Dear alums and friends:

Greetings from Northern! The final numbers aren’t in yet, but your continued support has made a big difference for the alumni association this year. We were able to honor all of our scholarships (including the two new ones), fund the Aurora Borealis as well as our other obligations in spite of the downturn in the economy. The alumni scholarships and the Aurora are two priorities in our alumni mission and they are important to the students here at Northern in that they directly provide information to alumni and friends about the University and financial assistance for students.

The year has been very busy and full. So busy, in fact, that the stories of just one year ago seem like they took place years ago. Last year, we reported that Donaldson Hall was to be closed in August because of the boiler heating system failure. In the winter, the alumni association purchased two large heaters to carry the building through the winter until it could be determined if there was a role for us to play in saving/renovating the building for future use. The more we learn, the more “issues” there are. A visit from the State Fire Marshal revealed electrical problems significant enough to preclude any safe use until the building is renovated. Any plans to restore heat to two floors won’t be sufficient for continued use. We all know the building was never built with modern technology needs in mind, but apparently even continued use of the basics is now a problem. Several entities are aware of the historical value of the building and are waiting to assist with energy efficiency projects and renovation options. There is a combined campus and community committee now waiting for a University supported go-ahead on the future use for Donaldson. They are working with both the Montana Preservation Alliance, the Montana Historical Preservation Association, and the Havre/Hill County Historical Preservation Association and are seeking endangered status for the building. In the meantime, the MSU-Northern Foundation is initiating a $2.5 million capital campaign to raise funds for four key areas here at Northern that are in serious need of help, but do not ever seem to make the short list for funds even in good times. Donaldson is one of those projects with funding needs to stabilize the building until the use and plans can be developed. You will be contacted with more information and to ask you for your support of this campaign as you are able. If you are not contacted, please let me know.

We have a new Chancellor, Dr. Frank Trocki of West Orange, New Jersey. We are excited to move forward and to work with him to secure and build on Northern’s role in the education of our leaders and our workforce for all of Montana. We hope that you will join us in giving him your cooperation and support.

In all, it has been a fulfilling and full year. Our nursing program posted the highest scores of any program in the state on the state licensing exams! This speaks to the quality of our students and their instructors. Our water quality two year program has been restored thanks to the efforts of several key alumni in the water quality field. They will be interested in the future of this program to meet an ever more critical need in our state and throughout the world. Our technology programs continue to excel and have been granted key funds to continue research in the bio-diesel and energy fields. This speaks to the creative excellence and energy of our faculty and staff in this area. Our athletic teams competed hard and are a source of pride for us, especially the academic honors they have garnered. Our students continue to work hard to secure an education in an ever more challenging environment and are deserving of our support. For all your support we thank you!

Judy Bricker, '69
Director of Alumni Affairs