Dear alums and friends:

Greetings from Northern! As you may already know, MSU-Northern has had an exciting, fun and historic spring semester. First, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Department of Commerce Director Tony Preite, a Northern grad and 2008 Founders' Excellence Award winner, came for the open house for the new ASTM Certification Lab and the Kiewit Oil Lab at Northern. They were joined by several other state and county officials for a day of demonstrations and discussions about the huge resource we have right here on campus to serve industry and Montana. Right on the heels of that event, we were chosen to host a visit from former President Bill Clinton on April 1, 2008. Donaldson Alumni Commons was the site of an early morning meeting between a Native American contingent and the President. He also spoke to a large crowd in the Armory Gym. In all, it was exciting and historic for MSU-Northern.

In the weeks since, we hosted the Class of '58 for the Golden Anniversary of their graduation on May 9th and 10th that included the Founders' Excellence Awards on the 9th and Graduation on May 10th. The alumni Reunion Committee has worked diligently over the years to provide a first rate celebration honoring our "Golden Grads. If your 50 Year class reunion is coming soon, you won't want to miss it. Be sure we have you correct class year for reunions in our records for you.

As exciting as all this is, we are set back by the news that the institution has made the decision to move the alumni and foundation offices out of Donaldson because of a failing heating system. They are looking into alternate ways to heat the commons so it can continue to be used. We will let you know more when we know more.

The cold storage building project for the Goose and Gander is becoming a reality. The cement slab is being poured this spring and the construction program will finish the building this fall. The Alumni Association would like to send a big thank you to those who have sent their support. After many years of care by the Association, the Galloping Goose has had a new paint job, to new motor, and new seating, as well as a general check up and repair (thanks to Jeremiah Nitz and Dave Chinadle). Now we will have a proper place to store it that provides better access and space. If you want to help us with the remaining expenses, we are still accepting contributions to this project.

The new courtyard has a new clock donated by the Havre Rotary Club that was just installed and will make a nice addition to that beautiful new area. We hope to make use of this area, weather permitting, for our Homecoming barbeque on September 20th, 2008. That will also mark the "Return of the Rockin' Penguins" a 60's band with Russ Verbael (hometown was Dutton, MT), Stan Strom (Shelby), Hugo Anderson (Medicine Lake), Dick Cotton (Glasgow), Rich Ullom (Conrad). We encourage all 60's alums especially to set the date aside and come back for Homecoming!

Thank you for your loyal support of MSU-Northern and her students. Without it this alumni newsletter, the sixteen alumni scholarships (increased by 2 this year), or the multiple activities that we support and participate in would not happen. Your support is what keeps it going through our annual phonathon. When our students call you, please remember that they are our own student's not professional telemarketers. They will be giving you an opportunity to provide us with correction to your current mailing information, to inquire about campus activities and events, and to support our efforts at whatever level that you feel is appropriate. We will provide an opportunity for you to send a donation, prior to the start of the calls. Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!

Judy Bricker `69