerontological Nursing from the University of Arizona in 1990. She has served as director of nursing for Teton Medical Center in Choteau, Montana and Pueblo Norte Nursing Center in Show Low, Arizona, was a staff nurse at Columbus Hospital in Great Falls.
Theresa Petersen joins the nursing faculty on a tenure-track appointment as an instructor. A graduate of MSU-Northern, Theresa has 20 years experience as a Registered Nurse. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Technology degree in Business, and Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Northern and will complete a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington 

Campaign Goals
1. Laboratory and Program Enhancement will provide the additional margin of excellence to ensure our students have the most modern and up-to-date equipment upon which to learn. Technical and scientific equipment is essential for the University to fulfill its technical mission.

The University seeks $2,750,000 in this category and, within that amount, to establish a $1,000,000 endowment to ensure a continuing flow of financial support for the laboratories. 

The University seeks $3,000,000 to fully staff and support this endeavor. 

Northern will seek $500,000 for new program development funds to provide the catalyst for new program thrusts. 

The University is seeking $750,000 in this area to ensure the ongoing support necessary. 

The University seeks to attract $500,000 for this project. 

To support equipment, data base subscriptions and operations Northern will seek to establish a learning resources endowment of $1,000,000 to ensure our future students’ access to the necessary information. 

The University will seek to make $500,000 available for this purpose. 

The University seeks $1,000,000 in general scholarship support to attract and retain students. 
 

Un-designated funds raised through the Phonathon support publication of this alumni newspaper, other Alumni Association mailings, and Alumni activities such as reunions, Homecoming, the Athletic Hall of Fame, On-the Road Socials, and the daily operation of the Alumni Office. Gifts may also be designated to scholarships, departments, or special campus projects. Your student caller has additional information, or you can contact the Alumni and Foundation Office at 406/265-3711 for details.
 
 

Alumni News Fall 1997
Northern students will be "on the line" again October 19 through November 13 for the Fall 1997 Alumni Association Phonathon. During this initial phase of calling, they will concentrate on 1997 graduates and new donors, updating Alumni Association files and asking alumni to contribute to a variety of Alumni Association and campus projects.

Currently enrolled students have been hired by the Association to call Alumni Sunday through <Wednesday?> evenings from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. These same students will return Spring Semester to call last year’s donors February 8 through March 12, again to update records and ask them to renew their gift for 1998. The students receive a salary for the hours they call, and an additional commission based on the gifts received by the Association. Last year the Alumni Association gifts received through the Phonathon totaled $43,181 from 1610 donors for an average donation of nearly
 
 

FOUNDERS’ DAY NOMINATIONS NEEDED
Founders’ Day at Montana State University-Northern is a special graduation week tradition that honors and recognizes individuals who promote the ideals of service and excellence. Founders’ Day is a time when alumni, friends, faculty and students rekindle the spirit of campus life and pause to reflect upon the people, places and events that have helped create an environment for lifetime learning and participation.

Once again this year MSU-Northern Founders’ Excellence Awards will be presented to individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the campus and who have received outstanding recognition within their own professional fields. The awards will be presented during the Founder’s Excellence Dinner the Friday before Commencement May 8, 1998. If you know of an alumnus or friend of MSU-Northern who you believe may deserve this award, please send a letter of nomination, including a brief biographical sketch and the name, address(es) and phone number(s) of your nominee to:

CLASS OF 1948 REUNION SET FOR MAY 8 AND 9, 1998
Prepare to be treated royally! The Northern Alumni Association is once again planning the 50-Year Reunion for members of the Class of 1948 for May 8 and 9, 1998. This is a wonderful weekend for those who participate. Alumni are the key to any reunions success, so members of the Class of 1948 are invited to reserve the weekend May 8 and 9, 1998 on their calendars today!

Traditional Reunion weekend activites include a Chancellor’s luncheon, campus tour and class meeting Friday afternoon with a special recognition for class members Friday evening at the Founder’s Excellence Awards and Reunion Banquet.

Saturday morning the Class of 1947 "Golden Graduates" will march in the processional and be awarded a special anniversary diploma during the graduation ceremonies in the gymnasium, then they join with alumni, faculty, students and guests for an elegant brunch in the Student Union Building. A tour of "Havre Beneath The Streets may be available Friday or Saturday afternoon, and the weekend concludes with a social hour and barbecue Saturday evening. 

Brochures will be in the mail to members of the Class of 1947 soon. If you would like to help with the reunion planning, or if you need more information, contact the Alumni and Foundation Office at 406/265-3711 or toll-free at 1-800-662-6132.
 
 

SPORTS BRIEFS
SKYLIGHTS VOLLEYBALL
Joining the MSU-Northern Skylights volleyball team this year are Havre High standout Janelle Gillies, Sara McMillan of Helena Capital, and Laura Munson of Chinook. Also at 5-10, Anaconda High School standout Melissa Wolfe will be playing for the the Skylights as a freshman. Coach Kelly Green predicts she will be a valuable asset to the team. She also lettered in basketball and track for the Copperheads. Kamee Kunick, former Skylgiht basketball standout joins the volleyball team this year.

LIGHTS WRESTLING
Wrestler Turk Lords placed third overall at the Espoir National Freestyle Tournament hosted by Purdue University in May. A redshirt for the Lights last year, Lords will fill the 190-pound slot for the upcoming season.

Cut Bank High School Standout Brandon Fetters, a four-time state placer with a 143-9 prep record will join the Lights at the 126 weight class this season. Shelby’s Peter Benjamin, state B-C title holder at 160 pounds, and Glendives Robbie Dockter, a 145-pound state finalist, and Dane Jacobsen, national sixth place holder at 177 pounds, will also hit the mats as freshmen recruits. 

Sophomore Ohio State University transfer Ryan Henry will wrestle at the 158 to 167 pound slot. He hails from Oregon where he was a four-time state finalist. Glenn Garrison of Portland, Oregon is transferring from Clackamas Community College in Oregon City. Wrestling at 142 pounds, he was the 1997 National Junior College Champion. James Stoffer, a transfer from Western Wyoming Community College and a Lewiston, Idaho native at 177 pounds, Casey Pinion, a sophomore transfer from Jamestown College at 150 pounds, and Seth Swingley a 1996 graduate of Great Falls High who has been off the mat the past year attending the University of Montana and MSU-Northern at Great Falls, round out the recruits for coach David Ray.

SKYLIGHTS BASKETBALL
Joining the Skylights basketball team this years are Heather Hofmann and Kristine Noel, junior transfers from Salt Lake City Community College. Hofmann will major in mathematics and brings with her a 4.0 GPA. A 5’7" guard, Noel shoots 50 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line. 6’9" Kelly Robbins, a junior transfer from Yakima Valley Community College in Washington will fill the post position. There are five freshmen entering the program. Chrissy Reade from Prosser, Washington, is a 5/9" point guard. Anna Fabatz of Butte is a 5/7" guard. Jill Skaer os a 5’8" guard from Great Falls. Kelsy Burgamier, a 6’0" forward, is from Power and rounding out the freshman class is Brianne Dunn, a 5’10" guard/forward from Colstrip.

LIGHTS BASKETBALL
Assistant men’s basketball coach Tim Walker was named in May to lead the Lights program in the 1997-98 season, replacing former head coach Loren Baker who retired in March after 17 years with the institution.

A graduate of Rocky Mountain College, Walker earned his master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Northern, and has been as assistant in the Lights program for three years. Before coming to Northern, he taught and coached Boy’s basketball and football at Columbus High School. Walker says he intends to focus his recruiting efforts on Montana student-athletes and develop a strong relationship between the men’s program and the
 
 

ALUMNI NOTES
LICENSE PLATES
Montana’s 1997 legislature again aauthorized the popular campus affinity license plates. New designs have been approved by campus presidents, chancellor’s, and deans to reflect the name changes made in 1994 by the Montana Board of Regents. The new license plate designs will be unveiled in January, 1998 so that alumni and friends can have the option of using the new designs and current names in 1998. 

By purchasing a MSU-Northern license plate for your vehicle you are helping support student scholarships. When you initially purchase the affinity plate, $20 of your fee goes to the Foundation Scholarship program. Each year you renew that license, the scholarship program receives $20. This is an excellent way to support student recruitment at retention at Northern, so consider a new "Northern" place when licensing your vehicle in 1998!
 
 

HALL OF FAME
NOMINATE OUTSTANDING ATHLETES
The Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes players, managers and coaches who have made outstanding contributions to athletics at either Northern Montana College or Montana State University-Northern. Other individuals, for outstanding and meritorious service to Northern Athletics, may also be recognized.

Honorees are presented with a commemorative award in ceremonies on campus and are included in the Athletic Hall of Fame display in the Gymnasium.

Before election of any person to the Athletic Hall of Fame, the Selection Committee requires a written "nomination" consisting of the following: 

collegiate and/or coaching records of the nominee, including conference, district and national honors and awards; 
achievements and honors since graduation/leaving Northern; 
professional and service accomplishments; 
other honors and awards;
and a brief biographical sketch. 

In order for the nominees name to appear on the ballot, the Selection Committee must also receive: 

three letters of support from any of the following: the president, chancellor, dean or athletic director of the nominee’s institution, present or past coaches, or present or former teammates a recent photograph of the nominee. 

The main criteria for selection into the Athletic Hall of Fame is the achievement of individual athletic honors in the sport being considered. Consideration will be given for years participated at Northern and the number and type of All-Conference, All-District, and All-American honors achieved at Northern

The selection committee will begin meeting later this year to review candidates for presentation during Homecoming 1998, Saturday, February 14. The deadline for submitting nominations for consideration is December 1, 1997. For more information, contact the Alumni and Foundation Office, 406/265-3711. Nominations may be submitted to the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, c/o Northern Alumni Association, P.O. Box 7751, Havre, MT 59501.
 
 

VICA GOLD
Students Jason Stroh and Kevin Creech brought home the gold from the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) National Leadership Conference and Skills USA Championships in late June. Creech earned his first-place gold medal in the diesel equipment technology competition and Stroh won first place in the Automotive Technology contest at the national contest in Kansas City.

To be eligible for nationals, the two also had to win the respective post-secondary contests at the state level.
 
 

TUITION INCREASE
Montana’s Board of Regents in May approved a $7.6 million increase in tuition and fees for the 31,000 students attending the University System. Tuition rates at the six four-year university campuses and the five two-year colleges of technology will climb an average 6.5 percent. When combined with additional student fees, the increase is about 7.5 percent.
 
 

SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
MSU-Northern joined the Havre Public Schools on a "Wheel of Education" partnership that was christened in a May meeting in Donaldson Commons. The educational partnership contains four major components: shared technology, staff development, student teaching and field experiences, and research and graduate education. Subcommittees will work on projects in these areas during the coming year in an effort to strengthen services for faculty from both institutions and students.
 
 

INTERNET CENTER
MSU-Northern has received a $21,314 grant from the USDA Rural Development Office to assist in the creation of a Rural Internet Business Incubator Center within the Computer Information Systems program on campus. Assistant professors Roger Stone and Jay Howland will work with students to operate the Center with the goal of helping people use the Internet for business development. Students will be given an opportunity to work on projects in either a work-study capacity or as part-time employees. 
 
 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGREEMENT
The affiliated campuses of Montana State University have signed-off on an agreement that will guarantee the transfer of 36 credit hours of University System core requirements taken at Dawson Community College in Glendive and Miles Community College in Miles City. The agreement also includes an option for joint admission to MSU to students enrolled at the two community colleges. The joint admission agreement will be effective for the spring semester of 1998. 

MSU-Northern took the clinical portion of the Associate degree Nursing program to Lewistown this past Summer Semester and, thanks to an overwhelming response from the community, will enroll approximately 20 students at the Lewistown extended campus during the coming year.

According to Dr. Jackie Swanson, chairperson of the Department of Nursing, the university selected Lewistown as the site for program expansion for two reasons: community demand and an over-use of clinical facilities by various nurse training program in Great Falls. "Because Northern’s non-nursing programs offered through Extended Learning and NorthNet have been so well received, we knew we’d find a strong base in Lewistown," she explained. Course work is being delivered by on-site faculty and through the NorthNet distance learning system set up in the basement of the Central Montana Medical Center. Clinical experiences are provided by CMMC, Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center and various doctor’s offices and clinical settings in the community.

With the exception of three classes, introduction Associate degree Nursing courses and general education pre-requisites are now offered in Lewistown as well as at the Havre campus. According to Swanson, by offering the upper division A.D.N. courses in Lewistown, students will benefit from the full curriculum of psychiatric nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and obstetric-pediatric nursing. 
 
 

SPORTS
Joining the MSU-Northern Skylights volleyball team this year are: Havre High standout Janelle Gillies,eleementary education major, Sara McMillan of Helena Capital,education. Laura Munson of Chiinook, Jacklyn MacDonald, a former Missoula Big Sky standout who played for the 1995 state Class AA championship team who has been a student at UM. 5-10 Anaconda High School standout Melissa Wolfe joined theee Skylights volleyball team this fall as a freshman red-shirt. She also lettered in basketball and track for the Copperheads. 

Wrestler Turk Lords placed third overall at the Espoir National Freestyle Tournament at Purdue University in May. A redshirt for the Lights last year, Lords will fill the 190-pound slot for the upcoming season.

Cut Bank High School Standout Brandon Fetters, a four-time state placer with a 143-9 prep record will join the lights at the 118 to 126 weight class. Shelby’s Peter Benjamin, state B-C title holder at 160 pounds; and Glendives Robbie Dockter, a 145 pound state finalist and Dane Jacobsen, predicted to start at 167 pounds. Sophomore Ohio State University transfer Ryan Henry will wrestle at the 158 to 167 pound slot. Glenn Garrison of Portland, Oregon is transferring from Clackamas Community College in Oregon City. Wrestling at 142 pounds, he was the 1997 National Junior College champion. James Stoffer, a transfer from Western Wyoming Community College and Lewiston, Idaho native at 177 pounds, Casey Pinion, a sophomore transfer from Jamestown College at 150 pounds , and Seth Swingley aa 1996 graduate of Great Falls High who has been off the mat the past year attending the University of Montana and MSU-Northern at Great Falls..

Joining the Skylights basketball team this years are: Heather Hofmann and Kristine Noel, junior transfers from Salt Lake City Community College. A post player with a quick first step, Hofmann will major in mathematics and brings with her a 4.0 PGA. A5’7" guard, Noel shoots 50 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line. 6/#" kelly Robbins, a junior transfer from Yakima Valley Community College in Washington at the post position, communications and psychology; Brianne Dunn of Colstrip, a two-time All-Stater;

Toby Stack, a former Missoula Loyola standout, has transferred into the Lights basketball program from North Idaho College. A 6’ guard, Stack earned all-state honors his junior and senior seasons. Dan Lutke, a 6-5 guard from Reedpoint, was the leadingprep scorer in Montana earning all-state honors his junior and senior year; Miles Helm of Indianaapolis, Indiana, attended Lincoln Trails Community College after graduating in 1990 and has since been working in the Indianapolis area. He joins cousin Steve Helm on the Lights Squad. He enrolled Spring Semester and out with the Lights every day a physical education major at 6/5 220 pounds has greaaaaaat skillss averaged 20 points per game his junior and senior years in high school

Assistant men’s basketball coach Tim Walker was named in May to lead the Lights program in the 1997-98 season, replacing former head coach Loren Baker who retired in March after
 
 

NORTHNET DEDICATION
Nearly two years after the first grant was written, MSU-Northern’s NorthNet distance learning facility in Hagener Science Center held its first formal open house in Havre Sunday, September 7, for the campus and community, showcasing what has been termed the "premiere telecommunications network" in the northwestern United States. Thanks to the efforts of the Rural Telephone Cooperative consortium known as Vision Net, course work is currently delivered to more than 50 cities and towns in Northern’s remote service area.

The Open House, scheduled to coincide with the MSU-Northern Foundation Fall Fund Drive Barbecue held Sunday evening in the Student Union Ballroom, credited the role played by Vision Net in connecting the fiber optic ‘backbone’ that carries the NorthNet signal. That same backbone allows participating high schools to share information, faculty and course work amongst themselves. The University also uses the NorthNet system during the day to deliver the Quick Start program for high school students who want to start their college studies early.

The interactive television studios viewed by alumni and friends September 7 contain state-of-the-art equipment and software connected to a fiber-based, two-way interactive compressed video system with over 3,000 miles of cable. The system is set up for point-to-point communications as well as multi-site conferences. There are two studios in Hagener Science Center capable of accomodating classes of between 20 and 40 students. Additional classroom studios are located at Northern’s Northwest Bypass Center in Great Falls, at Northern’s facility in the Central Montana Hospital in Lewistown, and other locations, primarily high schools, throughout the state. 

NorthNet courses are designed to meet the needs of adults who are unable to attend classes on a typical class schedule. The courses are offered at an originating site, a specially designed classroom located at MSU-Northern or any of the other NorthNet locations. The instructor teaches from this special classroom. Some students usually are in the same classroom with the instructor. Other students are located at other sites throughout the state that are "linked" to the originating site through the NorthNet system. 

The NorthNet system provides immediate two-way interaction and communication between the instructor at the originating site and students in various receive sites. "Two-way interactive" means that students at any of the NorthNet sites can see and hear people at all the other sites. It is like being in the same room, except that they are miles away. For more information about NorthNet undergraduate and graduate courses available in your community or a nearby local, contact the MSU-Northern Office of Extended Learning, 406/265-3730 or toll-free 1/800-662-6132.
 
 

SERVICE SCHOLARS
Northern awarded 20 new $500 scholarships to currently enrolled students in recognition of their service to the University and community. The scholarships are funded by gifts to the MSU-Northern Foundation. The 1997 scholarship recipients are: Dallas Falcon, a senior history education major from Poplar; Mavis Alex, a junior IDST major from Havre; Andrew Worm, a senior drafting technology major from Stanford and Helena; Kristin Peach, a graduate student from Havre; Serena Ekegren, a senior business major from Simms; Paul Schafer, a sophomore nursing major; Frank Miller, a graduate student from Chinook; Jeff Weaverling, a sophomore design/drafting major; Lisa Hendrickson, a junior business major from Havre; Peder Gunness a nursing major from Livingston; Autumn Baak, a junior design/drafting major from Fort Benton; Jolene Kinsella, a computer information systems major from Havre; Christopher Skinner, a senior manufacturing technology major from Lakeside, Wayne Armstrong, a senior automotive technology major from Townsend; Krista Munson, a senior business education major from Chinook; Bryan Potts, a biology major from Cut Bank; Robert True, a junior electronics engineering major from Havre; Lawrence Thomas, a senior business technology major from Great Falls; Srah McKinney, a freshman elementary education major from Havre, and Kari (Boyd) Evan, a junior elementary education major from Eureka.

The MSU-Northern Foundation developed the service program to meet a variety of needs on campus, according the Executive Director Tom Reynolds. "College students are often characterized as self-absorbed and materialistic. This is definitely not an accurate portrait of Northern’s students. The Foundation established these scholarships to recognize those students who are involved in service learning, and to encourage other students to follow their example," he added. 
 
 

Northern Showcase invites you to "Feel the Beat" in 1997-98 with eight professional entertainers scheduled for six lively evening performances through the year. 

The Series opened September 3, the beginning of Fall Semester at MSU-Northern, with the Shakespeare in the Parks performance of "Loves Labour’s Lost" at 6:00 p.m. on the East Hall Lawn. Open to the public free of charge thanks to numerous sponsorships, the performance helped introduce the series to the community and season tickets were on sale.

The next production will be Saturday, December 20, when Showcase hosts the Montana Chorale and the Chinook Winds quintet in a special concert for the Holidays at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. The Montana Chorale is a professional chamber choir of 24 voices. Organized in 1976 to represent the state of Montana at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during the Bicentennial Parade of American Music, the chorale showcas3es the finest choral musicians in Montana. Their concerts cover the full range of choral literature, from folk songs to the classics.

Chinook Winds of the Great Fall Symphony is a "traditional" woodwind quintet consisting of oboe, flute, bassoon, clarinet and French horn. The ensemble was established in 1992 and serves as a professional performance group, first chair ‘principals’ in the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra, as regular players in the Glacier Orchestra, and as resources to area music teachers.

Another dynamic duo headline the Showcase schedule Thursday, February 26, when the Mask Woman and John Dunnigan

appear on the Havre High Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m. The Mask Woman is a solo performance about masks that is a much stand-up comedy as it is dance, mime and theatre. With an array of expressive masks and precise movement technique, the Mask Woman illuminates aspects of the human condition in a series of vignettes that range from bizarre to comic to poignant. 

Whitefish singer/songwriter John Dunnigan completes and complements the evening with a unique blend of folk, blues, country and rock, sparked by his humor and style. Headquartered in Whitefish, Dunnigan has opened for national rock and country bands. You will undoubtedly enjoy is original tunes that blend a little fact with a little fiction in the wilds of Montana.

Tingstad and Rumbel have the Havre High stage Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m., offering the audience a unique opportunity to hear enjoyable new instrumental music that can transport them from an English garden to the depths of a beautiful Northwest forest, from a waltz for coyotes to perhaps the only Norwegian Flamenco dance ever written. Performing together for over 11 years, they have recorded eight albums and three solo releases.

The Montana Repertory Theatre returns to Havre Saturday, April 4, with their production of "Swingtime Canteen", celebrating doughnuts, Snoods, wedgies and all girl bands, laughs, tears and air raids. This springtime production takes you back to London 1944 as faded MGM movie star Marian Ames gathers up an all-female band from the Hollywood Canteen to begin a tour of front line bases. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.

The Drum Brothers cap the Showcase Season April 21 with a concert featuring original West African, and world music on a variety of percussion and ethnic instruments. The four member rhythm ensemble specializes in unique arrangements, close harmony vocals and audience participation.

MSU-Northern has coordinated the Northern Showcase Series as a service to Havre, the Hi-Line and campus community for nearly 20 years. The Series is organizes and directed by a volunteer committee composed of community members, faculty, staff and students of MSU-Northern

Single event admission prices for each professional event other than Shakespeare in the Parks is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Showcase Series season tickets are available for a limited time at $20 for an Adult, $15 for a student and $50 for a family. For season tickets or more information about the Northern Showcase Series, contact Dee Heltne at 265-5254 or Denise Brewer at 265-3732.
 
 
 
 

SIX MILL LEVY
Once every decade Montanans have an opportunity to demonstrate their support for higher education when the six mill property tax levy for the Montana University System appears on the general election ballot. The opportunity presents itself again during the 1998 general election.

Despite the continual controversy over the state’s tax structure and property tax assessment, Montana people have shown their support for the six mill levy for the past 70 years. It captured 58.8 percent of the vote in 1968, 67.2 percent of the vote in 1978 and 64.1 percent of the vote in 1988, carrying all 56 counties.

Senate Bill 133 passed the 1997 legislature, authorizing the six mill levy to go before the voters during the 1998 general election. The measure will appear on the ballot as R-113. 

Montana’s colleges and universities face a different world in 1998, a different political environment and new rules and regulations that will severely limit sources of funding for promoting passage of the levy.

A Republican Governor and republican dominated legislature have firmly resisted increased funding for the Montana University system for the past two biennial sessions. Tax revolt initiatives in 1994 and a citizen’s initiative in 1996 have threatened the very flow of the general fund stream that supports higher education. During the 1997 legislative session both political parties attempted to make property tax reduction and reform their issue. The property tax "freeze" is sometimes seen as benefiting the high growth regions of western Montana, adding fuel to the arguments promoting drastic change.

In addition, voters in 1996 approved I-125 which prohibits "direct corporate spending on ballot issues." Recently signed in to law, House Bill 575, which expands I-125 to ballot campaigns. Nearly 48 percent of the support for the 1998 six mill levy campaign came from Montana university and college non-profit foundations. That source of revenue is gone in 1998.

The courts may restore corporate and non-profit contributions for ballot issues, but experts predict that may take months to decide. It appears that the success of the 1998 six mill campaign depends on grass roots support. 

In 1988 the Citizen’s Committee for Continuing the Six Mill Levy for Support of Higher Education raised $133,524.45. Based on the 1988 effort, a minimum budget of $150,000.00 is anticipated for the 1998 campaign. Individual contributions at $25, $50 and $100 at a time are needed to finance the 1998 campaign. Fundraising will begin soon. 

Bob Brown, former senator from Whitefish, has been retained to manage the six-mill levy campaign for the Montana University System. The campuses will be sponsoring a workshop for all alumni association presidents, interested board members and campus contacts on the MSU-Bozeman campus November 22 beginning at approximately 9 a.m. in Ballroom C of the Strand Union. The workshop will last about two hours and will deal with all aspects of the six mill levy including what alumni associations may or may not do under new state laws. The meeting will coincide with the November Board of Regents meeting.

Even with frozen property values, the six mill levy is projected to account for $28,000,000.00 in University System funding over the upcoming biennium. The total value to the University system over the next decade is $140,000,000.00. Higher Education needs your support today. To volunteer your time, or to make a contribution, contact the MSU-Northern Alumni Association at 265-3711.

Just recently we completed the self-study process in preparation for an October Accreditation visit by the Northwest Commission on Colleges. This occurs every ten years and the Commission is the same organization that is responsible for evaluating and accrediting all institutions of higher education in Utah, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

The Northwest Accreditation Committee scheduled to visit campus October __, will also make some recommendations about future planning at MSU-Northern. Daehling anticipates one of the recommendations will deal with collaborative relationships between the administration and faculty.

NW will also discuss with regents the direction of the institution as far as affiliation with other MUS campuses.
 
 

Highlights
EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

Aboard the Fun Ship Fascination
Join Alumni and Friends for the 6th Annual Montana Alumni Cruise
January 16 through January 24, 1998

Depart from San Juan and visit the islands of St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Dominica, and Martinique for the low price of $1535 per person double occupancy inside cabin or $1576 per person double occupancy outside cabin. This low price include roundtrip air transportation from Montana gateway cities, one night hotel in San Juan, transfers from airport to hotel, hotel to pier and pier to airport, plus a voluntary donation to the school of your choice.

A deposit of $200 per person is required when reservations are confirmed. Final payment is due November 7, 1997.

For an informative brochure for further information contact:

ALUMNI NEWS FALL 1997
Montana’s 1997 legislature again aauthorized the popular campus affinity license plates. New designs have been approved by campus presidents, chancellor’s, and deans to reflect the name changes made in 1994 by the Montana Board of Regents. The new license plate designs will be unveiled in January, 1998 so that alumni and friends can have the option of using the new designs and current names in 1998. 

By purchasing a MSU-Northern license plate for your vehicle you are helping support student scholarships. When you initially purchase the affinity plate, $20 of your fee goes to the Foundation Scholarship program. Each year you renew that license, the scholarship program receives $20. This is an excellent way to support student recruitment at retention at Northern, so consider a new "Northern" place when licensing your vehicle in 1998!