Dear alums and friends:

This is the year of our celebration of MSU Northern's 75th Anniversary. If you haven't had a chance to check our website for the 75th Anniversary, do so, it's a great journey through some of the most important and exciting happenings in Northern's history. You'll have a sense of pride for a tough and determined little school by the time you're through. If you meant to help us out with the festivities and events, but just haven't gotten your check in the mail, it's not too late to do it and still get a tax deduction for this year. Remember that we are offering the "Northern Reflections" history book and the commemorative Christmas ornament of Donaldson Hall for a contribution of $75.00 or more.

Many things have been accomplished on campus this year and many more are in the planning stages. Cowan Hall got a much needed upgrade with new windows and new heating and air conditioning. Those of you who struggled to stay awake on those hot summer days on third floor now have a unique story to tell your grandchildren that today's students won't be able to relate. Another big achievement is the fiber optic wiring of the main dorm, MacKenzie Hall and the paving of the loop in front of Cowan and Donaldson Hall. The SUB loop is planned for next year and will tie into the new Applied Technology Center. Some of this campus' long deferred maintenance is being addressed as is feasible.

A special thank you goes out to Larry Williams, '61, from San Marcos, California! He just sent us the money necessary to rescue the "Galloping Goose" from any more excursions with one brake, no lights, no windshield and an overheated radiator. There are plans for other repairs also, but these have become critical to the safety of those who want to travel with her and those who might be in her path.

Your Association Board of Directors are a hard working, committed group. Without their planning and hard work, combined with your financial support, this newsletter, our fourteen scholarships, and the multiple activities we host each year would not happen and Northern's voice would be much smaller. Thanks to Hill County Electric Cooperative and Cal Long, Jean Winchell, Jerry Wier, Carol Jestrab and Ed Divish, Christmas lights were added to the big tree in front of Donaldson Hall in time for the campus tree lighting ceremony. The board once again decorated Donaldson Alumni Commons for the Holiday season.

We will be calling on our donors soon after the first of the year for our 2004-05 annual phonathon. We will again provide an opportunity for you to send a donation, prior to the start of the calls. Thank you for your loyalty and support of our efforts on behalf of MSU Northern and students.

Judy Bricker `69
Director of Alumni Affairs