December 2004

November 10, 2004 - The Fall, 2004, HHP 241 class is sponsoring a blood drive with United Blood Services on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 in the PE Compex Keltz Arena.

Everyone is encouraged to donate blood this year! To make this easier, UBS now has online registration. To access the schedule and make an appointment please go to the following link: http://www.unitedbloodservices.org and use umwestern as the sponsor code or call Janelle Handlos at 683-7391

November 9, 2004 - Dr. Michael Morrow, a University of Montana-Western biologist, has been awarded a five year, $900,000 grant from the Idea Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, a new program from the National Center for Resouces Center at the National Institutes of Health.

The grant is part of a 16.6 million dollar grant that is shared with biologists at the colleges, universities and tribal colleges in Montana. The grant program was designed to support biomedical research in the state and to get more students interested in the biomedical field. With the awarding of the grant, Morrow will be conducting one of eight research projects across Montana.

At UM-Western, this money will be used to hire two undergraduate student researchers in Morrow’s lab during the semesters as well as two full-time undergraduate students during the summers. These students will be working on their own cell biological research projects that address how proteins are transported in a pathogenic yeast.

The ultimate goal of Morrow’s research is to identify potential drug targets that could ultimately be used to help control a whole range of yeast infections.

In addition to hiring student researchers, the money from the grant will be used to hire a full-time laboratory technician and to purchase laboratory supplies. A large portion of the budget will be used to purchase major pieces of equipment to significantly strengthen the infrastructure of UM-Western’s biology and science labs. This equipment will greatly increase the diversity of laboratories that can be performed in courses such as cell/molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and biochemistry.

“This additional money will not only benefit the infrastructure of the sciences at UM-Western, but will also provide the resources for even more students to get this type of undergraduate research experience,” said Morrow. "The added resources makes our students competitive for many careers and schools in the health-related sciences.”

The awarding of the grant adds even more credence to one of the school’s newest programs, the Pre-Professional Health Sciences degree. Students pursuing this degree acquire a vast array of knowledge in biology and are prepared after graduation for careers or advanced studies in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physical therapy and many other professions. Student will also be prepared for admittance to graduate schools in many biological and chemistry fields.

“The program is only three years old, but has significantly increased in popularity, growing from five students the first year to 37 students this year,” added Morrow. “We are currently revamping the program to make it even stronger, and it will ultimately be a hard-core biology degree with all of the curriculum that students will need to get into their chosen fields. An experience doing “real science” in a working cell/molecular biology laboratory, something normally associated with larger universities, is an opportunity that can greatly benefit students at UM-Western. These students will be able to perform experiments on the cutting edge of a very exciting and growing field.”

October 18, 2004 - The National Tourism Foundation proudly recognizes Maren Olsen a senior from Boulder, as the recipient of the 2004 Montana Scholarship, a $500 scholarship. She is majoring in business, tourism and recreation at the University of Montana Western.

Olsen has served as the student activities assistant coordinator and president of the Residents' Hall Association. She will graduate this spring and wishes to pursue a career in event planning.

"The National Tourism Foundation is proud to reward deserving students, such as Maren Olsen. This year's scholars have proven their commitment to the travel and tourism industry, both academically and within their respective communities. These talented recipients ensure a positive future for this industry," said 2004 Foundation Chairman Roland Kreps.

Olsen also receives an invitation to the National Tour Association's Annual Convention in Toronto, Nov. 12-16. During the Convention, she will have the opportunity to network with more than 3,000 industry professionals, participate in roundtable discussions with NTA members and get a firsthand look at business negotiations in progress during the Tour Travel Exchange®.

To be eligible for the Montana Scholarship, applicants must be Montana residents and full-time students. They must have a 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale, be entering their junior or senior year of study and have a degree emphasis in a travel-and-tourism-related field. The National Tourism Foundation recently selected the University of Montana-Western to present the Montana Scholarship, which will be made available to qualifying students for the next five years.

To learn more about the Montana Scholarship fund, get information on hosting a fundraiser or make an individual contribution, contact Marlee Iverson, of the Montana Tourism Division at 406-444-2654. Inquiries may also be directed to the National Tourism Foundation at ntf@ntastaff.com. The National Tourism Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by the National Tour Association. The mission of the Foundation is to benefit society through the support of education and research, contributing to the values of travel and the preservation of tourism resources. Since 1982, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million to travel and tourism students in the form of grants, scholarships and awards.

October 4, 2004 - Formal dedication ceremonies for Daniel G. Block Hall are set for Saturday, October 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the south entrance of the building, The building was formally known as the Office-Classroom Building. The ceremonies will formally dedicate the building and recognize the contributions of Dr. Daniel G. Block to Western and to higher education.

Block was a Professor of Biological Science from 1961 to 1985 at Western. He was an pioneer in outdoor classroom teaching and was an integral part of the growth of programs at the Birch Creek Outdoor Education Center. During the 1970¹s, Block secured a grant to establish an Emergency Medical Technician program on the Western campus. He also established the first Drug Education class at Western. Block was instrumental in establishing a four-year Natural Heritage degree program at Western.



Here is the Program order for the dedication ceremonies:
Tom Yahraes - Introduction of special guests
Chancellor Richard Storey - Welcome
Tom Yahraes - Reading of Proclamation
Dr. Kenneth Bandelier - Presentation of permanent plaque
Dr. Daniel G. Block - acceptance
Reception & Tour of the Daniel G. Block Hall


Dan and his wife Gerayne have been married for 57 years. They are the parents of two sons, Garth and Bryan.

Sept. 26, 2004 - The Wellness Office of the University of Montana-Western is sponsoring their Fall Well-Check, Tuesday, October 12 for UM-Western Employees, family and retirees. Call 683-7441 to make an appointment. Free Blood Pressure checks and Colon Cancer test packets (Montana University System Group Health Plan Members) available.
A Wellness Check for Dillon community members is Wednesday, October 13 and on Thursday, October 14. No appointments needed. Free blood pressure checks will also be available.

The Well-Check is scheduled for 7:00 am to 10:30 am each day in the Lewis and Clark Room in Mathews Hall on the UM-Western Campus.

Screens include cholesterol (HDL & LDL), triglycerides, iron, glucose, potassium, and calcium. Thyroid, PSA, CBC and cardio CRP tests will also be available. A twelve hour fast before the screen is required and participants are asked to drink plenty of water.

Montana University System members receive one free screen every two years (there is a $20.00 charge for additional screens) and one free PSA test every year. Chem Screen (includes TSH) MUS Health Plan Members and UM-W Students,$25 and Community members $35. A PSA (with Chem Screen; MUS Health Plan Members, UM-W Students and Community members $24.00; PSA only $30.00. Complete Blood Count, $16.00. TSH only $23.00. Cardio C-RP, $36.00. Hemoglobin A1c, $30.00.

For more information, or to sign-up, please call the UM-Western Wellness Office at 683-7441.

Sept. 3, 2004 - The Jeni Fleming Acoustic Trio will appear in concert in Dillon at the University of Montana-Western¹s Beier Auditorium on September 17 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is presented by the Associated Students of the University of Montana-Western and the Southwest Montana Arts Council. Event sponsors are Beaverhead Bank, Trucker Anesthesia and an anonymous donor.
The Trio is led by Jeni's powerful and honest voice, capable of effortlessly delivering complex classical and modern jazz dichotomies in one breath, breezy folk tunes with a modern twist and vibrant original pop, in another. Her lush ballads simply drip with so much emotion and strength that her audiences routinely require tissue boxes on every chair. Rounding out the Trio's full-bodied melodies are Jake Fleming, Jeni's husband, on guitar and saxophone, and Chad Langford on bass. Each accomplished musicians in their own right, both Fleming and Langford add depth to the music while perfectly and intuitively knowing exactly how and when to enhance Jeni's soulful sound.

In 2002 the Trio toured the Midwest for three weeks and recorded their first live album The Trinity Tour. Released in December 2002 the CD showcases the Trio's outstanding musicianship. The Trinity Tour features a variety of styles, pop-infused folk tunes, jazz standards, originals, sacred classics, but in the end, the jazz comes out in every tune. With the material from their second tour, 2003, the Trio released their first studio effort , Things I Meant To Say, Dec. 2003. Both albums continue to be well received, garnering rave reviews and extensive air play on Public Radio

Jeni Fleming is a graduate of Montana State University, Bozeman, with a Bachelor of Music. She continues to sing and tour with the MSU Jazz Band, and has won 2 Outstanding Soloist Awards at the UNC Greeley Jazz Festival. She has performed 3 years in a row for the annual Jazz Montana Festival, opening for Hilton Ruiz and Dave Valentine in 2000, Nicholas Payton and Tim Warfield in 2001, and Cyrus Chestnut, Gary Bartz, and Stefon Harris in 2002.

In 1997 Jake and Jeni recorded their first album together, It Is Well. In 1998 toured for 11 months as a guitar/vocal jazz duo, and were featured on a nationally televised program by the Odyssey Channel.

Jake is also a graduate of MSU, Bozeman with a Bachelor of Music Education. He received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in 1992 and the Academic Excellence Award, 1994. He made his classical saxophone debut as the winner of the 1994 MSU Concerto Competition. Jake also shared the stage with Jeni opening for Nicholas Payton and Tim Warfield.

Chad earned his Bachelor of Music from MSU, Bozeman. Besides being involved in almost every performing group in the department and several ensembles in the Bozeman area, including the Bozeman Symphony, Chad concentrates his efforts on composition.

Join the Jeni Fleming Acoustic Trio for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening of music at the University of Montana-Western¹s Beier Auditorium, Friday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $6.00 for children and UM-Western students will be admitted free with their student I.D. For more information, call 683-7211.

DILLON - The University of Montana-Western is ranked at the top of its class by U.S. News & World Report magazine in their annual "Best Schools" edition.

Western is ranked first in the Best Public Comprehensive Colleges ‹ Bachelor's Division in the West region. There are over 300 comprehensive colleges, ranked within four regions: north, south, midwest and west. This division is comprised of institutions that focus on undergraduate education and offer a range of degree programs in the liberal arts and in professional fields. U.S. News & World Report uses peer assessment, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving to determine the ranking. Other criteria used for the rankings include: peer assessment, average freshman retention rate, average graduation rate, percent of classes under 20, percent of classes of 50 or more, student faculty ratio, percent of faculty who are full-time, SAT/ACT scores in the 25th to 75th percentile; freshmen in the top 25 percent of their class; acceptance rate, and average alumni giving rate.

August 2, 2004 -- This August, a new ensemble theatre company comes to Southwest Montana with the World Premiere of an original production entitled Saltwater. For two nights only, Montana audiences will have a rare opportunity to see a brand new creation by highly skilled actors from around the country and overseas. Performances will be in the Beier Auditorium on the campus of the University of Montana-Western August 6 and 7 at 7:30pm with a preview on August 5, also at 7:30pm.

Saltwater is a surreal saga of a family torn apart by loss. Slapstick comedy gives way to nocturnal dream worlds where tears fall into the surf and scales grow out of your side. Our sadistic host sets the tone: "Unlace your boots and let the blood fill your feet, for here's a tale on the darker side of sweet." At the center of it all are Andromeda and Eugenia, conjoined twins who despise each other. Their brothers can't remember dying and Mother can't tell any of them apart. Two of the main characters are actual fish on stage, with microphones of course. "It's such a roller coaster, one minute to the next," explains Gunnvá Zachariasen, a Danish actress coming to Dillon from Copenhagen. "Just when you think it's heading in one direction, a new revelation shoots us off in another. Time means nothing in this show." The ninety-minute show has no scene changes, in fact, giving a stream-of-consciousness feel to a very real set of events.

The development of the piece is a story as compelling as the script itself. The International Theatre Collective, a company of 12 theatre artists from across the nation and overseas was founded by Jeremy Sher, a professional actor and St. Louis native who spent the past eleven years working on stages around the world in everything from classical theatre to Japanese dance. "I wanted to work with an ensemble of actors who actually create theatre in the studio, not just interpret an existing text. Since nobody in town was doing this," says Sher, "I decided to set it up myself." He's joined by a hand-picked group of performers from New York, Seattle, Portland, St. Louis and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Two universities have invited the Collective to participate in formal residencies this summer, hosting the company during its development and presentation of Saltwater: the University of Montana-Western in Dillon, and Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Judy Ulrich at UMW met Mr. Sher last summer and has spent the past year negotiating and setting up this ambitious residency. "We're very excited to host the Collective in this new venture," says Ulrich. "Our audiences and communities at large will be challenged to really think and actively engage in this piece. We're anticipating two very powerful evenings of theatre." Both Sher and Ulrich are hoping for a longer-term relationship, with future residencies in mind if this summer proves rewarding. "A lot will have to do with audience turnout," comments Ulrich. "If we can show that we're reaching wide audiences and truly impacting them, funding becomes less of an issue for the future."

Long-form improvisation lies at the core of the group's innovative process, with Sher throwing out suggestions for the characters during rehearsals, and the actors creating scenarios and making decisions without planning ahead. "This type of spontaneous work always surprises us and makes us rethink whole sections of the story," comments Sher. He then takes what the actors create and writes new scenes or adjusts existing ones based on their work during rehearsals. It's a truly collaborative process, down to the very concept of the play. "When working with fearless and talented actors, you get great story ideas and brilliant dialogue‹much more compelling than anything I could put upon them. They don't think, they just do. That's where I push them. And the results are hilarious or disturbing or very tender. Audiences are going to be thrilled."

Also integral to the Collective's process are two physical training techniques they practice in every rehearsal: Suzuki and Viewpoints. The Suzuki Method of Actor Training is a powerful and energizing training technique created by Tadashi Suzuki and the Suzuki Company of Toga, Japan. A rigorous physical discipline drawn from diverse influences such as ballet, traditional Japanese and Greek theatre and martial arts, the training seeks to heighten actors' emotional and physical power and commitment to each moment on the stage. Attention is on the lower body with a vocabulary of footwork that resembles a cross between military marching, slow movement and sharp explosive gestures.

The Collective also trains daily in Viewpoints, a technique of improvisation which grew out of the post-modern dance world. It was first articulated by choreographer Mary Overlie, who broke down the two dominant issues performers deal with -- time and space -- into six categories. She called her approach The Six Viewpoints. Since that time, acclaimed theatre director Anne Bogart and the SITI Company in New York, with whom many Collective members have trained, have expanded her notions and adapted them for theatre. "The Viewpoints allows a group of actors to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to generate bold theatrical work quickly. It develops flexibility, articulation, and strength in movement and makes ensemble playing really possible." --SITI Company, NY.

Jeremy Sher has co-founded several theatre ensembles, including Ardeo Theatre Project, a twenty-person collective living and working in an ancient château in France, where he helped develop a unique model for theatre creation, one not seen much in the U.S. Having returned to St. Louis in 2002, he worked with several professional theatre companies including The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, where he plans on performing again in the upcoming production of The Crucible this Fall, a co-production with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Performances of Saltwater are August 6th and 7th at 7:30 pm in the Beier Auditorium on the UMW campus, 710 S. Atlantic St., Dillon. Tickets are $10 general, $8 for students/seniors and $7 for the August 5th preview performance at 7:30 pm. Advance reservations are recommended. Call (406)683-7422 or e-mail jeremysher@ardeo.org. Additional information about the project is available at www.jeremysher.com/saltwater

July 26, 2004 -- At the July Board of Regents meeting, the regents authorized the University of Montana-Western to name the Office-Classroom Building the "Daniel G. Block Hall". Block was a Professor of Biological Science from 1961 to 1985 at Western.

Dr. Block's influence on his students included experiential education and a lifelong appreciation of Montana's beautiful wilderness, serving as a mentor and role model to his students. He encouraged the quest for knowledge that influenced many of his students to pursue graduate studies.

"He was brilliant, diligent, and absolutely consistent, and his students received his very best every day," said the official proclamation. "Only occasionally does one find a professor at the university level who is willing to counsel students and provide leadership beyond the conveyance of basic subject matter to the degree that Dan Block did."

Block was an pioneer in outdoor classroom teaching and was an integral part of the growth of programs at the Birch Creek Outdoor Education Center. During the 1970's, Block secured a grant to establish an Emergency Medical Technician program on the Western campus. He also established the first Drug Education class at Western. Block was instrumental in establishing a four-year Natural Heritage degree program at Western.

Retirement hasn't slowed Block down. He has taught classes in the Western Elderhostel program, and was the first emeritus chosen by the Western Faculty Association to deliver the Commencement Address. Block was chosen "Emeritus Professor of the Year" for his work as senior editor on the Western Montana College Centennial History Book. He has authored several books with plans to write another.

Formal dedication ceremonies are scheduled for October. Dan and his wife Gerayne have been married for 57 years. They are the parents of two sons, Garth and Bryan.

July 22, 2004 -- The University of Montana-Western in conjunction with the Southwest Montana Arts Council presents Montana Shakespeare in the Parks' presentation of Romeo and Juliet on Sunday, August 1 at Jaycee Park at 6:30 pm.

Perhaps the greatest tragic love story ever told, William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is one of the Bard of Avon's most enduring works. Telling the story of the "star-crossed" young lovers of the title, the play is chock-a-block with battling families, machinations, clandestine encounters, and, of course, that fabled Balcony Scene, featuring some of the most remembered dialogue of the canon.

Quite astonishing ­ and a testament to Shakespeare's genius ­ is that in our modern world we continue to so completely identify with these ancient characters. "Romeo and Juliet" is wonderful, gripping, and timeless, and an exceptional way to spend a summer's evening outdoors.

"Romeo and Juliet" will be directed by Chicago-based Shawn Douglass, who toured with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks in 1996 as Antony in "Julius Caesar". The production will be designed by Claudia Boddy in a 'romantic renaissance' style.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is part of the Southwest Montana Arts Council Summer Series "Dinner in the Park". The performance is free and open to the public, so bring your family and friends and get comfortable with a blanket and a picnic. For those not wanting to pack a picnic, a dinner will be available for a nominal charge.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks presentation of "Romeo and Juliet" is Sunday, August 1 at Jaycee Park beginning at 6:30 pm. For more information, contact Deborah at the University of Montana-Western at (406)683-7302.

by Rainey Smith

June 14, 2004 -- "Have you ever talked to an Olympic athlete before?" That was how 2000 Western graduate Koby Holland got the word out about his qualification to the 2004 U.S. Olympic Running Target Team.

Running Target is a shooting event that places the shooter 10 meters from a moving target with a bullseye that is just about the size of a pencil eraser. There are two rounds, the Fast Run and the Slow Run. The shooter is in a standing position with the rifle on his/her hip. In the Fast Run, the target is exposed for only 2.5 seconds. In the Slow Run, the competitor has 5 seconds to track, aim and fire at the target. Each match is comprised of 30 slow shots and 30 fast shots, with a perfect score being 600. In the Olympic Games, there will be a Medal Round of 10 shots in the fast format that will determine which of the top 6 world class athletes will win a medal. Sadly, this is the last year that the Running Target is planned as an Olympic event. However, Holland did mention that the facilities in Beijing, China are already in place should the IOOC decide to include the event.

Holland, who has been competitively shooting since 1991, led the pack for the first 2 rounds in Fort Benning, Georgia this past May to establish his spot on the team. In the final round, he was edged out by only 2.7 points by best friend Adam Saathoff of Arizona for the top spot. But it was the top two shooters who head to Athens in August and Holland will be making the trip on his third try for the games.

Always a contender, Holland finished just short of an Olympic berth in both the 1996 and 2000 games. In fact, he was so close in 1996 that he went anyway, as the shooter who made sure that the equipment was functioning properly before the competition.

When asked about the qualifying match in Georgia, Holland replied, "I was just in the zone. Everything was going right and I was focused on shooting." It seems that 2004 is Holland's year. Not only is he headed to the Olympics, but he joins his best friend who will also be his best man when he gets married. Holland recently became engaged and feels that his fiancee has really helped him to achieve his goals.

A graduate of Beaverhead County High School as well as UM - Western, Holland is a lifelong resident of Dillon, with some years spent at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. These days, most of his training is spent in his brother's basement on a range that he constructed to help him improve both his skills and his focus. That practice has definitely paid off!

As the Olympic Games approach, Holland has a busy schedule. He will be competing in Milan, Italy at a World Cup match from June 14-21 before returning to Dillon. He will then head to Europe a couple of weeks prior to the games to acclimate to the altitude and time zone while getting the final practice in before the games.

Look for Holland on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) sometime before the Olympic Games or during them. He was not told the show title or the airtime, so keep checking back here for details or check on www.olntv.com for a complete schedule. Of course, tune into your local NBC affiliate for complete Olympic coverage starting on August 13, 2004.

June 8, 2004 -- University of Montana-Western senior Amber Diedrich-Burch, of Dillon, has been awarded a Montana Space Grant Scholarship for the 2004 2005 academic year.

Twenty-one scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to undergraduate students attending, or planning to attend, a Consortium campus.

The Montana Space Grant Consortium has awarded $139,992 in scholarships and fellowships to Montana students for the 2004-2005 school year. Montana Space Grant Scholarships and Fellowships are awarded annually by the Consortium to students pursuing studies in science and engineering at the fifteen colleges and universities across the state that are members of the Consortium. Funding for the Space Grant Fellowship and Scholarship Program is provided by a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Diedrich-Burch is an environmental science major with emphasis in geology. She is a 2001 graduate of Beaverhead County High School.

May 21, 2004 -- University of Montana-Western Environmental Sciences student M. Kate Vant of Dillon was a featured presenter at the 2004 Intermountain GIS Users Conference in Billings, Montana.

The title of Vant's presentation was "GIS Mapping of Mass-Movement Hazards in Beaverhead County". The talk was co-authored with her advisor, Professor Sheila Roberts, and is part of Vant's senior thesis for her Environmental Sciences-Geology degree.

GIS refers to Geographic Information Systems, a sophisticated computer-mapping software package recently acquired by the Dillon campus. The research to date has emphasized creating a computer mapping model for assessing landslide hazards. The field area for this project is in the Bighole valley north of Jackson. The work is being done in cooperation with the Beaverhead County Planning Office and with the help of many local agencies and landowners.

Vant received a $1,000 scholarship from the Montana GIS Users Group to complete the work.

May 21, 2004 -- Ashley K. Meine is the recipient of two scholarships to be used at the University of Montana-Western in the fall of 2004.

Meine is a 2004 graduate of Dillon High School. She will be a freshman at Western in the fall and graduated high school with a 3.831 GPA. She will receive the Cashell De Plazes Memorial scholarship in the amount of $350 and the William S. Bender Memorial scholarship in the amount of $500.

In high school Meine received scholar athlete awards and All-State awards in both golf and cheer leading. She was editor of the yearbook and a member of the National Honor Society.

Ashley is the daughter of Rich and Linda Meine and plans to study Business at Western.

May 5, 2004 -- The University of Montana-Missoula President George M. Dennison named Dr. Richard D. Storey as Chancellor of the University of Montana Western. Storey becomes the 20th Chief Executive at Western.

Storey, currently the Dean of the College and Dean of Faculty at Colorado College, was chosen among four finalists who interviewed for the position on the Dillon campus during the last month.

"I find it a great compliment to The University of Montana Western and the Dillon community that such superbly qualified candidates expressed an interest in the position as Chancellor," said President Dennison. "We had only one position to fill, and that decision by no means denigrates the qualities of the other candidates. However, in our collective judgment, Dr. Storey comes to UM-W with the background and experience to provide the leadership needed at this stage in the development of the University."

Storey assumes his position on July 1. He replaces Stephen Hulbert, who resigned as Chancellor last March to accept the position of President of Nicholls State University. Dr. Karl Ulrich has served as Interim Chancellor over the past academic year.

"With deep appreciation, I have accepted the generous offer to become the next chancellor at UM-Western," said Storey. "Martha, my wife of 33 years, and I are thrilled, and I am honored to accept the position. I look forward to working with the fine people at the university, in the Dillon area and Montana. As I said during the interview, you are 'our kind of folks' and Western is 'our kind of school.' I think Western is ready to move to the next stage in its development, and I am excited to become part of the effort."

Storey has been at Colorado College since 1978. Prior to his present position, he served as acting president of the school from August of 2000 to January of 2001; he was Chair of the Biology Department and both an assistant and associate professor of biology.

Storey did his Post Doctoral work at the C.F. Kettering Research Laboratory in Ohio. He received his BS in Education from the University of New Mexico and his Masters and PhD from the University of Oklahoma.

Storey and his wife Martha are the parents of a daughter Beth, and a son Justin.

April 27, 2004 -- The 107th Commencement of the University of Montana-Western is set for Saturday, May 1, 2004 in the Straugh Gymnasium, beginning at 2:00 p.m. 185 degrees, including one Masters of Education, will be awarded during the ceremonies. Allan Hamilton, a Senior Partner with Hamilton Partners, an Illinois based real estate development and investment company, will deliver the commencement address. The title of his commencement address is "Working My Way Back"!

Hamilton grew up in Columbia Falls and graduated from high school in 1955 and Northwestern University in 1959. He was a Navy aviator until 1965 when he joined the Trammell Crow Company. In 1968, Hamilton opened the company's Chicago office. He was on the Management Board for the company and served as the company's Regional partner for the Great Lakes and Canada Regions.

In 1987, Hamilton and his Chicago based partners in the Trammell Crow Company, resigned and formed Hamilton Partners. The company now manages over 12 million square feet of industrial building space, 10 million square feet of office space and two million square feet of retail building space. Less than 20% of the portfolio is third party owned.

Hamilton and his wife Phyllis live on a farm in McHenry County, Illinois and spend as much time as possible at the family ranch outside of Twin Bridges.

April 27, 2004 -- The University of Montana-Western Foundation's 25TH Associates Dinner is Friday, April 30 in the Lewis and Clark Room. The social hour begins at 6:00 followed by the dinner and program at 7:00 pm.

The dinner honors those who have made significant contributions to scholarship and academic programs. Also during the dinner, the 2004 Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Flint Rasmussen, World Champion Rodeo Clown.

Rasmussen is a native of Choteau. He is a 1990 graduate of Western with a degree secondary education with majors in both mathematics and history. Upon graduation, he accepted a teaching and coaching job at Havre High School. Rasmussen taught history and math, and was an assistant football and track for two years at Havre.

Flint comes from a family steeped in the traditions of rodeo. His dad, Stan, was an announcer and his brother Will was on the mic at the 2000 Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho. Growing up, there was often laughter in the Rasmussen home, so he comes by his gift of entertaining naturally. Prior to 1994, Rasmussen's rodeo work had been strictly a weekend and summer job through college, and during his two years at Havre. In 1994, Rasmussen made the decision to enter the rodeo arena on a full-time basis and joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. The rest they say his history!

"Nobody is in his league," says bull fighter Joe Baumgartner, who frequently works with Rasmussen. "There's never a lull in the arena, and there is never any rehearsal."

Rasmussen is the six-time Professional Rodeo Clown Association Clown and Barrelman of the Year, the five-time Coors Man in the Can and was selected by the PRCA to perform at the National Finals in Las Vegas. That trifecta of rodeo honors in the same year had never been done before.

Flint and his wife Katie are the parents of two daughters, Shelby and Paige.

April 20, 2004 -- The University of Montana-Western Alumni Service Luncheon is set for Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 12:00 noon in the Lewis-Clark Room.

Judy Siring, Executive Director of the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and Tom Welch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan will receive the Alumni Service Award. A french dip lunch will be served and the cost of the luncheon is $8.00.


Judy Siring was born and raised in Cut Bank. She is a graduate of Cut Bank High School and Flathead Community College in Kalispell. Before moving to Dillon in 1997, Siring was the manager of Moostly Mooses in Kalispell. She was instrumental in designing the business plan, the design layout of the store and the stores initial fixtures and inventory. In 1999, she become Executive Director of the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has 250+ active members and 15 members on the Board of Directors.

In her position, Siring oversees not only the Chamber, but the Montana State Visitor Information Center. She supervises two to seven employees training, scheduling and delegation of duties. She organizes many of the Chamber Beaverhead County Business Builders events including Class C Basketball Tournaments, two Summer Craft Shows, Lewis-Clark Commission Meetings, State Tour of Montana Economic Development Team. Siring represents Dillon and Beaverhead County at many local, regional and national meetings. She was instrumental in reviving and structuring the Beaverhead Development Corporation and currently serves as its Treasurer.

Siring has worked closely with several Economic Development Groups including the Montana Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, Headwaters RC & D and MEDIA. Siring serves on numerous advisory boards including the UM-Western Educational Advisory Board, the National Guard Youth Challenge Advisory Committee. She is Co-Chairperson of the Southwest Montana Tri-County Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission, a member of the Gold West Country Executive Board to mention a few. She is the mother of two boys, Nathan age 25 and Tyler, age 23. Siring and her husband Rod have been married since 1997. They are fixtures at all Dillon and Beaverhead County Events.


Tom Welch was born in Butte and raised in Garrison. He attended grades 1-5 at Garrison's two-room school house and then attended Public Schools in Deer Lodge. He is a 1969 graduate of Powell County High School. Welch received a BS Degree in business from the University of Montana. Upon graduation, he worked for S.S. Kresge Company and spent his only year of life out of Montana, when worked at the company's Idaho Falls, Idaho office. In 1975, moved back to Deer Lodge and began working as a management train at what is now known as Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan. He opened the Dillon branch in 1976 and became President and Chief Executive in 1986. Welch is a lifetime member of the University of Montana Alumni Association, and an active supporter of Dillon. He is a long-time member of the Dillon Jaycees. Welch is one of only two men to be selected as the Jaycees "Outstanding Young Man and Distinguished Service Award." The other was Ted Hazelbaker.

Among his many past efforts include a board member of the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce, Barrett Memorial Hospital and School Board. In 1997, then Governor Mark Racicot appointed Welch to the Montana Board of Housing and he was re-appointed by Governor Judy Martz in 2001. Currently, he his a board member of the Beaverhead Allied Senior Services, President of the Dillon Elementary Educational Foundation and a the Southwest Montana Family YMCA. Welch annually teaches courses on credit and homeownership to Habitat for Humanity participants and first time Home Buyers, as well as credit classes for cadets of the Montana Youth Challenge. In August, He and his wife Phyllis will celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary. They are the parents of two daughters, Jill, age 26 and Tracy, age 24. Through Pioneer Federal and individually with Phyllis, the Welch's are great financial supporters of many worthy local projects and organizations.

April 14, 2004 -- The University of Montana-Western Dining Services is moving closer to offering locally grown beef on a regular basis. In three recent events (Board of Regents, Tavern Owners Association Banquet and the UMW-Rodeo Banquet) catered by the UM-W Dining Services, the main course of Prime Rib served, was purchased from the Montana Branded Beef Association.

The UM-Western Dining Service would like to serve more locally produced products, but are bound by State of Montana purchasing regulations when it comes to purchasing beef and other food products. Under special circumstances, the Dining Services may purchase specialty products from local vendors.

Western is working with the University of Montana-Missoula to utilize their "Farm to College" program, which promotes locally grown and raised products.

April 5, 2004 -- University of Montana-Western student Estelle Hill was selected to participate in the 2004 Study Abroad Program offered through the Council for Opportunity in Education. Hill is majoring in secondary education with majors in both English and mathematics.

Hill, the first student from Western to be selected, is one of 25 students from across the United States selected for the innovative program. In June, the group will visit London, Dublin, Belfast and Amsterdam to research cultural diversity issues and will study at the University of Liverpool.

"The opportunity to participate came through the Education Opportunity Program on campus," said Hill. "I am required to take a multicultural class to complete my education degree, and this program allows me to achieve a more comprehensive multicultural experience."

Hill has proven she up to any challenge. She is taking a full credit load at Western, acting as a math tutor for the EOP program in addition to taking care of her family. She is married to Norman Hill and they are the parents of son Larry and daughter Lauretta.

Her biggest challenge is fund raising. Being selected is only part of the process, she must also raise the funds needed to participate. Contributions are accepted by the UM-Western Foundation Office through May 1, 2004.

A third generation native of Beaverhead County, she is the daughter of Bonnie and Jules Marchesseault of Dillon. Hill is a 1980 graduate of Beaverhead County High School. She will graduate from UM-Western in the Spring of 2006.