MSU-N's history began in 1913 when the Thirteenth Legislative Assembly approved the purchase of land and buildings to establish the Northern Montana Agricultural and Manual Training School at Fort Assinniboine. This school, known to be the Northern Montana School, would be a two year college offering liberal arts, professional, and pre-professional courses. Dr. G.H. Vande Bogart would serve as the first President. Not only was lack of funding for operations delaying
this project but the tenacity of the legislature escalated. They did everything they could to impede its actual establishment. Some of the suggested bills were to restrict Northern to a
junior college and cut its budget significantly. However, the community of Havre rallied against them and won this long, hard fought battle. The doors finally opened for the first time on September 24th, 1929, in a temporary location.

In the preface of "A Northern Reflection", Louis E. & Antoinette R. Hagener, active and involved members of the Havre community stated: "The story of Montana State University-Northern is one of constant struggle: struggle for existence, for operating funds. for buildings for programs and for recognition. It is a story of great ideas that were thwarted, plans that failed or were foiled, of political intrigue and constant problems. It is a story of willingness to support the institution in every manner and to fight for it if need be." In the postlude they conclude: "The history also includes more than 95 years of political and economic challenges, unflagging local support, and a mission continually changing to meet the educational needs of Havre, Hill County, the Hi-Line, and the State of Montana. Proposed as a means of reserving some of the abandoned Fort Assinniboine's 111 brick buildings and 220,000 acres for local use, Northern has experienced a series of name changes, affiliations, and legislative intrigues that bring it to the 21 st century."

A big "thank you" goes out to the Havre area community for their strength, foresight, leadership, enthusiasm, pride, and most of all accomplishments in establishing the foundation for Northern. This story of a tenacious belief in educational opportunity for north central Montana will be
commemorated throughout the 2004-05 year. Without this support, we wouldn't have an opportunity to celebrate this tremendous history.

On September 17th, 2004 the year of commemoration begins with an opening ceremony and reception in conjunction with Havre's Fall Festival Days whose theme is "A Proud Past: A Promising Future." An action packed September and October follows with the annual Northern Alumni Association Scholarship Social and Auction on September 25th. October 8-9th marks the Northern Alumni Association Alumni Games and Hall of Fame presentations. Homecoming week will be October 25-30th with the Lights hosting Montana Tech. The Homecoming highlight will be the return of The Northern Sons of 60's fame to entertain us once again with their awesome talent and those beloved folk songs for the All School Reunion and barbeque. So, all alums, students, former and current faculty, and administration be sure to mark October 30th on your calendar and plan to attend Homecoming at Northern. Every month in the next school year will feature special events and activities through Commencement on May 7th, 2005 with the Class of '55 Golden Anniversary Reunion.

Calendar of Events

East Hall

Formal Dinner in Donaldson Hall

NMC Band and the "Galloping Goose" on parade

Graduation in the Pershing Ampitheater

The "Goose" serving as transportation for the students