March 2006
First Spring Concert Set for April 4
Tuesday, March 28 2006
The University of Montana Western’s music program’s first Spring Concert is Tuesday, Apr. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Small Auditorium.
The concert will feature performances by the Montana Western Jazz Ensemble, the Noontime Chorale and the Vocal Ensemble.
The program includes spirituals, a special Easter selection, classical pieces, women’s ensembles, a vocal selection with flute accompaniment, the vocal ensemble doing a piece from The Sacred Harp and much more.
Admission is free.
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Idaho Writer Featured at "Dances with Words"
Tuesday, March 28 2006
The University of Montana Western English department is sponsoring a series of readings of area writers and poets during the 2006 Spring Semester titled “Dances With Words.”
The next reading is Thursday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. at The Cup featuring Mitch Wieland, a fiction writer from Boise, ID,.
Wieland will also teach a writing seminar on Wednesday, April 5, as part of English 491- Visiting Writer Seminars, a course offering aspiring writers the opportunity to study with nationally recognized writers who are also exceptional teachers.
Wieland holds an MFA from the University of Alabama, where he served as fiction editor of Black Warrior Review. His novel, Willy Slater’s Lane (SMU Press, 1996), received starred reviews in Publisher’s Weekly and Booklist, and was optioned for a film. The New York Times called Willy Slater’s Lane “immensely moving.”
His short stories have appeared, or are forthcoming, in The Southern Review, The Kenyon Review, Tri-Quarterly, Shenandoah, The Sewanee Review, Story Quarterly, and other journals. Director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Boise State University, he also serves as founding editor of The Idaho Review. He is the recipient of a Literature Fellowship from The Idaho Commission on the Arts and a Faculty Research Grant.
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Eighteen Western Students Inducted Into Kappa Delta Pi
Monday, March 27 2006
The University of Montana Western chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education inducted 18 students in recent ceremonies. The 18 students are Allison Bethel of Stevensville, MT; Amanda Babon of Missoula, MT; Stephanie Foss of Libby, MT; Kelly Hazlett of Ramsey, MT; Michael L. Herdina of Manhattan, MT; Estelle Hill of Dillon, MT; Taska Larsen of Libby, MT; Mark Malloy of Miles City, MT; Alexis Monaco of Anaconda, MT; Lily Murphy of Deer Lodge, MT; Patricia Pace of Boulder, MT; Peter Pace of Boulder, MT; Desiree Peuse of Butte, MT; Liz Sadler of Whitefish, MT; Kristen Sandman of Dillon; Jennifer Shandorf of Kalispell, MT; Danae Tomlinson of Anaconda, MT; and Jay Vaughn of Bellingham, WA.; Kappa Delta Pi was founded on March 8, 1911 at the University of Illinois. It was organized to recognize excellence in education. Kappa Delta Pi elects those to its membership who exhibit the ideals of scholarship, high personal standards, and promise in teaching and allied professions. It encourages improvement, distinction in achievement and contributions to education. Selection is based on high academic achievement, a commitment to education, and a professional attitude that assures steady growth in the profession. Western’s Kappa Delta Phi chapter was chartered in 1972. Kappa Delta Phi has 55,000 active members. Picture caption: Bottom from left to right: Estelle Hill, Jay Vaughn, Taska Larsen, Lily Murphy Middle row, left to right; Alexis Monaco, Kelly Hazlett, Kristine Sandman, Amanda Babon Top row, left to right; Allison Bethel, Michael L. Herdina, Liz Sadler, Patricia Pace, Peter Pace
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Montana Author to Present Lecture
Monday, March 27 2006
Montana author Daniel Kemmis will visit The University of Montana Western campus for a lecture sponsored by the Montana Western Honors Program Tuesday, April 4 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Great Room of the Swysgood Technolgy Center.
Kemmis, Senior Fellow at the Center for the Rocky Mountain West, is the former Mayor of Missoula, and a former Speaker and Minority Leader of the Montana House of Representatives. The title of his presentation is "New Politics in the New West".
Kemmis serves on the Boards of Directors of the Northwest Area and Kettering Foundations, Redefining Progress, the Institute for Environment and Natural Resources, the Bolle Center for People and Forests, and the American Planning Association's Growing Smart Project. He serves on the Advisory Boards of the Western Governors' Association's Enlibra Project and of the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy.
Kemmis is the author of "Community and The Politics of Place" and "The Good City and the Good Life." His newest book, "This Sovereign Land: A New Vision for Governing the West," was published by Island Press in June of 2001. He has had articles published in national and regional magazines and journals on public policy in the West, democratic theory and practice, community and community building, and bioregionalism, and he is frequently invited to speak on these and related topics at regional and national conferences. He was recognized by the Utne Reader in 1995 as one of its "100 Visionaries." In 1997, President Clinton awarded Mr. Kemmis the Charles Frankel Prize for outstanding contribution to the field of the humanities. Also in 1997, he was the recipient of the Society for Conservation Biology's Distinguished Achievement Award for Social, Economic and Political work. In 1998, the Center of the American West awarded him the Wallace Stegner Prize for sustained contribution to the cultural identity of the West. In the fall of 1998 he was awarded a fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics. In February, 2000, he was invited to Washington, D.C., to deliver the Pinchot Distinguished Lecture. In 2002, his book "This Sovereign Land" was the top choice for the Interior Department's Executive Forum Speaker Series.
Mr. Kemmis is a graduate of Harvard University and The University of Montana School of Law."
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Faculty Exhibit at Museum Art Gallery
Tuesday, March 21 2006
The University of Montana Western Art Gallery is once again highlighting the artistic accomplishments of its faculty, both present and past. This year's exhibit is diverse and represents both familiar and new artists.
The Art Faculty Exhibit will continue through April 12.
Long-time Western professor Barney Brienza is well represented in this year's exhibit with pieces in hand blown glass, both stoneware and raku ceramics, relief sculptures, and even furniture.
Emeriti professor Jim Corr has a new series of oil paintings focusing on his childhood love of baseball.
Silver gelatin black and white photographs of Southwest Montana represent Adjunct lecturer Eric Hammer.
Professor Randy Horst is exhibiting a digital photography series about ranch objects and a mixed media collage.
Adjunct professor Sarah Krank has a new series of colorful figurative studies.
An artist's reception will be held Monday, March 27, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The UMW campus and Dillon community are invited. This is a free event and refreshments will be served. The reception is scheduled to coincide with the Southwest Montana Arts Council Showcase Series performance that evening by Mandir (7:30 p.m. in the Beier Auditorium).
The Annual Student Art Exhibit will be the next exhibition starting April 18.
The Art Gallery can be found at the south end of the first floor of Main Hall on the Western campus and includes the Seidensticker Wildlife Collection of trophy mounts and a permanent art collection. Scheduled gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 12 noon until 4:30 p.m. To arrange for special times or visits call the director at 683-7232.
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Montana Regent Shares Thoughts on Western
Monday, March 20 2006
Comments of Regent Mark Semmens to Dillon Community Breakfast, March 3, 2006
Good morning. My name is Mark Semmens and I’m a member of the Board of Regents from Great Falls. I was appointed to the Board six years ago and my term ends next January, so this is my last regent meeting in Dillon. Consequently, I’d like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of the University of Montana Western.
When I first started my service as a regent, Western was struggling. Enrollments were declining, facilities were in need of repair, operating deficits appeared unavoidable, and the institution seemed to be searching for its identity. In the years since then, Western has done a remarkable job in re-inventing itself and creating a unique platform for success.
It would have been easy for the folks at Western to simply hunker down, keep doing things the same way, and hope that declining enrollments might somehow slow or reverse themselves. Instead, a number of bright, forward-thinking people decided to take a creative, proactive approach to the situation. They sought input from the community and from industry as to academic programs that could fit well with Western’s strengths and address real needs. They sought and received the critical support of people like George Dennison and the University of Montana-Missoula, FIPSE, private individuals and businesses, and the Board of Regents. And they opened their minds to the possibility of a new form of educational delivery that could better serve student learning and create a niche for the institution.
I remember when we were considering implementation of the block scheduling approach, an opponent raised the objection that there was some risk to the undertaking. I agreed with the assertion, but pointed out that in a changing world, often the greatest risk is standing still.
So where is Western today? Today we see the success of new or expanded programs in education and early childhood development, equine studies, and biological sciences. We see international recognition and notoriety for Western’s program in natural horsemanship. We see the benefits of generous and vital partnerships with private businesses and individuals. We see an Experience One program that is the first of its kind among public colleges and universities—a program that is benefiting students through experiential learning and attracting well-deserved national attention. And finally, we see rising enrollments and freshman applications up nearly 50%.
None of this happened by chance. It happened through the innovative thinking, hard work, and commitment of Western faculty and staff, supported by the input and support of students, alumni, and the Dillon community.
So, thanks to all of you. The university, the community, students, and the state of Montana are better off for your efforts.
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"Week of the Young Child" Set For Montana Western
Friday, March 10 2006
The University of Montana Western Early Childhood Professionalism class is sponsoring activities to promote the “Week of the Young Child.”
The “Week of the Young Child” is a national event April 2-8 sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-the world's larges early childhood education association.
The goal of "Week of the Young Child" is to honor and celebrate young children and their families, recognize child-care providers and teachers of young children, and inform the public about the importance of early years. The 2006 theme is, "Building Better Futures for All Children."
On Saturday, April 8, a variety of activities, including a parade, are planned to highlight and celebrate the "Week of the Young Child". The parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Alco parking lot and will proceed to the Jaycee Park. Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite costume or come as they are.
The festivities will continue at the Dillon YMCA from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Along with the many activities refreshments in the form of root beer floats will be available to quench the children's thirst.
For more information, call Curious Minds Director Debbie Hansen at 683-7320 or Early Childhood Professor Nili Luo at 683-7178
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Spring Well-Check Set For Apr. 4-6
Tuesday, March 7 2006
The Wellness Office of the University of Montana Western is sponsoring their Spring Well-Check, Tuesday, April 4, for Montana Western Employees, family and retirees. Call 683-7441 to make an appointment. Free Blood Pressure checks available.
A Wellness Check for Dillon community members is Wednesday, April 5 and on Thursday, April 6. No appointments taken. 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 Montana 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 $25.00 charge for additional screens) and one free PSA test every year.
Blood screen tests for Montana Western students are $25.00, $16.00 for CBC, and $24.00 for PSA (males). Colon-Care Kit for $5. Cardio-CRP is $36.00. Hemoglobin A-Diabetic Screening is $30.00.
For Community members, cost is $35.00 for blood chemistry/TSH screen, $21.00 for CBC, and $29.00 for PSA (males). Colon-Care Kit for $5. Cardio-CRP is $41.00. Hemoglobin A-Diabetic Screening is $35.00.
For more information please call the Montana Western Wellness Office at 683-7441.
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Original Production Set For Montana Western Stage in April
Monday, March 6 2006
Rehearsals are underway for the original production of Ocean Currents at Montana Western. The play will be presented to school groups and the general public April 20-23.
Ocean Currents is an original production written, directed and produced by students and staff at Montana Western. The production, features songs, chants, dances, and stories about the legendary trickster god Maui and the goddess Pele.
In December, ten Montana Western students and Professor Larry Brazill spent part of a block in Hawaii. The group met with cultural historians, along with professional dancers and chanters. The group learned about the Polynesian culture in preparation for the production of Ocean Currents.
The production schedule is multi-faceted. 16 dancers are studying with Mrs. Nani Lee. Six student directors are developing story dramatizations. A crew of 20 is designing sets and costumes with Brazill and Dr. Judy Ulrich. As the production moves ahead, drama students and Polynesian Club members are presenting to local service groups the developing portions of the complex production.
A luau for the public is also planned for the weekend of Ocean Currents.
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Montana Western Fares Well at Board of Regents
Monday, March 6 2006
At their March meeting, the Montana Board of Regents gave final approval to several academic proposals from Montana Western. The Regents held their meeting on the Montana Western campus Mar. 1 through March 3.
1. A new B.A. option in Environmental Interpretation in the Bachelor of Arts degree. This program is designed to provide students with knowledge of the natural environment as well as the communication skills to meet the needs of naturalists and others interested in communicating with the public about the natural environment..
2. Montana Western was granted permission to expand an existing Earth Science minor in the B.S. in Secondary Education degree to a major, providing teachers with expanded skills and knowledge.
3. A new Psychology option was added to Montana Western’s three equine degrees. The three degree programs are the A.A.S. in Equine Studies; the A.A.S. in Natural Horsemanship; and the B.S. in Natural Horsemanship. This will especially service students with an interest in equine assisted therapy but will also provide a strong background in psychology useful both in working with horses and with the interactions between horses and people.
4. The renaming of the Montana Western Biological and Biomedical Sciences B.A. option to a Biology option. The name change better reflects the diversity available under the option area, designed to meet the needs of students studying a wide variety of biological organisms and processes in preparation for medical or graduate schools or for a variety of other occupations.
5. Full approval of the A.A.S. in Natural Horsemanship, which had been
operating on a temporary approval for two years ago. The Regents authorized Montana Western to continue to award the Associate of Applied Science in Natural Horsemanship degree with two options, Natural Horsemanship Science and Natural Horsemanship Management.
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Montana Western Receives Grant From Student Assistance Foundation
Monday, March 6 2006
The Montana Western Learning Assistance Center for Excellence (L.A.C.E.) received a $15,000 grant from the Student Assistance Foundation in Helena.
These funds will allow the center to expand its tutoring staff and to also acquire educational resources to support the tutoring services.
With this grant award, L.A.C.E. represents a partnership supported by funds from the University, the Associated Students of Montana Western and the Student Assistance Foundation.
“The learning center is an important academic support service to Western students,” said David Moore, the Director of Student Success at Montana Western. “With the fast pace of block scheduling, it is important for students to have this resource available to help ensure that they do not fall behind in their courses.”
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