Peaks to Plains - August 2016 by Montana State University Billings

Volume 1, Issue 1 • August 2016

ALL BARK, NO BITE

MSUB faculty seek to protect Montana pines

THE HEART OF HOME

MSUB marketing students’ commercial captures the heart of Miles City downtown

FROM MONTANA TO MOROCCO Allied Health students explore health care in a global way

SEBASTIEN STRONG

MSUB men’s soccer inspired by youngest Yellowjacket

NEW TO NEUROSCIENCE

NIH grant provides student research opportunities at MSUB

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August 2016

C A M P U S

C A L E N DA R

SEPTEMBER 1 1 7 8 9 11 14-15 15 16 19 23

MSUB Night at the Mustangs U.S. House Debate Nishiki Sugawara-Beda exhibition, Northcutt Steele Gallery (through October 13) Women’s Soccer Home Opener vs. San Francisco State Men’s Soccer Home Opener vs. Dixie State 9/11 Memorial, City College Board of Regents Meeting, City College Men’s and Women’s Golf — MSUB/RMC Cup, Lake Hills Volleyball Home Opener vs. Simon Fraser Montana Gubernatorial Debate Cross Country - Yellowjacket Invitational

OCTOBER

11 18 20 25 27

An Evening with Henry Winkler Library Lecture Series - Adrian Heidenreich Wendy Red Star exhibition, Northcutt Steele Gallery (through December 1) Library Lecture Series - Janet Berlo Library Lecture Series - Wendy Red Star

NOVEMBER

1 4 15 17 18

Library Lecture Series - Elizabeth Guheen and Rebecca West EMC Throwback Night, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Library Lecture Series - Janine Pease and Luella Brien Men’s Basketball Home Opener vs. Univ. of Mary Women’s Basketball Home Opener vs. Northern State

DECEMBER

MSUB faculty exhibition, Northcutt Steele Gallery (through February 9)

FEBRUARY

Neil Chaput and Keith Graham exhibition, Northcutt Steele Gallery (through March 30)

MARCH

17 18 24

Baseball Home Opener vs. Concordia Softball Home Opener vs. Western Oregon Outstanding Alumni Awards

APRIL

7-8

49th Annual MSUB Powwow

MAY 6 15-20

90th Annual Commencement Wine and Food Festival, 25th Anniversary

For more events or more details, visit

msubillings.edu/calendar

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

WHAT’S INSIDE 21 FROM MONTANA TO MOROCCO Allied Health students explore health care in a global way

6 ALL BARK, NO BITE Faculty seek to protect Montana pines

28 SEBASTIEN STRONG MSUB men’s soccer inspired by youngest Yellowjacket

14 THE HEART OF HOME MSUB marketing students’ commercial captures the heart of Miles City downtown

August 2016

RESEARCH & RECORD

All Bark, No Bite

New to Neuroscience

Faculty seek to protect Montana’s pine trees Fall 2016 n Volume 1, Issue 1

NIH grant provides student research opportunities at MSUB

PLACE

Billings named Outside Magazine’s ‘Best Town Ever’

Chancellor

Mark A. Nook, Ph.D.

Publisher

Aaron Clingingsmith

Managing Editor

Carmen Daye Price

Creative Director Patrick Williams

IN THE FIELD The Heart of Home

Contributing writers: Mary Pickett, Blair Koch, Carmen Daye Price, Craig Lancaster, Tami Haaland, Evan O’Kelly

From Montana to Morocco

Contributing photographers: Carmen Daye Price, Michael Hoffman, Deborah Peters, Tom Rust, Aaron Selig, Patrick Williams

Finding Clark’s Camp

Marketing students’ commercial captures the heart of Miles City downtown

Allied Health students explore health care in a global way

History unearthed in our backyard

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

Message From the Chancellor

Sebastien Strong

ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT MSUB men’s soccer inspired by youngest Yellowjacket

Peaks to Plains is published by Montana State University Billings. Copyright ©2016 by Montana State University Billings. All rights reserved. Editorial offices are located at Montana State University Billings, McMullen Hall Room 204, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101. 406.657.2266 MSUBnews@msubillings.edu

HART AND SOUL

Sue Hart and Us

Montana: A Literary Community

Guest column by Craig Lancaster

Montana State University Billings Student-Run Art and Literature Magazine

Guest column by Tami Haaland

ONLINE EDUCATION

An Off-line Reunion

2016 Edition Now Available!

College of Business grows online degree offerings

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES & OUTREACH

Earthquakes Miles from Home

International students reflect on quakes that hit too close to home

NATIONAL STAGE

Welding His Way to a National Competition

City College student wins silver medal at SkillsUSA national competition

YELLOWSTONE & BLUE

Alumni News

order at msubillings.edu/rook

Free copies for current students are available in the English department on the fourth floor of the LA Building, or in the MSUB Library.

Visit us online or subscribe at

www.msubillings.edu/peakstoplains

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

R E S E A RC H

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ALL BARK, NO BITE Story by Blair Koch n Photos by Carmen Daye Price

FACULTY SEEK TO PROTECT MONTANA’S PINE TREES

t’s hard to believe that the mountain pine beetle, tiny as a grain of rice, has wreaked so much havoc on North American forests.

You don’t see the beetles outright — unless you are really searching for them — but their presence in a pine grove can’t be missed due to the felled trees left in their wake. Where mighty evergreens once stood, a forest visited by bark beetles will soon be ashen grey with many trees toppled. Over the past couple of decades, enormous swaths of forest have been decimated by bark beetle infestations. In Montana alone, an estimated 31 million trees have been infiltrated by these wood-boring creatures — many of those trees being lodgepole pine. It’s not really the beetles’ fault; they are just raising their young and grabbing a meal. But climate change and periods of extended drought are leaving trees at risk for pine beetle infestation. However, a novel solution may soon be on the way. A team of professors and researchers with the Montana State University Billings Department of Biological and Physical Sciences was awarded in June a U.S. Patent for an anti-fungal method showing promise as a way of controlling bark beetles. This is the second such patent granted to Department Chair, Dr. Kurt Toenjes, and Dr. David Butler, professor of molecular biology and genetics. Joy Goffena, associate researcher and lab manager, joined the duo 11 years ago and is listed as the recent patent’s third holder.

WHAT’S FUNGUS GOT TO DO WITH BARK BEETLES? Bark beetles need wood to survive. They bring along with them fungi, which have evolved with the bark beetle to have a symbiotic (or win-win) relationship: the fungi feed on the tree’s

cambrial layer, between the bark and the wood, and the beetles feed on the fungi, which may do the job of killing the trees. Toenjes explains that if the fungus can be controlled, perhaps the beetles can be as well. With the anti-fungal method, “We’re hitting the manner in which they grow,” he said. Entomologist Diana Six is a professor of Forest Entomology/ Pathology as well as chair of the Department of Ecosystems & Conservation Sciences at the University of Montana and is consulting with the MSUB team. Much of Six’s career has been spent studying the bark beetle and, “it’s fascinating evolution with fungi and how they’ve created these extraordinary symbioses.” “The beetles always have two kinds of fungus and they carry them around, kind of like a suitcase,” Six said. Beetles are able to do this because of special features in their mouths, which have evolved to give the fungi a ride. Both the fungi and the beetle want the same thing: nutrients from a tree.

August 2016

Six goes on to say that female pine beetles are great at finding weak trees and when one is found, she sends a message to other pine beetles through a chemical signal. One pine beetle won’t kill a tree, but a swarm of one hundred or more certainly will. The name of the game is for the beetles to chew through the tree’s bark to the phloem layer. It is here that the beetles lay their eggs, in the tree’s tunnels responsible for transporting nutrients throughout the tree. It is also here that beetles’ fungal passengers depart. Six explains how the bark beetle and fungi need one another to survive. “Beetles have no more ability to digest wood than we do,” Six said, adding that they need the fungus to help convert the wood and concentrate nitrates to make sure the growing beetles get the food they need. The fungus is in on a good deal because they need the beetles to get inside the tree. “They’ve basically hailed a taxi and gotten transportation to a new tree and food source,” Six said. As the fungus and new generation of beetles thrive on the tree they eventually kill it and the cycle continues. Even though the bark beetles have long played a key role in maintaining forest health by spotting and killing feeble trees, climate change and drought means there are many more trees to feed on and beetle numbers have exploded.

AN ANTI-FUNGAL SOLUTION TO BARK BEETLES MAY BE A GAME CHANGER MSUB finding a possible solution to controlling bark beetle destruction of trees was somewhat coincidental. Toenjes, holding a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Arizona, was a post-doctoral fellow and research faculty at the University of Vermont prior to joining MSUB in 2005. Much of Toenjes’ work dealt with species of yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a common fungus used in many molecular biology labs throughout the world, and Candida albicans, a pathogenic fungus that causes superficial and systemic infections. Although he has always worked with fungi, it wasn’t until arriving at MSUB that his research extended into “fungal growth and ways to stop that growth.”

Left to right, Kurt Toenjes, Joy Goffena, and David Butler of the MSUB Department of Biological and Physical Sciences were awarded in June a U.S. Patent for an anti-fungal method showing promise as a way of controlling bark beetles. “The campus’ fungal lab has historically worked on antifungal drugs to help treat infections in people,” he said, so looking into the beetle bug crisis wasn’t really on anyone’s radar. That changed when Toenjes and Butler attended a NSFESPSCoR conference a couple years ago and got chatting with Six. The conference allows researchers from across the state to gather and share their work. With so much distance, especially in a state like Montana, the conferences are key to building collaboration between university systems. The conversation was a catalyst for Butler and Toenjes to begin thinking if their antifungal medical research could somehow be applied to the bark beetle issue. “It was exciting that in a lot of ways we were working on the same thing but didn’t know it. After that meeting in 2013, and

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

as we got to learn more about how the bark beetle and fungus worked together, we really started thinking about how we could apply what we already knew about antifungals and apply it,” Butler said. Essentially, they postulated that a bark beetle infestation can be controlled by inhibiting the growth of their associated fungi. Remove the fungi from the chain and the beetle can’t survive. Preliminary experiments found several of their antifungal compounds can inhibit the in vitro growth of fungal species found in bark beetles. It was an exciting eureka moment for the team. “We got lucky,” Toenjes said. “Based on how we thought these drugs worked it shouldn’t have worked. But that’s science and why you do the experiments.” It was a lot of work to get to the point where the team could even begin to apply their anti-fungal knowledge on the fungi associated with the bark beetle. One hurdle was in figuring out how to grow the specific fungal species in a lab environment. “Their natural habitat is in the soft part of the bark, and so to figure out how to grow these fungi in a petri dish is no trivial thing,” said Butler. Butler has a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin and was a National Institute of Health (NIH) postdoctorate fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle prior to joining MSUB in 1996.

beetles and fungi are found where infestations and tree kills occur the question remains about which exactly is primarily responsible. “It’s controversial,” Butler said. “Some people think that the fungi are pathogenic themselves while others think the fungi are supporting the lifestyle of the beetle.” Regardless, beetles are spreading into new territory and bringing their fungi with them. Six explains that bark beetle species are moving into Canada’s boreal forest, for instance. Without novel solutions to breaking the cycle, the beetles seem unstoppable and many more millions of acres of forest are in the insects’ path. “One of the big reasons I’m enjoying working with (the MSUB team) is because they are looking at this from a completely new angle and I’m excited to be part of a project that is different,” Six said. The patent is the first step to perhaps creating a commercially feasible solution for stopping bark beetle infestations as their antifungal agent isn’t complex and is easily recreated.

“We got lucky. Based on how we thought these drugs worked it shouldn’t have worked. But that’s science and why you do the experiments.”

During his time at MSUB, Butler has received more than $1 million in grant funding from the NIH, the National Science Foundation and the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology. Toenjes, too, has received significant grant support from the NIH, MT-INBRE, NSF-EPSCOR and the MTBRCT. That funding support has been critical in moving the lab’s work forward in the bark beetle fungus research. These funds have supported additional MSUB faculty during the summer, maintained support for a laboratory technician and continue to support the many and ongoing undergraduate student research projects. “It took a lot of time, trial and error, in figuring out how to grow these fungi in the lab because they are so different from any of the others I’ve worked with,” Goffena said. Of course, more research needs to be done. Since both the

THE PATENT Antoinette Tease, of Billings-based Tease Law Firm, filed the patent for the MSUB team and said it is cutting edge. “Typically the process takes three years, but this application really sailed through,” Tease said. Many years after graduating law school in 1990 and building quite the career, Tease decided to attend MSUB so she could become a patent attorney. After picking up the few required science and engineering credits, she was armed with the knowledge and prerequisites necessary to file and

defend patents. Her firm, opened in 2003, was Montana’s first to focus on intellectual property law. “Patent law is one that directly marries science and the law,” she said. “I love it.” She explained that the MSUB team already has one patent on the record for its antifungal agent and this new one being allowed will be ready for issuance as soon as the registration fee is filed. “It’s the same molecule, but this patent is for a different use,” Tease explained. Of course, that use will hopefully be to break the beetle/fungal dependence and save some trees in the process. n

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R E S E A RC H

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NEW TO NEUROSCIENCE NIH GRANT PROVIDES STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AT MSUB

Story and Photos by Carmen Daye Price

Joseph Walters is Montana State University Billingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first-ever intern focused on neuroscience.

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

aculty scientists at Montana State University Billings leave a greater legacy than research and publications: they teach and foster the next generation of scientific researchers. An academic leader in supporting the early careers of students, Lynn George, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Biological and Physical Sciences Department, secured a prestigious grant last year bringing to the university its first-ever neuroscience research program and undergraduate research internship opportunities. Throughout the summer months, 24-year-old Joseph Walters spent his days on campus, tucked away in a lab in the university’s Science Building. With a collared, button-up shirt and defined hard part haircut, he was dressed for the part: Montana State University Billings’ first-ever intern focused on neuroscience. His position is funded by a three-year, $332,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which was awarded in June 2015 to Lynn George. The NIH R15 Academic Research Enhancement Award has allowed George to expand her decade-long research focused on gaining a better understanding of the gene mutation that causes familial dysautonomia (FD), also known as RileyDay syndrome. The funding also provides up to 18 undergraduate paid internships. “This is a massive opportunity,” Walters said. “This experience is much more important than grades, and is greater in terms of learning outcomes.”

Assistant professor Dr. Lynn George, left, and Joseph Walters work in the Animal Resources Center located at the MSU campus in Bozeman, where research mice are housed.

A junior from Buffalo, Wyo., Walters is a double major in psychology and biology with a minor in chemistry. His career focus took a major turn after taking molecular biology taught by department chair, Kurt Toenjes. “The professors in the science department are passionate about what they teach, and they inspired me and helped me grow into wanting to become a scientific researcher,” Walters, an Honors program student, said. The internship position is a unique opportunity for students like Walters, George said. “His work is comparable to a master’s research project,” she said. “He won’t be writing a thesis per se, but his research is integral to the research article that will be published.” His research also landed him in June an MT-INBRE Research Internship award in the amount of 300 paid hours and $1,000 in research materials.

Having a strong research background will help the student interns get into a competitive graduate program, or help them get that first job, George said. “Joseph, and the student interns that follow him, contribute to the team as full-fledged researchers. They learn the elements of scientific study firsthand.”

FAMILIAL DYSAUTONOMIA George’s research aims to help patients who suffer from FD, a relatively rare disorder that primarily impacts individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. There is no cure for the syndrome and half of all affected individuals die before they reach the age of 40. FD is a genetic disorder of the autonomic nervous system caused by a mutation in the gene IKBKAP on chromosome 9, leading to a severe reduction of IKAP protein in the nervous system, believed to be the main reason for the devastating symptoms of the disease.

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“If IKAP has a major role in the development of the pituitary gland, then the mutation of the gene would have a detrimental affect on the development of the pituitary and, in turn, the control of growth and development throughout the body,” Walters explained. To explore the finding, the team will utilize a knockout mouse, a laboratory mouse in which researchers have inactivated an existing gene by replacing it with an artificial piece of DNA in which Ikbkap expression is deleted in the anterior pituitary.

Lynn George, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Biological and Physical Sciences Department, left, and her intern Joseph Walters, a junior double majoring in psychology and biology with a minor in chemistry. The disorder plays a role in neuronal development and the nervous system’s control of involuntary processes such as breathing, digestion, and regulating blood pressure and body temperature. In addition, patients typically have developmental growth deficiencies and find it difficult to gain weight. “As a result, they are commonly treated with growth hormones,” Walters said.

NEW LEAD The team of experts — composed of George, Walters, and associate researcher Joy Goffena — have recently discovered that IKAP expression is very restricted during embryonic development of the mouse brain. In fact, nearly 24 hours before birth, IKAP is almost exclusively expressed in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland — the part of the brain that plays a key role in controlling growth and development. “The IKBKAP gene encodes a scaffolding protein that plays a part in cellular protein regulation,” Walters said. “Knowing this, we can look at target proteins that would be regulated by IKAP and observe how they are impacted by IKAP loss.” The new development has steered Walters’ focus toward determining the role IKAP plays in the development of the pituitary, as well as characterizing its expression throughout different stages of development, from embryo to post-natal.

A large portion of the team’s research is performed at the Animal Resources Center located at the MSU campus in Bozeman where the mice are housed. George first began working with a mouse model for FD in 2008.

Their methodology involves cryosectioning mutant and control mouse tissues, followed by immunohistochemistry to visualize the expression of proteins that are altered in the absence of IKAP. This approach allows Walters to analyze the effect of IKBKAP mutation on nervous system tissues as well as other organ systems. The findings might allow scientists to develop therapeutics that would prevent or postpone the disease. “By examining the microanatomy displayed in this disease, we are able to further understand how this genetic mutation leads to the symptoms of FD and identify molecular pathways that we can therapeutically target to increase the quality and length of life for FD patients,” Walters said. George noted that the research also has wider implications since the molecular complex that is impacted in FD is also associated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

LEAD INVESTIGATOR George is among a select group of academic scientists awarded funding for prestigious NIH research grants. David McGinnis, MSUB’s former director of grants and

12 sponsored programs, said the award will propel the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences forward in exciting directions, including its first-ever neuroscience research program. “The grant is highly competitive with a 16 percent award rate,” McGinnis said. “This is quite an honor for an MSUB researcher to receive such an award.” The NIH uses such awards to strengthen research environments at educational institutions as well as to promote the exposure of students to academic research. This is a renewable grant and helps cover expenses for a period of up to three years. “The National Institutes of Health has placed a significant amount of responsibility in our hands,” said MSU Billings Chancellor Mark Nook. “The award sets the stage for Dr. George and her students to develop breakthroughs in better understanding familial dysautonomia. It also further emphasizes MSUB’s commitment to undergraduate research and discovery.” George, who serves as the grant’s principal investigator, said the research will be published in the coming year, marking a highpoint of her career. “I have been working toward this in some capacity for the last decade,” George said. “The award comes as a springboard that will allow me to expand my lab here at MSUB and provide tremendous research opportunities to students interested in neuroscience.” Funding prior to the NIH grant had been through a private donation made to the MSU Billings Foundation. George said the anonymous donor has a very personal connection to the disease: Zak Rosen, the son of the donor’s longtime friend, died in 2010 from FD complications just days shy of his 18th birthday. Although the private donation kept her research alive for two years, George was only able to work on a part-time basis on limited supplies and reagents, she said. “With the NIH grant now in hand, and continued supplemental private funds, we are running full capacity” she said. The NIH award reflects the caliber of research on campus, George said, and enables MSUB to be innovative leaders and to deliver on its public mission. “It is such an honor and privilege for us to do this work, in a field we feel so passionate about, and with students who are so motivated,” George said. George earned her doctorate from Montana State University in 2003 in biological sciences and biochemistry. The groundwork for her current research began with her post-doctoral work at MSU in Frances Lefcort’s lab. In addition to her role at MSUB, George continues her work at MSU as a research professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. n

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

Lynn George, Ph.D., remembers the very day when she realized she wanted to become a researcher. It was early on in her college career, sitting in an advanced molecular biology class listening to her professor lecture on some of the intricacies of the genetic code and how mutations can lead to disease. “I was just so fascinated,” she said. At about that same time, she began working in a genetics lab at Montana State University as an undergraduate researcher and tutor. “I loved every aspect of it. I would lay awake at night thinking about my projects in the lab.” George went on to complete her doctorate degree in that same lab where she found inspiration as an undergraduate studying molecular and classical genetics in the plant model system Arabidopsis thaliana. After earning her Ph.D., she transitioned into an animal system under the guidance of Frances Lefcort, Ph.D. But George’s love for science goes back to her youth. She remembers during grade school the amount of care she put in to her butterfly collection. “I mounted all of the butterflies using a pinning board that my grandfather made for me,” she said. Along with her grandfather, both of her parents helped foster her curiosity regarding nature and science. In junior high, she dreamt of becoming a marine biologist and in high school her interests shifted toward medicine. “But it was my courses and experiences in college that really helped me focus my scientific interests,” she said. “I absolutely loved the experimental process and asking questions that no one had ever asked before.” Her goal for her students as Assistant Professor in the Biological and Physical Sciences Department at MSUB is to inspire them in the lab as her mentor, Lefcort, did for her. “My goal is to expose them to the excitement of making a discovery,” she said. “I strive to teach them sound scientific methods and bench skills, but ultimately my goal is to hear them say ‘wow’ when they look through the microscope.”

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P L AC E

BILLINGS NAMED OUTSIDE MAGAZINE’S ‘BEST TOWN EVER’ By Carmen Daye Price

icking the contestants for Outside Magazine’s sixth annual ‘Best Town Ever’ contest wasn’t easy, associate editor Christopher Cohen said.

They looked for places with great access to trails and public lands, thriving restaurants and neighborhoods, and, of course, a good beer scene — all while excluding the winners and runners-up from the past three years to make room for hidden gems, underdogs, and towns on the rise. Then editors asked their Instagram followers to nominate their favorite towns — Imperial Beach, California; Mammoth Lakes, California; Grand Marais, Minnesota; and Billings, Montana, came out on top in May. “It’s exciting to see what readers get fired up about,” Cohen said. It was especially interesting when Billings came head-to-head with Jackson, Wyo. in the final round of the bracket-style contest, Cohen said. Billings, which was a late addition to the original field of 64 communities, made it to the final round, defeating Lundington, Mich., while Jackson Hole advanced over Seattle to earn its spot in the final two. Along the way, Billings surpassed Livingston, Bend, Ore., and Boise. Jackson defeated communities known for the outdoors

including Sedona, Ariz., Steamboat Springs, Colo., and Sun Valley, Idaho. “Jackson Hole is a discovered place, a place of grand beauty and outdoor adventure,” Cohen said. “And Billings is a place that is more under the radar, but nonetheless, an up-and-coming community. The final round was emblematic of this.” Billings came out on top with 73 percent of the vote — 10,496 to 3,828. He said Outside Magazine had a great time watching how readers responded to the contest. One online commenter said, “Billings has two things Jackson will NEVER have: JOBS and AFFORDABLE housing!” Executive Director of Visit Billings Alex Tyson told the Billings Gazette in a May article that the community’s positive response was unprecedented. “This is a great story to tell, because we have never seen this level of support. We can tout this accolade to our visitors as we recruit meetings and events to tell people how we are an amazing community. If you live here, you should own it and love it.” Cohen said in Outside Magazine’s September issue, a two-page spread will feature the Billings community. n

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

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THE HEART OF HOME Story and Photos by Carmen Daye Price

MARKETING STUDENTS’ COMMERCIAL CAPTURES THE HEART OF MILES CITY DOWNTOWN This fall, Miles City will begin airing in eastern Montana an MSUB student-produced commercial. The project provided students real-world experience as well as a cost-effective way for the town to market itself.

here is something characteristically American about the idea of Main Street — a place where locals come together for parades, civic meetings, and shopping. Main Street is oftentimes the heart and soul of a town. This is especially true in the case of downtown Miles City, Montana, Connie Muggli, director of the Downtown Urban Renewal Agency and the town’s historic preservation officer, said. “Main Street is what anchors our hearts to downtown,” she said. Muggli has worked for Miles City for four years and has been a resident off-and-on her entire life. She’s seen the good times and bad economic turns. A century ago, Miles City was one of Montana’s two main cattle trailheads and a main stop along the Northern Pacific and Milwaukee railroad routes. The town bustled with trade and prosperity, and Main Street became the hub for commerce. Carroll Van West, historian and author of A Traveler’s Companion to Montana History writes: “Soon, Main Street boasted new two- and three-story brick buildings to signify its arrival as a key transportation crossroads for the northern plains cattle industry. “Main Street, which is listed as a National Register historic district, was the town’s primary commercial artery until the late 20th century.”

In many ways, Miles City’s Main Street still serves the town the way it did in years past. Residents can walk to the bank, get a haircut, or grab a bite to eat. But unlike the past, downtown business competes with big-box stores that have taken up shop just off the interstate exit on Haynes Avenue. Over the past 30 years, these socio-economic determinates have unfolded, leaving Main Street to feel somewhat abandoned, Muggli explained. “The Montana interstate systems were built beginning in the 1960s, which was a great move of progress, but they bypass many of the state’s small towns,” she said. “That started the migration, and it started a domino effect. All that traffic that used to go through the heart of our downtown now goes around it. People get off the interstate to get gas, and then they are on their way.” Many downtown mom-and-pop shops have had to close their doors, or have moved shop to be closer to the interstate traffic, she said. “We call it ‘Anywhere America,’ where you see Walmart, Conoco, McDonalds. You can get off in Tulsa, Oklahoma or Denver, Colorado. It doesn’t matter, the exits are all the same.”

LIFE BACK TO MILES CITY, AMERICA In an effort to revitalize downtown and boost the area as the “historical, economic, and cultural heart of the city,”

Recent marketing graduates Macala Bickham, left, and Melissa Oderifero look through a viewfinder at a scene inside Miles City Saddlery, a video scene staged for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heart of Homeâ&#x20AC;? commercial, which they helped create.

16 Miles City’s Downtown Urban Renewal Agency commissioned Montana State University Billings marketing communications and undergraduate research students and their instructor, assistant professor Dr. A.J. Otjen, to create a marketing campaign to attract residents and tourists back to Main Street. The project was initiated in 2014 when the city approved a Tax Increment Finance District for its downtown historical area. The city had been for several years looking for solutions that would help bring money back to downtown while generating new investments within the district. The TIFD was established following a feasibility study which identified the challenges downtown faced, including loss of revenue, traffic, customers, and businesses to the newer business districts in the city. Muggli said that the data showed the public’s concern over the impact on the town’s historic district, in particular the loss of historic landmarks, the slow but ongoing deterioration of the area, and growing blight. It was clear, she said, that the economic potential of revitalization had been overlooked because of the perception that preservation would be too costly. However, in a subsequent survey performed by the TIFD board indicated what types of businesses residents wanted to see downtown and the challenges experienced by current downtown business owners. “To generate the economy of the district, it came down to marketing the area to attract investors and customers — our two main business goals,” Muggli said. “We wanted to market the historic district as a place to shop, enjoy, and live, but also to market as a place for investors to set up business.”

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings The TIFD board allocated a $1,000 budget, which was donated by a local nonprofit, to kick start the project with a marketing plan. “The budget didn’t give us a whole lot to work with. As a new department with no money, we had to seek nontraditional avenues.” That’s when the MSUB College of Business marketing program was suggested to Muggli. She had heard that students, as part of internships and coursework, help area businesses and organizations with developing marketing strategies. “I made a call that day, and the project evolved from there.”

STUDENTS TAKE THE LEAD Under professor Otjen’s guidance, marketing students set out over a span of two semesters last academic year with the charge to develop a full marketing campaign that would attract a resurgence of business development and investment to the Miles City’s new Downtown Urban Renewal District, with includes the Main Street Historic District. Students began their work in the fall during Otjen’s Undergraduate Research course, focused primarily on the research and development of the advertising campaign. As part of their research, students analyzed the board’s extensive feasibility study and met with the members of the board and other community leaders and residents. With the feedback provided, students developed their own survey that was later distributed to community members, intended to gauge public interest on topics such as shopping and living downtown. Their assessment of the survey identified the main targets for marketing are residents, event attendees, and tourists.

Set against the backdrop of sandstone bluffs of the Yellowstone River, Main Street is bordered with turn-of-the-century buildings that, today, house momand-pop shops, art galleries, restaurants, and saloons.

August 2016

Allen Peters and Anne Gauer, of Spotlight Productions, collaborated with the marketing class to film the 30-second commercial “Miles City Downtown, the Heart of Home.” The Billings-based production company has partnered with assistant professor A.J. Otjen on dozens of her student-led marketing campaigns.

“There is a lot of research and science that goes into this process,” Otjen said. “We teach students how to find the right opportunity for the customer, understand the target audience, and then how to develop the message to reach the audience.” The group resolved that targeting residents was the better opportunity, recent marketing graduate Hannah Shephard, 21, said. “For downtown Miles City, to try and compete for tourists, they might make an additional $3 million in revenue every year,” she said. “But, if they are successful with bringing their own residents to downtown, they could earn almost $30 million in revenue every year.” Following their business assessment, the class developed a full marketing communications strategy they would tackle the following semester in Otjen’s Integrated Marketing Communications, which is taught in tandem with the fall semester’s Undergraduate Research class.

scouting, casting auditions, and organizing the film schedule. “They were in charge of the entire production,” Otjen said. “They were in charge of the execution of their strategy, their message, and their creation.”

SETTING THE STAGE Set against the backdrop of sandstone bluffs of the Yellowstone River, Main Street is bordered with turn-of-the-century buildings that, today, house mom-and-pop shops, art galleries, restaurants, and saloons. Walking into the iconic Trails Inn Bar, a visitor gets a unique glimpse of an earlier era in stark contrast to the new growth of business along the interstate corridor. Built in 1885, the bar was recently purchased by City Attorney Dan Rice, 34, and his wife, Ilyana, 37. While the building has been pretty well-preserved, the couple did some restoration projects beginning in January, such as exposing the original brick.

The campaign included content for print, broadcast, web, and social media as well as the reworking of the city’s historical district branding. Several marketing concepts were developed and then presented to a focus group of Miles City residents, who then assisted the students in finalizing the marketing concept.

A Miles City native, Dan moved his family to Miles City in 2010 after graduating from law school in Missoula. Since, the couple has purchased and renovated several residential properties and three downtown historical buildings.

The culmination of the campaign is a 30-second TV commercial slated to debut in eastern Montana this fall. Students collaborated with Spotlight Productions, a Billings-based production company, to film the production.

“It’s a labor of love,” Ilyana said. “Our hope is that by restoring these buildings, it brings life and business back to downtown. It’s sad to see empty shops. We really appreciate the history of Miles City and hope it can still be here for generations to come.”

After the students were given their directions, Otjen said, they were on their own with minimal faculty oversight.

On April 29, the Trails Inn Bar was bustling with people preparing for what would be one of its busiest nights since the couple’s grand opening in January.

Hundreds of hours went into the commercial production, peppered with call sheets, shot sheets and scripts, location

Sidewalks were swept, flowers planted, and 33 craft beers

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

added to tap — all in preparation for the marketing students’ commercial production. The Rices weren’t alone in this endeavor. The majority of downtown business owners rallied in the effort of giving Main Street a makeover so it would look its best for the big screen. “This project was handled on a very large scale,” Anne Gauer, Spotlight Productions co-owner and creative director, said. “It was right up there with a Hollywood commercial production.” Rather than mocking a street dance for the script, the town came together to host a Friday night shindig that closed down Main Street. Local band Trouble Expected performed, and Red Neck Grill sponsored a pig roast. The following morning, regular farmer’s market vendors volunteered to open their season two weeks early at Riverside Park, located on the outskirts of Main Street, so the students could shoot an authentic scene of the summer market. “Community members really helped us to set the stage for our story line, going as far as washing the town’s water tower and closing down Main Street to traffic,” 24-year-old Melissa Oderifero said. The recent graduate said she was most surprised about the workload that goes into a film production. “Every single detail was thought about, and then thought about again.” Miles City Community College students also pitched in, helping to coordinate traffic control for the production days and acting as assistants to the film crew. “It truly was a community-wide effort,” Muggli said. “The townspeople came together for this project, and I feel that it brought us even closer. The results are real-world experiences that benefit everyone involved, she said.

BENEFITS OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING The idea to create student-produced marketing campaigns was first pitched a decade ago when Otjen combined her marketing courses with the communications department’s Media for Social Change course, taught by Dr. Sarah Keller. The duo coupled their disciplines for the Domestic Violence Campaign for Carbon County and the YWCA of Billings, a student-led marketing campaign for social change, earning six national Addy awards.

NEW FULLY-ONLINE MARKETING DEGREE OPTION Montana’s only fully-online marketing degree option, brought to you this coming fall semester by the MSU Billings AACSB accredited College of Business, makes going to school fulltime easier and more affordable. Online students at MSUB take classes from the same top-notch College of Business professors who teach on campus. Like with traditional classes, online students still participate in class discussions via online threads and develop a community among their classmates, all while having immense flexibility and independent schedules. This doesn’t mean missing out on any of the perks of an on-campus program, however. Online students have access to the all of the university’s resources, including Advising and Career Services, which facilitates hundreds of internship opportunities with the region’s robust business and marketing firms. Recent Marketing Degree Option graduates have been hired by elite companies with a 100% job placement average in 2015. MSUB strives to make getting an education affordable while best preparing students for successful careers through challenging curriculums and real-world experience. Discover your career in marketing today. Learn more at www.msubillings.edu/msubonline

August 2016

19 Marketing students help Miles City downtown business owners dress the storefronts with flowers the day of filming.

The talent was clearly available, and Otjen had no reason to doubt the community need. She and her students have been helping businesses and nonprofits with their long-range business plans every year since. Otjen says it’s a chance for students to experience the real world of marketing, with the end goal of creating an integrated multimedia business marketing plan that generates awareness and revenue for the client. “Not only are my students getting the chance to develop a complete campaign, but they are also given the great opportunity to make a difference in the community,” she said.

and strategies of integrated marketing communications, but it was great to finally put it all together and execute everything we’ve learned for a client who can actually use our help,” he said. Oderifero agreed. “Getting this opportunity was such a great experience. Not only did I grow as a professional but also as a person because I was being pushed to do things I’ve never had to do before.” “I hope when people watch these, they see not only what MSU Billings students are capable of — and the education we’re

Gauer, who has been collaborating with Otjen’s class since the beginning, said the projects are extremely professional productions, and that’s what you get from students when they are working in an entrepreneurial environment. “Students are exposed to real world interactions and experiences with actual clients, and the organizations receive a strategic, professional marketing campaign at a fraction of what it would cost to involve a marketing firm. It’s a wonderful partnership.” Gauer’s business partner, Allen Peters, added that students are “really making a difference in so many lives with their work, and by doing so, they are learning about the importance of contributing to their communities.” Dillon White, a 2016 marketing graduate, said service-learning takes students beyond the classroom to apply the skills and theories they’ve learned. “Our classes prepare us by teaching us the different processes

Jeff Shaw, of Redneck Grill, carves a pig in preparation for a Friday night street dance. Rather than mocking a dance for the film shoot, the town came together to host a Friday night shindig that closed down Main Street.

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

getting that allows us to make something like this — but also the wide range of things that MSUB has to offer,” she said.

For the MSUB marketing students, the message community members wanted to get across was clear: Miles City Downtown is the Heart of Home.

Providing students professional opportunities within the community, Otjen said, is helping to set her graduating students up for long-term success.

Oderifero said she and her classmates aimed to capture this vision in the commercial and to depict “the pulse of downtown.”

THE HEART OF HOME Longtime Miles City residents Ken and Vicki Hess opened the doors early to their custom hat shop, Kickin’ Ass Hat Co., the day of the film production to make a few final touches to their store front.

The responsibility was exhilarating, students said, as well as intimidating.

Miles City residents dance and mingle during the commercial production’s street dance scene.

They’ve been the owners of the building that sits on the 900 block of Main Street since 2000.

Muggli said the project was a valuable experience for the town, and well-received by the community. The marketing efforts are already getting noticed with more than 3,000 views on YouTube as of June 15.

“We love downtown Miles City, and we’d really like to see it like it was in the old days when the streets were filled with people and stores,” Vicki said. “We want to see it come back alive and be the booming town it used to be.”

“Every merchant, every business and community member I’ve talked with has remarked on how professional and talented the students and film crew were,” Muggli added. “They were impressed to collaborate with MSUB and Miles Community College students.”

Rachel Long, an extra in the film, said there is “great historical value in Main Street that is of such importance.” “Downtown has faded over the years, and it’s being forgotten,” the 25-yearold, mother of three said. “But, there are still such great resources here for my family, like the library and 100-year-old saddlery. I want all of this to still be here for my kids as they grow.”

“Our main challenge was to appeal to all age groups,” Oderifero said. “In the end, we just really wanted the community to like what we produced, and to take pride in it.”

The biggest benefit, she said, is how it united the community.

Assistant professor of marketing A.J. Otjen, right, discusses the film production schedule with her marketing students inside the historic downtown Montana Bar.

Ilyana Rice echoed this sentiment. “It’s not just about selling nostalgia, it’s also about preserving these buildings for future generations,” she said. “With each historical building and mom-and-pop shop that gets lost, we lose a little bit more of ourselves.”

“I am personally very proud of how our community came together, united by the love for our Historic Downtown,” she said. “The commercial is a product that the community is very, very proud of.

“Not only was there a huge financial benefit for Miles City, but an even richer benefit of enhanced relationships. The fabric of the whole experience carried many different layers of enrichment. We learned from each other.” n

August 2016

I N

T H E

F I E L D

FROM MONTANA TO MOROCCO: ALLIED HEALTH STUDENTS EXPLORE HEALTH CARE IN A GLOBAL WAY By Carmen Daye Price n Photos courtesy of Deborah Peters and Michael Hoffman

tudents and faculty from the College of Allied Health Professions have a long and storied history of service in Billings and the greater region. In May, they extended that community of caring to a rural community in Morocco. The first-ever Morocco trip for Montana State University Billings — led by Deborah Peters, director of the college’s health administration program — took Peters and seven of her students for three weeks to the remote and rugged region of Zawiya Ahansal, a collection of four small villages in the Central High Atlas Mountains, where they collaborated with rural Moroccans to improve public health in a crosscultural way. “Meeting and living with the people The small, rural village of Aguddim, founded in the 13th century, was visited by MSU Billings Allied Health students in May. The of rural Morocco taught me to see first-ever MSUB-led trip to Morocco allowed students to explore health care in a global way. Photo by Michael Hoffman cultural differences in a new light and identify more of what it is that makes Peters said the goal of the course is for students to understand us all human,” recent Master’s of Health the health of citizens from another culture, and compare, in Administration graduate Michael Hoffman said. “By working an in-depth way, health systems in America compared to a with another culture toward a common goal, I have learned developing nation for a broader understanding of international more about human nature and cooperation between citizens of health care, she said. the world.” The 39-year-old said he and his colleagues were able to provide valuable insights into health care efforts happening in rural Morocco, addressing community health needs that will potentially benefit the efforts of future groups and community planners, as well as improve the overall health conditions people of the region face. The three-credit course, titled Rural Health Care and Culture in Morocco, is designed to provide a global service-learning opportunity for students, where they learn first-hand about disparities in health and health care on a global basis. Other course objectives include comparing health care in rural Morocco and rural Montana; participating in healthrelated community development projects by a nonprofit; and collaborating with a nonprofit, community-based, nongovernmental agency.

“During their time in Morocco, students provided expertise and support to community development programs while being immersed in an intercultural living environment,” Deborah Peters said. “This type of instruction, which provides experiential learning, is my favorite way to teach.” The collaborative learning partnership is guided by the Atlas Cultural Foundation (ACF), a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Montana State University alumna and Big Fork native Cloe Erickson. She has since been bringing university and high school students to the region to help with the foundation’s mission of community engagement programs focused on architectural preservation, community education, agriculture, foreign language, technology, and, most recently, public health. “For many years, the local community has been asking us to

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

bring health students and to do regular health awareness days and workshops,” Erickson said. So, when Peters approached her a couple of years ago about a possible educational partnership, Erickson said she jumped at the opportunity. “MSUB’s goals matched with what the community had been requesting, so it is a destined partnership in many ways,” Erickson said. An MSU architecture master’s graduate, Erickson initially set out in 2007 to preserve a 350-year-old igherm — a communal granary in the small Moroccan village of Amezray. The project quickly evolved from a short-term to a long-term mission. Today, she, along with her husband, Kristoffer Erickson, and their daughter, call the region home and the foundation’s mission their life’s work.

College of Allied Health Professions students, back row: (left to right) Michael Hoffman, Tescha Hawley, Vinca Radosevich, Heather Stuart, Jessica Hahne, Floyd McMillan, and Professor Deb Peters; front row: Travis Bennet and Atlas Cultural Foundation Board member Leigh Taggart.

“These programs are not about saving the world or a certain population in two weeks, they are about building long-term, sustainable relationships.”

THE ROAD TO ZAWIYA AHANSAL After a long, intense six-hour drive on about 125 miles of mountain switchbacks from Marrakesh, the van hauling the group of students came to a stop on the single lane gravel road that is etched into the mountain side. Heather Stuart, 22, was car sick, and relieved to hear professor Deb Peters say, “There it is. There is Aguddim.” Nestled into a valley carved out by the Ahansal River, the region comprises four villages: Amezray, Taghia, Tighanimin, and Aguddim — the small community where the students lived for three weeks. The villages are a blend of the indigenous peoples of North Africa, known as Berbers. Some are village residents and others seasonal nomads. “I had to squint to see the village. It completely blends into the mountain,” Stuart said.

13th century. It’s been a crossroads for pilgrims, traders and migrants for centuries, passing over rugged plateaus and deep limestone gorges that dominate the landscape and divide the Morocco’s Mediterranean region to the north from the Sahara to the south. Once a thriving area, Zawiya Ahansal is now considered one of the poorest regions in the country and among the most rural in in North Africa. Situated at about 10,000 feet, the remoteness and harsh weather have been main factors of the historical lack of basic infrastructure including roads, electricity, and health care.

BRIDGING THE HEALTH CARE GAP There is just one government health care clinic in Aguddim, which serves the entire rural commune of Zawiya Ahansal — a population of about 10,000 people in the winter and 15,000 in the summer months when the semi-nomadic tribes return from the Sahara Desert. From the other villages in the region, getting to the clinic can take the majority of a day. “Or, for the people who live further up the mountains, it could take several days to get to the clinic,” Hoffman said.

A large data tower on Aguddim’s outskirts gave way to the otherwise camouflaged settlement built from the valley’s limestone rock. Over the past decade, the village has come a long way with electricity, substantial improvements to water supply and sanitation, and even a cell phone tower installed about five years ago.

As part of the foundation’s mission to improve public health and access to health care, the ACF has worked with local community members and village leaders to organize a public health education initiative, focused on bridging the gap between the community and the government’s health resources in the area.

Despite its remote location, Zawiya Ahansal was established along an old caravan route from Marrakesh to Timbuktu in the

“Our hope is that our health groups will lead to a partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Health and that we can begin to

August 2016 collaborate directly with the government health workers and begin to break down some of the existing barriers,” Erickson said. “We also hope to spread the very basic message that health care exists and that people do not have to suffer in silence, but rather communicate with one another and seek help that is available.” Zawiya Ahansal’s community association, Amezray SMNID, leads the area’s community development projects and initiatives. “All of our community engagement projects and activities are decided upon by the locals themselves,” Erickson explained. ‘By working in this way, rather than imposing what we believe they need, the programs have been successful year after year in the eyes of the locals.” The MSUB group received instruction from the association’s president, Youssef Oulcadi, to provide information and teaching to the women and children of Aguddim and Amzeray villages about topics including the proper disposal of garbage and overall sanitation, dental hygiene, healthy eating, and breast cancer awareness. Students spent several weeks preparing for their presentations and collecting toothbrushes prior to their departure, which would culminate with Health Awareness Days held toward the end of their stay. One day was specific to children, and another to the women of the village. Stuart, along with Vinca Radosevich, who received in 2016 her bachelor’s degree in health administration from MSUB, joined Leigh Taggart, ACF’s public health director, and Zahira, a Moroccan translator, in raising awareness about breast cancer — particularly the signs to watch for and how to give self examinations. The topic of breast cancer was rather foreign to the women of the village, said Stuart, who will graduate in May with her MHA.

“Most of the women had never heard of breast cancer, and those that had, never talked about it,” she said, emphasizing the conservative Muslim culture. “Women’s health and women’s bodies are considered to be sensitive topics.” Ironically, breast cancer among women Master’s of Health Administration student Heather Stuart, left, under the presented information about breast cancer awareness to a group age of 45 is of about 78 women from two villages. Photos by Deborah Peters becoming more prevalent in Morocco, she said. The urgency to bring breast cancer awareness to to the villages is a top priority for SMNID, as well as to bring their efforts to the attention of the Moroccan Ministry of Health. Stuart said the group of 78 women from two villages who attended the workshop were eager to talk and learn more, describing the encounter as electric and thought-provoking. The women, she said, seemed thrilled to be among other women talking about issues specific to them.

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING? Candidates interested in the 2017 Spring Rural Health Care and Culture in Morocco should contact Deb Peters, Director of the Health Administration Program and Morocco course leader, at Deborah.peters2@ msubillings.edu to let her know you are interested. The course is open to all majors and community members.

Aguddim children learn the basics of brushing their teeth during the Health Awareness Days, presented in part by College of Allied Health Professions students. The group collected more than 500 toothbrush donations from Billings community partners prior to their trip.

During Spring Semester 2017, students will prepare for this international studies program in Morocco through online discussions of readings and videos related to global health care and health care in Morocco. In May 2017, students will travel to Zawiya Ahansal in the High Atlas Mountains to learn about health care and culture in rural Morocco and participate in health care service learning projects. The Morocco trip is included in HADM 494 (and not a separate class). The cost is estimated to be $4,250 including airfare. Financial Aid and Scholarships are available for MSUB students.

24 “The women’s needs are often pushed aside, with more focus on their household and family duties rather than their health needs and concerns,” Stuart said. The workshop began with just simple “girl talk” and quickly developed into thoughtful dialogue. “It amazed me how thirsty for knowledge they were,” Stuart said with admiration. “These women might not be able to read, but they are incredibly smart and have such great intuition.” The villages are beginning to put more emphasis on women’s health, she said. “The hope is that women’s health will continue to be a priority,” Stuart said. “Placing an emphasis on their health improves the health of the entire village, as they are the caretakers of the next generation.”

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings with program administrators and local leaders to make a direct impact in the community,” Hoffman said. Another valuable part of the program, he said, was having the opportunity to discuss health care in Morocco with a physician who teaches and practices in Marrakesh. “I formed many new acquaintances and friendships through this experience that both enriched the experience and increased my understanding about religions, social practices, and customs in Morocco and the United States...I learned more about the Berber people and understood cultural differences and similarities with native populations in the United States.” In the next stages of his career, Hoffman said he will be more sensitive to cultural considerations in any professional interactions, including those between Americans.

Also discussed during the workshop was ways in which women can encourage their children to eat healthy and care for their teeth.

“I think this experience will influence the way I engage with persons from other cultures and has opened my eyes and piqued my curiosity about the rich cultural history in Morocco and other cultures around the world,” he said.

In the workshops designed for children, students handed out toothbrushes and demonstrated how to properly brush their teeth and care for their gums. “Often times, dental care consists of meeting a man down by the river to extract any sore teeth,” Hoffman said, explaining that proper dental hygiene is sorely neglected, resulting in most adults eventually losing their teeth. Hoffman said the children were really excited about receiving toothbrushes, and were, like their mothers, excited to learn about health care topics. “One important difference I noticed between Moroccan and American health care is the very different perceptions of health care between the two populations,” Hoffman said. “In America, we generally feel like we are entitled to have access to health services and largely take our access for granted. In Morocco, families do not expect to have such access to services and the community has (historically) lacked such access.” The MHA program, Hoffman said, has helped to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of a working health care system, but the experience in Morocco offered him and his colleagues a chance to observe another outlook to health care with an entirely different cultural approach. “As a health care administrator, it was rewarding to work closely

Photo by Michael Hoffman

Erickson said the Health Awareness Days ended up being a much larger success than what she had expected.

“And, we continue to receive positive feedback from the locals,” she said. Especially the women. Stuart said her experience in Morocco made a lasting impact on her as well, and she hopes to make the trip again next year to see the progress and outcomes of the health education program they implemented this year. “Working in a developing nation really opens your eyes to what’s possible in in health care. It’s not just a giant health care corporation: it’s a grassroots, community-wide effort for people who really need it. Every move matters when it comes to a community’s health, and the littlest things make the biggest differences. A community cannot thrive without good health status and health care.” Hoffman said he also plans to continue to study other cultures, and work toward breaking down barriers that keep people a part. “By increasing multicultural awareness and understanding, we can become better neighbors and hopefully leave the world a better place for generations to come,” he said. n

August 2016

P L AC E

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P RO M I S E

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Laying the foundation for the next century By Mark A. Nook, Ph.D., MSUB Chancellor Yellowjacket Friends, Welcome to the inaugural edition of Peaks to Plains magazine! The faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Montana State University Billings do amazing work and reach for incredible goals. Peaks to Plains is being produced to help keep you up to date on what your classmates, friends, colleagues, and mentors are doing to make MSU Billings a great place to learn, work, and live. As you read this edition, we are welcoming the 90th freshmen class to campus. About 100 years ago, community leaders realized Eastern Montana’s need for a school to train teachers. It took nearly 10 years of planning and pushing, and out of that early work grew Eastern Montana Normal School, which transitioned to Eastern Montana College of Education, to Eastern Montana College, and finally to Montana State University Billings. While our institution’s name has changed a few times in the past 89 years, we are connected by the experiences we share and traditions we celebrate. We are all proud to be Yellowjackets. As we approach our centennial in 2027, we begin to lay a foundation that will build a university ready to serve the people of Eastern Montana and the Northern Plains in our next hundred years. This foundation is being designed with the understanding that MSU Billings’ purpose is to positively impact society by equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and habits-of-mind to go out and change the world – as our alums have for 89 years. Despite some of the challenges we face, we have every reason to be confident in our ability to succeed. We take pride in the great distinction MSU Billings has achieved in less than a century, and we fully expect that the next century holds even greater promise. One of the cornerstones for the foundation of our next century is the construction of a facility that will enhance our ability to prepare people to have a positive impact

on science and health care. The Yellowstone Science and Allied Health Building featured on the next page. Many of the faculty members and students whose stories are presented in this issue will have a new home in this facility. The new learning space will greatly improve our ability to recruit top-notch students and provide them with the equipment and settings that the students will encounter when they graduate from MSU Billings and take that first step in their professional careers. Eastern Montana Normal School opened its doors 89 years ago to expertly train teachers from the peaks of Montana across her eastern plains. The community and region had a need, and they created EMNS to meet that need. At MSU Billings, we continue to embrace that role , serving the economic, cultural, and social needs of our state and region. We are working to build a partnership with the communities of Eastern Montana to serve the area’s needs, so Eastern Montana can continue to be a great place to live, work, and play. We are here to make a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the things that are taking place at MSU Billings. We would love to hear from you. Please pass along your suggestions for stories or comments on the articles, or send us your memories of the campus. We want to create a magazine that serves you — our friends and supporters — so please let us know what you think. Thank you. ’Jacket Proud!

READY!

Constructed in 1947, the MSU Billings Science Building is in need and READY for renovation and expansion. The facility will provide a modern and dynamic space for Science, and a home for the growing College of Allied Health Professions, educating science and health care workers for the region.

SET!!

Thanks to a $10 million appropriation from the Montana Legislature, construction on the renovation and expansion is SET to start once private funding of $5 million has been raised. The completion of the project requires an additional $3 million to provide necessary enhanced laboratory facilities and support for student learning.

With the ever-gr ever-g health professio long way in mee the area and the Billings answer t them staying an over 50% of tho County. With your help, Eastern Montana Montan

GO!!!

rowing need for science and growing onals, this building will GO a eting the workforce needs of e region. Graduates of MSU those needs with over 85% of nd working in Montana, and ose remaining in Yellowstone

this building is a GO for a, na, the state, and the region.

Construction on the Yellowstone Science and Allied Health Building can begin once private matching funds are raised. The renovated and expanded facility will continue to produce outstanding MSU Billings students such as Joseph Walters (left) and graduates like Erin Popp (center) and Dillon Key (right). Give today and be a part of this great opportunity!

msubfoundation.com/ways-to-give/yellowstone-building

AT H L E T I C S S P OT L I G H T

SEBASTIEN STRONG

MSUB MEN’S SOCCER INSPIRED BY YOUNGEST YELLOWJACKET

Sebastien Easton brings life and perspective as inspirational warrior through battle with cancer By Evan O’Kelly, MSUB Athletics Director of Communications

he late afternoon sun bore down on Yellowjacket Soccer Field on the City College campus at Montana State University Billings in 2014. A heavy atmosphere accompanied the late September air as six-year-old Sebastien Easton rode along with his family to the field. The Billings native couldn’t possibly have known what to expect, only that he was about to be introduced to a group of young men that, to him, would appear as larger-than-life sports heroes. A rush of adrenaline streaked through Sebastien’s tired body, willing him to run onto the field and forget about the hours of chemotherapy treatments that had become part of his weekly routine. His mother, Mandy Easton, an MSUB alumna, was in search of a spark—something to give her son hope that one day he could glide up and down the field and score spectacular goals just like the Yellowjackets. Awaiting Sebastien’s arrival was MSUB head men’s soccer coach, Alex Balog, fresh off completing a midseason training session as his team prepared for a rigorous Great Northwest Athletic Conference NCAA Division II schedule. The Belgian head coach was admittedly nervous for his team’s initial encounter with Sebastien, the connection being coordinated through the Team IMPACT program that pairs children fighting diseases with college athletic teams. But when Sebastien arrived and tucked his shoulders beneath Balog’s outstretched arm, the fit couldn’t have been more natural. Balog ushered Sebastien — a soccer ball in tow as the youngster received his first-ever dribbling tips — toward the group of Yellowjackets waiting anxiously to meet their newest teammate as they stretched out their recovering muscles in a circle. Placed at the center of it all was Sebastien. His brow furrowed in concentration

Photos by Aaron Selig

as, one-by-one, 29 uniquely talented footballers from all stretches of the globe offered their greetings. “Hi Sebastien, I’m Sam Butterworth.” A quick, nervous wave returned the words put forth by MSUB’s British left back. A nod here, a smile there, Sebastien recognized the sound waves of more than a dozen different accents as he twirled slowly in a full circle around the group. Last to go were Billings native Kyle Emerick and Australian midfielder Rhys Lambert, who presented Sebastien with an MSUB jersey, complete with signatures from every player and coach, and a sharp, snap-back Yellowjackets hat that Sebastien pulled perfectly onto his head. While undoubtedly overwhelmed by the moment, Sebastien managed to lift a triumphant thumbs-up and join in as the most cultured team in Billings let loose a mighty, bellowing cheer that had become the trademark of MSUB Men’s Soccer. From the distant gates to the field, Mandy looked on as her son fostered what would become the backbone he needed most. She knew of the power sport had to bring individuals together as a family from her playing days on the volleyball court as a Yellowjacket. She even held hope that Sebastien’s bond with the team would eventually equip him with the will to defeat the disease he suffered from. But no one could have predicted that Sebastien Easton and MSUB Men’s Soccer would quickly become one and the same, each a vicarious representation of the other. Though he couldn’t have understood his purpose at the time he first walked onto Yellowjacket Field, Sebastien was on his way to transforming and shaping the lives of the Yellowjacket student-athletes beyond the skills they could learn on the field and in their classes.

Sebastien Easton performs the ceremonial kickoff prior to the Yellowjackets’ 2014 MSUB Kicks Cancer match against Simon Fraser on Oct. 25, 2014.

“We deal with 18 to 22 year olds who are all very good soccer players, and all of them think that they should play,” Balog commented. “That is good for the program, because you want players who are competitors. But then came along this boy who was fighting for his life, and it really helped a lot of our guys put things into perspective. When our guys saw how much heart Sebastien had, it made them realize that other things in life outside of soccer are much more important.” Before long, Sebastien became a regular along the sidelines with the Yellowjackets, screaming encouragement from the bench during home matches. The entire 2014 season Sebastien was along for the ride, regularly attending training sessions, team meals and activities, and sporting his Yellowjacket gear while attending Highland Elementary School. The unrelenting battle with cancer continued to limit Sebastien’s energy, and it started to become more outwardly apparent. Each day, he’d wear his Yellowjacket cap to help cover his hair loss following his grueling treatments. As MSUB prepared to take the pitch and open its spring exhibition schedule at the beginning of 2015, Balog was struck by an idea to help his team display it was by Sebastien’s side throughout his battle.

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings table. Wildberger’s parents had accepted an invitation to attend the match from their home in Rocklin, Calif., and took part in a pregame moment of silence and remembrance ceremony in honor of their late son.

MSUB’s starting 11 pose with Sebastien Easton before their spring soccer match against Rocky Mountain College in March, 2015, the day of the team’s ‘Be Brave and Shave’ fundraiser. At right, Sebastien sports his Yellowjacket hat and t-shirt on the field during pregame warmups before a match in 2015. After visiting Sebastien in the hospital multiple times leading up to their first game against Rocky Mountain College, the team’s newest member summoned enough strength to join the Yellowjackets in their locker room the morning of the game. Cleats, jerseys, and athletic tape were replaced by stools and electric shavers, as members of the team took turns shaving their heads for the “Be Brave and Shave” fundraiser. The soccer ball met bald craniums throughout the day as the ’Jackets won 50-50 balls, and a sense of confidence had been restored to Sebastien as his heroes once again offered a figurative tip of the cap. “He came into our training sessions and his parents really stayed away and let him go on his own,” said Balog. “He showed he was timid at first, but after a few minutes it was like he had been on the team for a while. Since then, his comfort level has grown tremendously, and when the guys on the team know he is coming they look forward to playing with him.” As flights from around the globe returned to Billings in August of 2015, it was Sebastien’s turn to wait for his now-teammates to arrive and greet him in the Magic City. But as a new group of Yellowjackets came together to start the fall season, tragedy struck as incoming freshman goalkeeper Trevor Wildberger lost his own long battle with cancer. Devastated, the players turned to one another for solace as they were, once again, reminded of the privilege it is to suit up in a Yellowjacket uniform. Never had Sebastien’s presence been more relied upon or needed, his inspiration to keep fighting helping to restore hope on a team that had lost a brother. October 15, 2015 marked the annual MSUB Kicks Cancer game at Yellowjacket Field, the team’s game against Concordia University representing far more than points in the conference

The huddle of bowed heads wearing pink warmup t-shirts eventually broke loose, as the match time approached and MSUB prepared itself to play. Sebastien stepped into the midfield circle to perform the ceremonial kickoff along with an emotional Balog. “It was an incredibly difficult and trying time, as we were faced with the extreme of a young man in Trevor who didn’t win a fight against cancer and passed away,” said Balog. “On the other hand, our players and coaches saw this little boy who kept fighting and surviving, and that helped us recover and continue to live for Trevor.”

The odds didn’t play into the Yellowjackets’ favor that day, as a 2-0 halftime deficit was worsened by a red card early on in the start of the second half. Somewhere, somehow, the will to fight and refusal to concede overcame the ’Jackets and they rallied for a remarkable 3-2 victory. Ricardo Palomino put forth a heroic performance with a secondhalf hat trick, and though MSUB finished the match with just 10 players on the field, the entire team knew that Wildberger was its spiritual 11th that carried them to victory. It is Sebastien’s courage that the Yellowjackets continue to rely upon, just as they did last October when they needed a lift only he was capable of providing. Preparing to return to the team this fall for his third season on the roster, Sebastien’s battle has progressed well. Though he still occasionally sports his Yellowjacket snap-back, he likes to display his now-full head of hair. While

August 2016

still battling the disease, Sebastien’s cancer has gone into remission and his check-ins at the hospital have been stretched to once every month.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR 2016-17

Sebastien’s inspiration extends beyond the men’s soccer team, as he has influenced MSUB’s entire athletic department as well. The Yellowjacket softball team introduced the signing of its own Team IMPACT member, Bria Koch, last spring as the partnership between organizations continues to grow. Like Sebastien, Bria is battling a tough disease in Diamond-Blackfan anemia and will regularly participate in team activities with the softball team for years to come.

Only one player on the Yellowjackets’ women’s basketball roster for 2016-17 was active during the team’s NCAA Division II West Region Championship Sweet 16 run during the 2013-14 season. Playing her way into the starting lineup as a true freshman, Alisha Breen has been a fixture since helping MSUB to within one game of winning a regional championship three seasons ago. Now as a senior in the upcoming season, the Choteau native will look to put the finishing touches on one of the best careers in Yellowjacket history. Reaching the 1,000-point mark midway through her junior season, Breen led the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in scoring with 17.4 points per game and earned first-team all-league honors. Having played 93 games through three seasons, Breen figures to break the school record of 118 career games by the end of her senior season. Currently held by former All-Americans Bobbi Knudsen and Kayleen Goggins, the record will be a fitting testament both to Breen’s dedication to the team and the Yellowjackets’ reputation as a postseason contender year-in and year-out. A year after a disappointing 14-14 finish and missing out on the GNAC Championships in 2014-15, Breen led the ‘Jackets back into the regional championships with a memorable late-season run last spring. Now with two NCAA tournaments under her belt, Breen will look to put forth her best effort yet as a senior, and follow in the footsteps of the hometown legends who came before. Hailing from Malta, Knudsen firmly etched her name atop the MSUB and GNAC women’s basketball record books as she broke the conference’s career scoring and assists standards. A threetime All-American, Knudsen became the first student-athlete from MSUB to earn GNAC Female Athlete of the Year honors after she led the all-Montana squad to the regional title game as a senior. After learning under Knudsen as a freshman, Breen took a step forward as a sophomore playing next to another All-American in Goggins. Averaging 20.0 points per game, Goggins finished her career No. 7 on the all-time scoring chart with 1,456 in her four seasons. Now it’s Breen’s turn. From waiting in the wings as a freshman, breaking out as a sophomore, and taking command as a junior, the best is yet to come as her senior season unfolds this fall. The next great Montana superstar has already arrived at MSUB. You won’t want to miss her final chapter.

As far as Balog and the ’Jackets are concerned, Sebastien has become a permanent fixture among the team’s roster. “The biggest compliment Mandy has given me is that she can drop Sebastien off and know he is going to be in good hands surrounded by 26 brothers,” said Balog. “He is a very lively little boy, and for him to be around us without his parents or siblings is a beautiful example of the synergy we have created.” To catch Sebastien and the Yellowjackets live in action this fall, check out MSUB’s men’s soccer schedule online at www.msubsports.com n

Sebastien participates in pregame warmups with MSUB prior to a home match in the fall 2015 season, showing his full head of hair.

Breen continues theme of Montana women as hometown heroes on the hardwood for the Yellowjackets

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

FINDING CLARK’S CAMP Story by Mary Pickett

MSUB HISTORY PROFESSOR LEADS ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG THAT FINDS COMPELLING EVIDENCE THAT CLARK’S CANOE CAMP WAS LOCATED ON AN ISLAND NEAR PARK CITY

Photo by Tom Rust

August 2016

Montana. Clark and his party traveled by horse east along a southern route to the Yellowstone River. At a spot between present day Columbus and Park City, they found cottonwood trees large enough to make two 28-foot dugout canoes in which they could travel more swiftly to meet up with Lewis and his party on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark buffs have wondered for years where Clark’s canoe camp was. By the 21st century, at least a dozen places had been proposed as Clark’s campsite. MSUB history professor Tom Rust and Ralph Saunders took up the challenge. Saunders, retired from a long career as an aerial photogrammetrist and hydrographic surveyor for a Billings engineering firm, used his expertise to compare modern maps and data with Clark’s meticulous maps, survey logs and journals to narrow down miles of river real estate to a privately owned 10-acre island near Park City as the likely canoe camp. Part of the river shoreline in 1806, the island had been cut away from the mainland by spring floods that have changed the Yellowstone over two centuries.

Ralph Saunders, center, along with MSUB history students are pictured at the archaeology dig, under the direction of history professor Dr. Tom Rust, on an island near Park City, where they crew has found strong evidence that Capt. William Clark and the Corps of Discovery stopped to build canoes. Ralph Saunders, retired aerial photogrammetrist and hydrographic surveyor, used his expertise to compare modern maps and data with Clark’s meticulous maps, survey logs, and journals to narrow down miles of river real estate to a privately owned 10-acre island near Park City as the likely place where Capt. William Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped while building multiple canoes in 1806. Photos by Tom Rust

ne of the best known journeys in American history, Lewis and Clark’s epic trek to the Pacific and back, ended more than 200 years ago.

A Montana State University Billings archaeology dig on an island near Park City has found strong evidence to put that question to rest. On their return trip from the Pacific in 1806, Clark and Capt. Meriwether Lewis split up when they reached what is now western

Photo by Carmen Daye Price

But it left an intriguing mystery behind in Montana along the Yellowstone River that long has intrigued professional and arm-chair historians alike: Where, precisely, did Capt. William Clark and his crew stop in July 1806 to build two canoes?

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

Rust, who has done extensive archaeological research, enlisted students in his MSUB archaeology classes, Boy Scouts, and other volunteers to do the painstaking search for signs of Clark’s stay.

Then, as another area of the island was being dug out, a Boy Scout found what he thought was a small round rock. When Rust examined the sphere, he was elated to see it was made of lead, which meant it could be a musket ball.

Spending many hours at the island, the volunteers swept over the island with a metal detector, magnetometer, and soilresistivity meter.

That was a highpoint of the project, Rust said. The lowest point came a few hours later when Rust couldn’t match the .375-caliber ball to the caliber of guns known to have been carried by the Corps of Discovery.

MSUB history major Ben Nordlund made at least 15 trips to the island to work in all kinds of weather. On one chilly, rain-lashed spring day in 2011, he joined several of his fellow students for a long day of work. Students joked and laughed as they made their way across a shallow channel by canoe to the island. But when they reached the work site, they were all business, assembling into teams to scan the island and sift through dirt dug out of pits. “It was like that every day,” Rust recently said about the laser focus, energy and enthusiasm students brought to each work session from 2011 to 2014. Even with the extraordinary work done by Saunders to pinpoint the location, Rust knew it would be a long shot to find meaningful clues to Clark’s camp. The long shot hit the bull’s eye when, over many months of hard work, traces of Clark’s presence surfaced. First, bits of charcoal were found in a roughly circular shape about 9 inches into the soil, indicating a campfire. Later carbon dating showed that the charcoal fit into an acceptable timeframe associated with Lewis and Clark.

His spirits lifted when he realized that there was no known list of all firearms carried by the Corps, which could mean someone might have carried a .375 caliber weapon. He also remembered that a buck-and-ball method of loading guns was used by the military from the American Revolution into the Civil War and that might explain the smaller caliber ammunition. In a buck-and-ball load, a larger caliber ball was loaded in the barrel along with three to six smaller caliber balls. Bingo. The small musket ball now had at least one credible tie to Clark’s party. Another clue strengthened that link. A laboratory test of the ball showed that statistically it was made from the same lead as artifacts found at Travelers’ Rest near Lolo, MT, a confirmed Lewis and Clark site. Lead from both sites also came from the same Kentucky mine. Double bingo. Eventually, Rust’s students made another major find. Mercury

History professor Dr. Tom Rust, left, along with his students and Ralph Saunders, right, excavate a square area on a labeled grid system. Photo by Carmen Daye Price

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Falls-based Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Rachel Daniels, of the National Park Service’s Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail headquarters in Omaha, NE, also is enthusiastic about the site, which she has visited. “Based on Tom and Ralph’s research, the probability is through the roof that we can link this site to the expedition.” she said. The LCTHF and its Bozeman and Billings chapters, NPS, and MSUB funded the project. Saunders and Rust each received the LCTHF’s Meritorious Achievement Award for their “meticulous research” on the project.

MSUB environmental studies student Blair Street, right, and MSUB business alumnus Ryan Bradshaw (’09) dig out a fallen cottonwood tree, replicating canoes for a new permanent display featuring the Clark Canoe site. They are both seasonal park ranger technicians for the Bureau of Land Management at Pompeys Pillar National Monument.

In 2015, Rust and Saunders also published a peer-reviewed, academic paper detailing their project in the Montana Archaeology Society’s “Archaeology in Montana.”

Photo by Carmen Daye Price

was detected in the soil in two different areas, each about 300 feet from the fire feature at about the same depth into the soil as the charcoal. Mercury helped establish the Corps’ presence both at Travelers’ Rest and at Lower Portage Camp near Great Falls because Lewis and Clark doctored crew members with mercury-based medicines for several ailments. Because mercury is excreted from the body, the presence of mercury in the soil indicates a latrine. Finding mercury about 300 feet from a fire feature on the Park City island was important because a standard procedure of the day for military expeditions — which the Corps of Discovery was — required a cooking fire be placed at least 300 feet from latrines for sanitation reasons. Rust’s volunteer archaeologists also found a corroded buckle, a piece of metal similar to a gun’s trigger guard and pieces of animal bone, including one with butcher marks. Although those, too, might be signs of Clark’s camp, they can’t be proven to be so at this point, Rust said.

In addition to solving a 200-year-old historical mystery, the project has additional benefits. Rust’s archaeology class was part of the university’s Service Learning program, coordinated through the Office for Community Involvement, in which students apply what they learn in a classroom to a real world problem that helps the community.

“It makes what students are learning meaningful,” Rust said. It gives them a sense of the community and what possibilities there are off campus and shows the community that higher education is a good return on the taxpayer’s A permanent display of Clark’s investment, he added.

Canoe Camp at Pompeys Pillar was installed in time for its annual Clark Days on July 25, which celebrated the 209th anniversary of Clark’s visit to the area. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Pompeys Pillar and the Bureau of Land Management.

The musket ball and the mercury are strong enough evidence to convince many that Clark camped here. “I definitely think that the (Park City island) site is the Canoe Camp,” said Lindy Hatcher, executive director of the Great

The students’ work is living on in canoe camp exhibits at the Yellowstone County Museum and Pompeys Pillar National Monument. A sign in Park City about the project also was expected to go up this summer.

The project has meant a lot to Ben Nordlund, who was hired as Yellowstone County Museum’s executive director a few months after he graduated from MSUB. Not only was he in on the archaeology dig, he curated and designed the Canoe Camp exhibit at the museum, which will be up through summer 2017. “Not a lot of historians get to do both,” he said. n

36 SUE HART AND US H A RT

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

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A look at the enduring legacy of MSUB’s longest-serving professor, mentor to generations of students and writers By Craig Lancaster

fter I’d written my first novel but before it had been published and before I had any idea of what I was doing, a colleague at the Billings Gazette suggested that I look up Sue Hart at Montana State University Billings. I’d heard the name, and I had the vague sense that she was someone important, but I went in blindly in an e-mail: “Hi, I’ve written a book, a mutual friend says you might have some advice, etc.” I cringe in remembrance of that, now that I know how many times she must have been approached in such a way, how often people must have come to her with their hands out, wanting direction. Her response shocked me: “Would you be willing to come talk to my class?” I wrote back. “Are you sure? You don’t know me.” “Well,” she replied, “maybe you better send your book over first.” Sue Hart made me feel special, and in that I wasn’t special at all. If you found yourself in her sphere, whether as a student or a peer or a friend, she had that way with you. I went up to the campus and talked with that first class, and I made an instant friend in the warm, soft-spoken, subtly hilarious woman who led it. Each semester, she invited me back. As that first book gained readers and some nice plaudits, she’d prompt me during those give-and-takes with students: “Tell them how you found your publisher.”

Sue Hart making a go of the writing life. She could give them the classroom. She asked me to offer a practical perspective. I never thanked her enough for believing in me that way. But there’s also this: If you fixate on Sue Hart, repository of knowledge about the literature of the American West, you miss Sue Hart, gifted author in her own right. She taught well, she learned well, she wrote well, and she lived well. All of these things I came to know first through our classroom interactions and later as she became a dear friend, someone I loved as if she were my own mother. In a way, she was. We all need first encouragers, those people who will step out and say “you can do this,” even when there’s scant evidence that you can. From a literary standpoint, Sue was mine. From a personal standpoint, she became so much more than that. We’ve all heard the phrase “support the culture you want to live in,” right? Here’s Sue Hart: •

Visiting the Festival of Trees Writers Roundup—a fundraiser for Sigma Tau Delta and something dear to Sue’s heart—and buying a book from every author there. Some were books she might never read. Some were books she’d bought a half-dozen times before. It didn’t matter. Sue loved authors and loved encouraging authors.

•

Pulling in stragglers to her wonderful holiday parties— students a long way from home, people who didn’t have family near, people who would otherwise be alone. She’d sit you next to someone you hadn’t met,

“Tell them how you find time to write with a full-time job.” And as I got to know Sue and became aware of just how fortunate those students were to have her, I’d be thinking here’s someone who knew A.B. Guthrie and Dorothy Johnson and Norman Maclean and Ivan Doig and Elizabeth Savage. Knew them. What could I possibly offer these classes that she couldn’t match and far exceed? What she saw, I think, was a real-world demonstration of

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some other person she loved, and by the end of the evening you’d have another friend. Sue knew that the best alliances and best ideas came out of robust conversation, and she made those connections. •

•

Keeping tabs on former students, sometimes decades after they’d left her classroom. She knew who’d written something that hadn’t yet been published, and she’d try to turn that around. She knew who needed a hot meal and a warm word, and who needed a kick-start. Her gift wasn’t just recognizing talent; she incubated it, too. And, finally, late in her life, sitting at a café in Livingston, at a party before the grand re-opening of Elk River Books, and soaking up the atmosphere. In a room filled with Montana’s best writers and artists, she was the one most frequently sought out. To say someone is universally beloved, I think, can be a well-meaning overstatement. We all have people with whom we don’t connect, people who see or prompt our darker selves. I’ve never heard a word spoken against Sue, nor did I ever hear her speak ill of someone else. About the most you’d get out of her were tightened lips and a diversion of the conversation. What would have been the point? There were so many other, lovely things to talk about.

Sue lived out her final days in a memory care facility in Livingston, near her beloved husband, novelist Richard S. Wheeler. Work takes me to Livingston a fair amount, and I’d always set aside time to sit with Sue awhile. Understandably, she wasn’t as energetic as when I first met her, but I found her to be lucid and still quick with her wit. We talked of books and family and happiness, and I’m ever thankful some of her experiences in those last days, like a trip to Yellowstone and that wondrous night in Livingston. On my last trip to Livingston before she died, I had to skip over to Bozeman to attend to some business. In my haste to get home to Billings, I forgot to stop in and see Sue. This miscue occurred to me somewhere near Big Timber, and I remember thinking, “Well, I’ll be back soon and will see her then.” She was gone within a week. Regrets? Just one. I’m sorry I didn’t get to say “I love you” one more time. It’s been almost two years since Sue died, and I find that her gifts to me are still making themselves known. For one thing, she expanded my family. At her memorial service, I talked about how Sue must have sensed that I needed big sisters, because she gave me three of them. She surely knew I needed a role model for my career, and that was taken care of when she introduced me to Richard. Now, my Livingston trips are marked by time spent with an uncommon gentleman, someone whose stock in trade is grace and hard work. And we can see her presence elsewhere, in the work done by people like Tami Haaland and Danell Jones and Cara Chamberlain, gifted and generous writers who carry forth Sue’s legacy of nurturing art here in the West.

We were so fortunate. Fortunate that Sue worked so long and reached so many. Fortunate that a woman raised in Detroit found heart earth and purpose in Billings, Montana. Fortunate not only because of what she did but also because of how she did it. We were so fortunate. We are fortunate still. Craig Lancaster, of Billings, is the author of five novels and a collection of short stories. His debut novel, 600 Hours of Edward, was a High Plains Book Award winner.

WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE Craig Lancaster is this fall semester’s MSUB Honors Program’s writer-in-residence. Using works from across the spectrum of contemporary fiction, the honors course will examine fiction in terms of structure, voice, plotting, scenes, and resolutions. Readings and discussions will look at literary sensibilities, the craft of writing and how readers consume stories. In describing his aims as a fiction writer Craig Lancaster says, “It’s all too easy to turn people into caricatures, but the truth is, we humans are pretty damned fascinating. Photo by Larry Mayer For me, fiction is a way at getting at truth. I use it to examine the world around me, the things that disturb me, the questions I have about life — whether my own or someone else’s. My hope is that someone reading my work will have their own emotional experience and bring their own thoughts to what they read on the page.” Assignments will include literacy narratives, reflective essays, and evaluations of texts. A final project will be either a short story of 5,000-plus words or the beginnings of a novel. The course is open to Honors students, as well as auditing community members. For more information about registering for the course, contact David Craig at 657-2908 or visit msubillings.edu/honors/residence.

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

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MONTANA: A LITERARY COMMUNITY By Tami Haaland

y time as Montana’s Poet Laureate began with a phone message as my family was traveling home from a camping trip on the upper Stillwater. I started checking messages somewhere around Columbus only to find Arni Fishbaugh from Montana Arts Council offering her congratulations and Jaci Webb asking for an interview. I returned their calls on the way into town, and so it began. At first, what surprised me most was how many interview requests came in. I thought maybe no one would notice, that perhaps the state had become accustomed to poet laureates, and the appointment wouldn’t receive much attention. But that was not the case. Perhaps this is because poet laureates across the country have a happy role to play: judging poetry contests, speaking with young people, participating in readings, and presenting at book festivals. Having a poet laureate means having a cheerful advocate whose goal it is to visit towns, cities, and schools across the state. From my vantage point, it allowed me to discover parts of Montana I had never visited and get to know the people who lived there. Over the course of two years, from August 2013 to October 2015, I had many adventures. Initially it was intimidating to step on stage during a book festival gala reading, for example, or to share a stage with people like Claire Vaye Watkins, Tom McGuane, David Quammen, Rick Bass, or Annick Smith. Sandra Alcosser, who for many years has been friend and mentor, told me to quell any lack of confidence. You are the ambassador, she said. This is your job. During my time in this role, I presented in cities like Missoula, Bozeman, Livingston, Billings, and smaller communities as well. I judged a poetry contest in Troy, attended a poetry celebration at the Ravalli County Fair, celebrated 100 years of wilderness with Jack Gladstone at the Fort Peck Visitor Center, and met a group of traveling horsemen in the prairie near a Custer campsite. In a circle of chairs, we read and recited poetry, shared music and conversation. I taught workshops to young people in Ennis, Virginia City, Roundup, and Chester. One of the many highlights from these two years was the Poets’ Congress at the Warren Wilson Performing Arts Center in Big Sky. I worked with Colorado Poet Laureate Dave Mason and singer/songwriter Martha Scanlan to create a poetry and music performance that included Henry Real Bird and Dave Caserio. All told, I traveled a little over 9,000 miles during this time, not counting a guest writer-in-residence stint at Monterey Community College in California. I participated in approximately 20 readings and was interviewed in Bozeman, Billings, Big Sky, Hamilton, Missoula, and Great Falls, with public radio interviews by Brian Kahn (Home Ground) and Cherie Newman (The Write question).

Now, my work continues without the title because Humanities Montana has invited me to continue in the Montana Conversations series until 2017. This past year has taken me again to the Hi-Line, Virginia City, Kalispell, Whitefish, Emigrant, and Helena. No one gets to do this kind of work without a lot of support. Sandra Alcosser’s nomination and mentoring have been Photo by Carmen Daye Price primary. A supporting second nomination from Dr. Danell Jones and, in the longer view, the encouragement of people like Sue Hart allowed me to gradually develop into someone who could step into this role. What interests me now is offering encouragement to those who work with writing. Billings has a multi-faceted literary arts community which includes readings sponsored by MSUB, the Writers’ Voice, and a team of talented individuals who brought a Pulitzer Series to Billings last spring. We have Big Sky Writing Workshops which offers writing and literature classes for community members, a vibrant poetry slam community, and Arts Without Boundaries, which brings music, art and writing education to K-12 classrooms. Focusing on the future is one way of honoring the lineage that we come from, and Sue Hart was central to everything literary in the Billings community for many decades. Her work lives on in all of those she encouraged as well as her author interviews, essays, and reviews, and now in The Sue Hart Memorial Lecture Series on Western Literature. Last year we hosted Dr. Alan Weltzien, Professor of Literature at University of Montana Dillon, who spoke about American author and Dillon native, Thomas Savage. Sue is the one who suggested this topic to him, and it became one of his primary areas of expertise. This was the kind of quiet gesture she is known for—a small nudge that changed the course of someone’s life. I’m grateful for the experience of being poet laureate of Montana, and I know well that it would never have been possible without the literary community that encouraged and supported my willingness to serve. Tami Haaland is the author of two books of poetry, Breath in Every Room and When We Wake in the Night. She assists in coordinating the writing in the schools program for Arts Without Boundaries and chairs the Department of English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages at Montana State University Billings.

August 2016

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AN OFF-LINE REUNION College of Business grows its online degree program offerings By Blair Koch

t’s not every day that Montana State University Billings’ online students get to meet their professors. But for recent online business graduate Olga Emig, the opportunity came as a surprise.

Emig had been wrapping up her online studies toward a Bachelor of Science in general business—remotely in Denver—when she received news in April that she’d been selected for the 2016 Outstanding Online Business Graduate award from MSUB’s AACSB accredited College of Business. “I am deeply touched and honored,” Emig said when she received the news. She and her family decided to make the 600-mile trip to Billings for her college’s convocation ceremony held on May 6, where she would—for the first time—meet her business and finance professor, Gary Amundson, who nominated her for the award. The reunion put faces to names, and marked special phases for both Emig, 33, and Amundson, 66. After nearly two decades as a business professor with the College of Business, the convocation was Amundson’s last before he stepped into retirement. He says a lot has changed over the span of his career. “When I first came to the College of Business I was teaching totally face to face,” Amundson said.

Former adjunct instructor of business and finance Gary Amundson presents his online student Olga Emig with the 2016 Outstanding Online Business Graduate award during the College of Business’ convocation in April. It was the first time the instructor and student had met. Photo by Patrick Williams business degree was her best route to success. “Since I was taking 16 to 18 credit hours per semester, the online program offered me the most flexibility,” she said. “During my first year I had both on site, as well as online classes. Since my husband was relocated to Denver, and I had two children to take care of, online classes became the best option for me.”

Gradually the COB began offering online courses, and for the past few semesters Amundson has taught all of his courses virtually.

She credits the program’s organization and her professors for helping her graduate with a 3.91 grade point average, noting that instructors were readily available via email and other students through message boards.

“I’m a champion of online education,” he said. “With well over 100 junior and senior students whom I was advising, if one of them calls I say, ‘email!’”

“The professors at MSUB are top-notch and definitely had a positive impact on my online experience,” Emig said.

Amundson enjoyed the diversity of his online classrooms, saying many of his students were non-traditional and place-bound, but determined to get a degree.

MSUB is Montana’s leader in online education, offering more online courses than any other institution in the state including 24 degree programs to choose from.

“Online is not a perfect science, but it’s pretty darn good,” he said. Emig agreed. With a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications already under her belt and experience as a project manager, she wanted to expand her opportunities and found an online

Online students at MSUB take classes from the same topnotch College of Business professors who teach on campus. Like with traditional classes, online students still participate in class discussions via online threads and develop a community among their classmates, all while having immense flexibility and independent schedules. n

40 EARTHQUAKES MILES FROM HOME

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

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By Mary Pickett

One MSUB student experiences an earthquake while studying in Japan, another is in Billings while a quake hits his home country of Ecuador

acob Burd, a Montana State University Billings student studying in Kumamoto, Japan, was jolted awake by a massive earthquake early April 16.

Back in Billings on the same day, Pedro Cordero, an Ecuadorian student at MSUB, was shocked to learn that an even more powerful quake had hit his homeland, killing hundreds and causing widespread damage. Neither student would ever have thought that their lives would be touched by earthquakes when they started off on long journeys from home. For Burd, a 21-year-old English education major, the trip to Japan fulfilled a dream several years in the making.

International Studies and Outreach Director Paul Foster, right, meets with Ecuadorian student Pedro Cordero, left, and Jacob Burd, of Billings, following massive earthquakes that struck Ecuador and Japan in April. Neither student would ever have thought that their lives would be touched by earthquakes when they started off on long journeys from home. Photo by Carmen Daye Price

Long a fan of anime, Japanese film and television animation, Burd started to teach himself Japanese after graduating from Skyview High School in Billings. When he enrolled at MSUB, Burd took classes from MSUB Library Director Brent Roberts, who is fluent in Japanese.

The next step was to go to Japan, which Burd did as the first MSUB student to study in Japan on a semester-long exchange program. He left for Japan March 21 and started classes April 11 at the Prefectural University of Kumamoto. On the evening of April 14, Burd was in his apartment Skyping with his grandfather back in Billings when the building began to shake. He yelled to his grandfather “Earthquake!” before sprinting down three flights of stairs to the outside.

“They were extremely prepared,” Burd said. “I was impressed.” Frightening aftershocks continued through the next day, so he returned to the gym, the biggest and strongest building on campus, to sleep that night. At 1:26 a.m., April 16, Burd was almost asleep when the main earthquake hit. The 7-magnitude quake lasted 20 to 30 seconds and sent the floor he was sleeping on gyrating in every direction. “It was one of the scariest events in my life and I thought I might die,” he said.

He learned later that it was actually a 6.1 foreshock, a prelude of worse things to come.

Everyone ran out of the building to the parking lot. There, Burd called his mother in Billings to let her know he was OK.

When Burd returned to his apartment, sharp seismic jolts continued and he didn’t feel safe there. He went to the campus gym, which had become an emergency shelter. It wasn’t long before water, food, sleeping mats, and blankets arrived.

When a 6-magnitude aftershock nearly knocked Burd and others over, the group moved into an open field. The quake cut power across the city and Burd could see the orange glow of fires burning through the darkness.

August 2016 Even after hundreds more people came to the field there was no panic, “only people trying to help each other,” he said. “They were good to each other.”

scared, but was alright and their home left undamaged. Although thankful his family was fine, Cordero was saddened to see the destruction that the quake, the largest to hit his country in decades, caused.

The quake, the largest Kumamoto has had since 1889, killed 49 people, injured at least 3,000 more and displaced 44,000 from their homes. The city’s water supply, train tracks, a major bridge, and highways were damaged. Burd’s university closed for three and a About 125 students from half weeks. When aftershocks continued the next day, he decided to return to the U.S. because “I didn’t feel safe.” He had more to worry about than just the earthquake. Using a smartphone app, he watched the epicenter of the quake and its aftershocks move toward and then under Mount Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano. Out of the blue, one of Burd’s new Japanese friends reached out to help him.

19 countries are studying at Montana State University Billings this year. They are from: China, Bulgaria, Iran, Japan, South Korea, France, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Cameroon, Mali, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Canada, and Belgium. About 15 MSUB students have studied in Morocco, the UK, Germany, South Korea, Japan, and Slovakia.

Naoya Miyamoto messaged him several times to check on him and then showed up on campus to take Burd back to his family’s home to stay even though the Miyamoto’s lives were also in chaos. Their home wasn’t damaged, but everything not nailed down was thrown on the floor. “It was unbelievably nice of them to let me stay,” Burd said gratefully.

Because quake damage closed Kumamoto airport, Burd had to fly out of Fukuoka, a city about 90 miles away. Again Miyamoto came through for Burd. With public transportation disrupted, Miyamoto tracked down a vehicle and drove Burd to Fukuoka. Safely back home, Burd has a lot to reflect on about his short time in Japan, including a life lesson that many his age rarely confront so soon. Faced with the possibility that he might die, Burd realized how much he wanted to live. “There’s so much more I want to do,” he said. Besides, “being alive is a lot of fun.” Pedro Cordero, 24, came to Billings in January from Ecuador to study psychology.

More than 660 people were killed, 28,000 were injured and buildings, bridges, and highways were wrecked or damaged. “It was shocking,” he said. Cordero was moved to hear stories of people being rescued from rubble days after the quake, efforts organized in Quito to gather food and supplies for the victims and other countries sending help. “To see that was really nice,” Cordero said.

Ecuador is a small but diverse country of almost 16 million people with highlands in the center, Amazonian jungle to the east, and coastal plains to the west. Quito lies more than 9,000 feet above sea level. His country has deep political divisions, but the quake has “brought us together,” he said. But Cordero is concerned about how his country will move forward. Ecuador’s economy wasn’t doing well before April and the quake will complicate economic recovery. Although the two major earthquakes, incredibly, are linked through MSUB, they aren’t associated geologically, said Dr. Sarah Friedman, MSUB assistant professor of earth science. Although the concept of “related” earthquakes is still in its infancy, the only time one quake has been shown to trigger another quake is when both are on the same fault, which Japan and Ecuador are not, she said. “It is not likely that an earthquake in Japan displaced stress along 9,000 miles of stable ocean crust (and across a divergent tectonic boundary) to a fault in Ecuador,” she said. n

On April 16, he was checking his Facebook page, when up popped news that a 7.8 quake had just hit his country.

FOSTER FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

“Oh my God,” he thought.

In 2015, Paul and Elena Foster established the Foster Family Endowed Scholarship for International Education to support the dreams and aspirations of MSU Billings students seeking to learn more of the world and use their own skills, thoughts, and sympathy to become citizens of the world through study abroad opportunities. The first scholarship will be awarded in academic year 2016-2017.

He turned on CNN to find news that the quake’s epicenter was near the country’s coast, which gave him momentary relief because his family lives several hours away in Quito, the capital city. He soon reached his family, who had felt the quake and was

42 WELDING HIS WAY TO A NATIONAL COMPETITION

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

N AT I O N A L

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City College student wins silver medal at SkillsUSA National Competition Story and photos by Carmen Daye Price

ick Neihenke learned the craft of welding at the early age of 10 on his family’s farm in Washington. A recent City College at Montana State University Billings graduate, his honed skill recently earned him the status of being a top student welder in the nation. Neihenke, 20, brought home a second-place national win from the 52nd Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 20-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville — the largest skill competition in the world held annually for students in middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary programs. The competition involved more than 6,000 students from around the nation competing in at least 100 trade, technical, and leadership fields. The multimillion-dollar event occupies a space equivalent to nearly 16 football fields. But that didn’t intimidate Neihenke. Because it was his second national competition, he knew what to expect when going in: industry leaders representing more than 1,700 businesses, corporations, trade associations, and unions who would judge students for their demonstrated excellence in competitions such as robotics, aviation maintenance, and welding. “I competed in the national competition in high school,” he said, noting that he had placed eighth in the nation in 2014. “I wanted to challenge myself, and give it my best with the goal of improving my high school scores. It was about testing myself.” He credits pursuing a career in welding to his high

Nick Neihenke, 20, works in the City College welding shop in preparation for the 52nd Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 20-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, where he placed second. Photo to the right: Neihenke shows his silver medal.

August 2016

school teacher who told Neihenke that “he has a good hand for welding.” He enrolled in City College to learn the science aspect of welding, he said. “I already had the muscle memory of welding down, but I needed to have the working knowledge to back that up.” SkillsUSA reinforces the “trade-focused role City College programs have in preparing graduates for meaningful and rewarding professional careers including both the applied technology skills of their discipline but also the essential human relations and communication aspects provided within general education,” City College Dean Cliff Coppersmith said. Also competing at the national conference, Brandon Dickson placed twentieth in diesel, Austin Schultz also came in the twentieth spot in autobody, and DJ Miller twenty-first in automotive. Each won first place in their categories at the Montana state competition in April, a prerequisite of going to the national competition.

Four City College at Montana State University Billings students placed first in their industry fields during the Montana State SkillsUSA competition, advancing them to compete in the national competition where Nick Neihenke won a silver medal, the college’s second. From left to right: Brandon Dickson, diesel; Nick Neihenke, welding; Austin Schultz, autobody; and DJ Miller, automotive.

City College’s SkillsUSA co-advisor and automotive technology instructor Kathryn Pfau said the student group shined this year, being named by the university “Overall Outstanding Student Organization” as well as the “Academic/Honorary Student Organization.”

“The higher-end skills that are evaluated in the leadership elements of the competition are a key added piece of what we do at City College — born out of the success of our students across multiple levels at both the state and national competitions. This reflects well on both our successful students and their excellent faculty,” Coppersmith said. At the national conference, students had to present their projects and sit through interviews with the judges who critiqued students’ level of professionalism, leadership, communication, and industry skills. “Nick carries all of those traits,” Pfau said. “He realizes that you are never done learning.” Since graduating, he has been hired on with Boilermakers, based out of Helena, a union representing heavy industry workers throughout the nation and Canada. One of his welding instructors, Trevor Brown, said being hired with a union job straight out of school is unprecedented. “To get into a union-type of a situation without any prior professional experience is really rare,” Brown said. “This never happens. I was flabbergasted to hear the news.” Brown said City College’s welding program bases its curriculum on the industry’s needs. “We strive to teach the latest industry standards so our students are prepared tradesmen and women meeting the workforce demands,” he said. “We want our students to get good paying jobs and for companies to be pleased by their hires.” n

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S

2016 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients Montana State University Billings Alumni Association honored seven of its leading graduates during the 34th annual Outstanding Alumni Awards. The alumni awards gala was held Friday, March 18, 2016, and recognized the accomplishments of alumni who have used their education to excel professionally, provide inspirational leadership to others, and provide service for the benefit of MSUB and the community. Outstanding alumni are recognized in four categories: Distinguished Alumnus/a, Alumni Merit Medallion, Recognition for Exceptional Achievement, and the Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment. Past recipients of these awards have included persons who have exhibited unusual courage; creativity; perseverance; originality of competency in their chosen field; raised the quality of life for others; contributed to and promoted the advancement of higher education; or distinguished themselves as leaders in their profession or area of interest. This year’s recipients were: Paul Husted, Distinguished Alumnus. Husted received his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from then-Eastern Montana College in 1976 and a master’s degree in Special Education in 1979. He has devoted most of his career to Edward Jones, where he is recognized in the organization as a corporate and industry leader as well as an influential leader in the investment industry in Montana. One of the most accomplished advisors in the history of Edward Jones, Husted has received top recognitions for his leadership and company contributions. Husted has served on many boards and supported fundraising events in the Great Falls area and has partnered with Compassion International

on numerous projects for over 25 years. Husted and his wife, Lori, live in Great Falls, Montana and are the proud parents of Erin Husted, Anna Husted, and Jordan Husted. Carl Ueland, Merit Medallion Award. A native of Butte, Montana, Ueland ran track and cross country while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry at then-Eastern Montana College, graduating in 1971. Ueland applied his knowledge and experience gained as a student in partnering in a startup business, Actagro LLC. While at Actagro, he developed a new and innovative liquid fertilizer compound to improve efficiency with application on numerous crops and vegetables. His focus was on improving agriculture techniques, not only in fertilizer efficiency, but in other agriculture products and inputs with the purpose of restoring soil health. A pioneer in modern-day agriculture, a notable achievement for Ueland was developing a patent on a widely used fungicide. Ueland retired in 2013, but still serves on the board of directors for Actagro, LLC. Carl is married to Barb and they make their home in Fresno, California. Kim Kaiser, Recognition for Exceptional Achievement. Kaiser graduated from MSU Billings in 2000, with her Health Promotion bachelor’s degree. She has carved her niche as a nonprofit veteran of healthcare in Billings. Kaiser has 20 years of nonprofit and foundation experience, currently serving as CEO of Billings Family YMCA. Prior to this position, she led multimillion dollar fundraising efforts as Senior Advisor of Major Gifts and Campaign for St. Vincent

Healthcare Foundation and as Executive Director of RiverStone Health Foundation. Kaiser’s dedication to the healthcare field carries through and the areas she gives her time to are centered on health, community, and family. Kaiser was born and raised in Billings. She married Chris in 1993; they have two children, Tyler and Rylie. Stacy Klippenstein, Recognition for Exceptional Achievement. Klippenstein pursued his undergraduate and graduate degrees at MSUB, thenEastern Montana College, receiving a bachelor’s in Secondary Education in 1990 and a master’s in Education – Self-Design, Student Affairs Administration, in 1994. A dynamic student leader, he worked as a resident assistant and in student government, moving up the Student Affairs ladder into numerous roles. Dedicated to higher education, Klippenstein has spent his career in various roles within the areas of housing and student life, to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and most recently, President. He received his doctorate in higher education leadership and currently serves as the President of Miles Community College. Klippenstein’s work and dedication has garnered national attention and positioned him as a leader and expert in the field of Student Affairs. Prior to Miles Community College, Klippenstein worked at Texas Tech, Northern Arizona, MSUB, and Central Washington Universities. Klippenstein met his wife, Carrie, as an undergrad at EMC. They have two sons, Steven and Ty. Joel Simpson, Exceptional Achievement. Simpson graduated with both an associates degree and bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Related Services in 2011 from MSUB. He received a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2014 from Walla Walla University. After receiving his master’s degree, he began using his education to assist serial

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Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S inebriates, Indigenous peoples, and the homeless get the treatment they need to overcome drug and alcohol dependence in downtown Billings. A social advocate, Simpson is changing the lives of those affected by addiction and changing awareness and bias in the community as a whole, relying on his cultural background to reach out and build trust and rapport among people. Simpson is a member of the Appsalooke nation and belongs to a family of EMC/MSUB graduates. Julie McDade, Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment. McDade earned her master’s degree in Education with a Reading option in 1980 from Eastern Montana College. Prior to becoming a

Yellowjacket, she received her bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from MSU-Bozeman in 1976. A dedicated teacher since 1979, she has taught adults and college students for over 35 years, including language arts for 18 years at the Billings Adult Education Center, four years as an Instructor at EMC, and one year at MSUB. In 1998, McDade was hired as a faculty member at then-MSUB College of Technology, currently known as City College, where she continues to this day to teach numerous courses centered on the communications field. A life-long teacher, McDade has received numerous honors in recognition of her dedication to her profession and MSUB. McDade is married to Mark and they have a cat and two dogs and enjoy traveling. Terrie Iverson, Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment. In 1982, Iverson graduated from MSUB, then Eastern

Montana College, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an accounting specialization. Iverson has a distinguished career spanning over 30 years at EMC/MSUB. This tenure gives her vast institutional knowledge and makes her an asset to our university, with a students-first focus. Iverson returned to her Yellowjacket roots in 1984 as a Grants and Contracts Accountant. In her time at MSUB, she has served in the positions of General Accounting Supervisor and Director of Internal Operations prior to becoming the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. Terrie is married to Roland Iverson. Together they have a daughter, Dani (Tim) and granddaughter, Aspen, as well as sons Bryce (Kialy) and Brandon (Maggie). n

To nominate outstanding alumni for next year’s awards, go to msubillings.edu/alumni/ outstanding

2016 Alumni Association Scholarship Recipients 2016-2017 University Campus recipients: Jehremy Felig, Billings, MT – senior recipient. Jehremy was selected for the scholarship spring semester 2014. He is a double major in Broadfield Science Teaching option and Biology. Jehremy’s $1,000 MSUB Alumni Association Scholarship has been approved for his fourth and final year at MSU Billings. His mother, Marguerite Felig, earned her Master’s degree in 2007 from MSUB. Bailee Dexter, Townsend, MT – junior recipient. Bailee was selected for the scholarship as an incoming freshman in 2014. This year, she changed her major from Health & Human Performance to English with a teaching option and a Spanish minor. This will be Bailee’s third year to receive the $1,000 MSUB Alumni Association Scholarship. Bailee’s dad, Michael Dexter graduated from thenEastern Montana College in 1991. Noah McCann, Billings, MT – sophomore recipient. Noah graduated

from Skyview High School/home school in June, 2015. He was selected as the freshman recipient to the MSUB Alumni Association Scholarship that spring. Noah will receive the full $1,000 scholarship funding fall semester as he will be completing his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication at the end of the Fall 2016 semester. He earned college credits while in high school as a University Connections student which allowed him to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in just two years. His parents, Virginia Power and Kelly McCann are both alumni, graduating from MSU Billings in 1992 and 1999, respectively. Carly Schaff, Lavina, MT – freshman recipient. Carly graduated from Broadview High School on June 1, 2016. She plans to major in Elementary Education and will be registering for classes during summer orientation. Carly’s scholarship is for $1,000 per year and will be available to her for a total of four years or until she receives her

undergraduate degree, whichever comes first. Carly’s mother, Eva Brosz Schaff, is an alumna of the class of 1995.

2016-2017 City College recipients: Hunter Wester, Forsyth, MT – sophomore recipient. Hunter was selected for the scholarship spring 2015. He is enrolled in the Process Plant Technology program at City College. Hunter is the son of Susan Trieble, an alumna of 2000, and is a second cousin to MSU Billings faculty member Andrew Sullivan. Heather LaPlant, Broadus, MT – freshman recipient. Heather was selected for the MSUB Alumni Association Scholarship this spring. She graduated from Powder River District County High School in May 2016. Heather plans to enroll in the Radiologic Technology program at City College this fall. Her scholarship is $1,000 per year for two academic years. Heather’s grandfather, Charles L. Russel graduated from Eastern Montana College in 1968. n

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S

Marc Swanson named Alaska’s Educator of Year, receives Governor’s Award

he Alaska State Council on the Arts and the Alaska Humanities Forum plus the Arts and Culture Foundation in conjunction with the state’s Governor’s Office named Eastern Montana College alumnus Marc Swanson, of Seward, Alaska, the 2016 Alaska Studies Educator of the Year. The award recognizes individuals who “enrich the culture of the state” the announcement states. Alumni Association caught up with Swanson. Here is what he had to say: Q. Where are you now and what has been your path to getting here? “I currently reside in Seward, Alaska and have been (kinda, sorta) since ‘92. I headed straight out the doors of ‘Eastern Mt College’ in 1980 teaching in native villages throughout Alaska. I also had the pleasure of a teaching fellowship in the ‘land down under.’ Following my retirement, I returned to Red Lodge, Montana for four years and established a mini-career in environmental education offering programs for local schools. That lead to doing contract jobs back in Alaska including the historic videos and curriculums I developed, which was recognized for in the Governor’s Award.” Q. In college, what drew you to getting an education degree? “It’s only mildly ironic that as a young student I thoroughly detested school. It wasn’t until high school when I worked as a summer camp counselor instructing natural sciences that I realized my passion, and aptitude, towards education. This confirmed and amplified my drive to pursue an educational degree.” Q. Fondest memories of your time at EMC? “I began my college studies at University of Montana. Growing up in Billings who would want to attend college in their hometown? I chose to wrap up my degree at Eastern and what a difference it made. I found myself in an educational setting that was downsized and more personable. The education department was more like a family. Professors and administration were approachable on a personal basis and the core of students were tight knit. It was such a different atmosphere from UM and it fit my style.” Q. What are some life lessons that you learned at EMC that you took with you throughout your studies

Marc Swanson, back row center, was named Alaska’s Educator of the Year. and up to today? “I chose to switch to Eastern late in my studies. It was a decision that could have bitten me in the ass; however, I learned that though change can be difficult, it can be rewarding. Also, since I had to justify the transfer of various credits, I learned to be an advocate for myself and to be confident in my own skill set. That in itself was a life lesson.” Q. What’s next in your career and life? “Wow. Who knows? I’ve been recently hired by the University of Alaska to help manage the Seward Marine Center laboratories and to coordinate the regional National Ocean Science Bowl.... talk about a wild swing in career from a former 6th grade teacher! I also am continuing my outreach work with Kenai Mountains -Turnagain Arm NHA. (My work, including videos, is on line at kmtacorridor.org) Q. What do you like to do for fun? “For me outdoors. I also volunteer at the local fire department as an EMT/Firefighter/Search and Rescue. All that and being with good friends drinking beer around a campfire. Q. Tell us about your family “The woman who allows me to live with her is Letty Swanson. We met as Alaskan bush teachers some 34 years ago and managed to procreate two pretty danged nice kids: Tara, who has been teaching English in Spain and Jerry, who is in his second year of studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Remarkably the ‘kids’ still enjoy being with their parents and whenever possible we adventure together. This might mean backpacking, sea kayaking, fishing, or walking across mountains. It’s all good.” n

August 2016

Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S

Alex Tyson, executive director of Visit Billings, named one of the ‘Smart Women of the Meetings Industry’

ecognized as an innovator among the 25 professionals who were acknowledged by the April 2016 issue of Smart Meetings, Alex Tyson, of Billings was named one of 25 Smart Women of the Meetings Industry. More than 200 women were nominated to receive the honor. Smart Meetings recognizes women in the meetings industry who embody leadership, vision, and progress. Q. Where are you now and what has been your path to getting here? “I am currently the executive director of Visit Billings. The mission of Visit Billings is to foster the tourism brand and grow visitation at Montana’s Trailhead. We are funded by state lodging tax funds and the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District. We work to fill Billings hotels because if rooms are full, so are area restaurants, retailers, and tourism attractions including museums, parks, and adventure-based businesses. We work with the Billings Chamber of Commerce to help grow the local economy. It’s an incredible organization and I work with an amazing team of people.” Q. What drew you to your degree? “I graduated from Montana State University Billings in 1995, focusing on Mass and Organizational Communications. Communications spoke to a broad range of fields. I worked as a broadcaster for 13 years prior to working with the Chamber. My degree assisted me as much in broadcasting as it does today, in non-profit organizational management.” Q. Fondest memories of your time at MSUB? Definitely the Communication Arts Department Faculty and Staff. From Dr. Gross and Dr. Coffman and everyone in between, the support made a huge difference in my college experience. Q. What are some life lessons that you learned at MSUB that you took with you throughout your studies and up to today? “Work ethic matters on every level, every single day.”

Q. What’s next in your career and life? “I am extremely gracious for all of the doors that have opened for me in this community. I enjoy what I do and I love that my husband and I are able to raise our children in such an incredible community.” Q. What do you like to do for fun? “The summer is a crazy time between work and family life since summer is our high season for tourism, and we have boys in baseball. So summer sun and baseball evenings rule the days. However, days off, we are on the water boating the Lovell side of Big Horn Canyon.” n

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S

CLASS NOTES 2010-current Cathy Coe, ’10, retired and lives in Billings. Bryan Haven, ’10, resides in Helena where he is a police officer for the city of Helena. In June 2015 he married Jaclyn Foster, formerly of Billings, in a ceremony in Helena. William Weber, ’10, recently moved to Madison, Wisc. He works as an Instructional Design Consultant for University of Wisconsin Colleges Online. Heather Wilson, ’11, lives in San Francisco, Calif. where she works in public policy for Airbnb. Dominick Vergara, ’11, works as the assistant principal/ activities director/health enhancement teacher for Elder Grove Schools in Billings. Benjamin Davis, ’12, lives in Billings. He works as a regulatory & operations tech for Ballard Petroleum Holdings LLC. Tyler Rutledge, ’12, lives in Princeton, Calif. He works as an 8th grade teacher in the Lake School District. He notes “Going to school at MSUB was a life changing experience. I met my wife there, earned a degree, and built amazing relationships.” John Mion, ’13, lives in Black Eagle, Mont. He works as a selfemployed environmental contractor in the energy industry performing EHS inspection and training. His goal is to work on a master’s program and move into engineering over the next 5 years. Olivia Brown, ’13, is a care coordinator at RiverStone Health. Recently, she completed training to become a certified application counselor for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Samuel Westerman, ’13, operations divisional manager of First Interstate Bank, recently graduated with honors from the 35th Annual Bank Operations Institute at Southern Methodist University. He is a 2013 graduate of MSUB, and has been with First

Interstate since 2007. Westerman serves on the board of the Billings Industrial Revitalization District and is a past advisory board member of the Billings Salvation Army. Maggie Reisig, ’14, joined PayneWest Insurance as a personal lines sales executive in the Billings office. She graduated in 2014 from MSUB with a degree in human services.

Stephanie Thome, ’15, resides in Fountain Hills, Ariz. She works as a financial auditor for the State of Arizona Office of the Auditor General. She is working on her master’s degree in forensic Accounting online through Florida Atlantic University. Kyla Mollett, ’15, is pursuing a master’s degree in comparative literature in Dublin, Ireland.

Darci Silbernagel, ’14, resides in Billings and teaches music at Huntley Project Schools.

Marissa O’Connell, ’15, resides in Billings where she works in New Student Services at MSU Billings.

Bekir Memo Undes, ’14, lives in Billings. He works as the regional director of operations for InterMountain Management LLC where he manages the overall operation of a portfolio of 18 Marriott and Hilton hotels in 12 states.

Carly May, ’15, lives in Joliet. She works as a Licensed Practical Nurse at RiverStone Health at Yellowstone County Detention Facility.

Sarah Leichner, ’14, of Billings, has been awarded the Montana Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Rookie of the Year. This statewide award goes to an MDHA member practicing for less than five years who has demonstrated a spirit of volunteerism, leadership, or outstanding work for the profession of dental hygiene. She was honored at the association’s annual session in Missoula in September. Leichner holds degrees from MSUB and Sheridan, Wyo. College in Health and Human Performance and Dental Hygiene, and is a certified health education specialist. She volunteers for Dentistry from the Heart and has served as the public health chair on the MDHA Board of Trustees. Leichner is employed at Brewer Dental Center. Chase Slade, ’14, lives in Billings and works as a service porter for Mercedes-Benz of Billings. Shyla Braaten, ’15, is working as a habilitation technician in Plains, Mont. Kelly Kamps, ’15, makes her home in Billings. She works at Billings Clinic as an organizational development consultant, a position she began in December, 2015.

Jamacena Morin, ’16, lives in Billings and will be working as a teacher in Billings School District 2. Morgan Riggs, ’16, is an assistant manager at City Brew in Billings. 2000-2009 Ryan Jenkins, ’00, has joined Big Sky Linen & Uniform as a sales consultant. He graduated from MSUB in finance and has a background in sales. Katie Mattson, ’01, lives in Butte where she works as a physician technology specialist in the St. James Hospital.

Krischelle Zwiers, ’15 lives in Billings where she works as an account executive for City Brew Coffee.

Amanda Weichinger (Nowakowski), ’01, lives in Homewood, Ill. She works as a research analyst at Northwestern University. Recently, she earned her Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University.

Jennifer Zeleniak attended MSUB from 2009-2015. She resides in Billings and works as a manager of Dairy Queen.

Lloyd Shangreaux, ’02 and ’11, resides in Leander, Texas. He works as a program manager for Hill Country MHDD.

Brittani Anderson, ’16, works as an accountant for Wipfli, LLP in Billings.

Amy Leffler, ’02, was honored as a 2016 Golden Apple Award Winner. She teaches fifth grade at Meadowlark Elementary in Billings.

Aubrey Briscoe, ’16, works as a tax accountant for Wipfli CPA & Consultants in Billings. Karin Calabrese, ’16, resides in Billings as an artist. Anna Claypool, ’16, resides in Billings where she works as a mental health worker at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. She has recently been accepted into the Master’s of Science Program in psychology at MSUB.

Courtney Niemeyer, ’03, was awarded a 2016 Golden Apple Award. She teaches First grade in Billings Public Schools. Kelly (Bryn) Osen, ’05, lives in Florence, Mont.. She works as a medical technologist at the Community Medical Center.

Eddie Gabel, ’16, lives in Huntley and works as an automotive technician.

Terra Dunlap, ’06, has been promoted from head athletic trainer to assistant athletic director at Western New Mexico University. Dunlap has been the head trainer since 2010 and shortly after added the title of Senior Woman Administrator in 2011.

Jennifer Hardman, ’16, has joined Eide Bailly LLP, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm, as accounting services associate. Hardman received her bachelor’s degree in management and graduated cum laude.

Brittany (Hageman) Cremer, ’06, has joined the First Interstate Bank marketing department as advertising manager. Cremer holds a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in public relations

Helen Dutcher, ’16, lives in Billings and works for Big Sky Economic Development.

from MSUB. Previously, Cremer was senior editor of Magic Magazine, editor of Big Sky Bride Magazine, and part of an award-winning marketing and niche publications team at Billings Gazette Communications for nearly nine years. Halley (Montalban) McDonald, ’07, resides in Billings. She is the assistant manager of General Surgery Practice for Surgical Associates, PC. Jed Barton, ’07, resides in Billings. He works as a public relations & government affairs coordinator for Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow. Sylvia Noble, ’08, is working as business engagement manager at Elation in Billings. Recently, she successfully completed the Associate Certified Coach exam through the International Coach Federation (ICF). Jessica (Freeman) Frazier is a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual. She lives in Helena and attended MSUB from 2005-2008. Debbie Dumler, ’09, is working Data Entry for the Galt Foundation. She resides in Gresham, Oregon. Robin Adams, ’09, is working as a Presenter at Shanghai Normal University in Shanghai, China. At the University, she teaches English, Western Culture and Western Culinary Culture. Bridgett Paddock, ’09, a teacher in Billings Public Schools was honored this year as a Golden Apple Award Winner. 1990-1999 Karla Mahan lives in Billings. She attended EMC from 1987-1990 and is retired from Corporate Financial Planning. Renee Richards, ’90, has been named to the national board of directors for the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance. An AFWA member since 2004, Richards has served on

August 2016

Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S Billings AFWA Chapter’s board of directors, has been a regional director for three years and an AFWA National board member for the past two years. Richards is also a member of the Montana Society of CPAs. She owns Renee Simmons, PC, in Billings and specializes in construction accounting. Laurie Claypool, ’92, calls Miles City, Mont. home. She works as an Elementary Teacher in School District 1. Kevin Smith, ’92, resides in Herriman, Utah where he works as an attorney for Arminta Financial. Smith has been an attorney for an international trading and finance company for 15 years. Mary Helgeson, ’92, has been named President of the Young Families Early Head Start board. She works for RiverStone Health. Brett Lloyd, ’92, has been hired as a part-time emergency preparedness coordinator at Lewis and Clark Public Health. He has worked as a disaster preparedness and response consultant for the past 10 years, helping to develop emergency operations plans and training emergency responders for agencies across the West. He has also worked as a teacher, police officer, and U.S. Army counterintelligence special agent. Brian Parkins, ’92, is a methods development analyst for Stillwater Mining Company. He resides in Billings. Mitch Cole, ’92, has been hired as an assistant coach for Arkansas-Little Rock Men’s Basketball. Cole comes to the Trojans after spending the past five seasons on the staff at Texas A&M. He was previously the head coach at Birmingham Southern College, a graduate assistant at Auburn, and a volunteer assistant at Southeastern Louisiana. He played collegiately at MSUB. He and his wife, Amy, have three children: daughter Laura Kate and sons Carson and Joshua. Paula Ludlum Fleenor, ’93, is working as a

medical technologist at Moab Regional Hospital in Moab, Utah. Dana (Schwehr) Harding, ’94, makes her home in Cornelius, Ore. She works as a SQL developer for Vander Houwen & Associates. Alex Tyson, ’95, executive director of Visit Billings, has been named one of 25 meeting professionals selected as Smart Women of the Meetings Industry in the April 2016 issue of Smart Meetings. Tyson is recognized as an innovator among the professionals who were acknowledged. More than 200 women were nominated to receive the honor. Tina Boone, ’96, was awarded the 2015 Montana Career and Technical Education Career Counselor of the Year at the annual Montana Association for Career and Technical Education’s Fall Institute awards luncheon. Boone has been a counselor at Skyview High School for over 16 years. She looked into high-paying career opportunities available to students who attended two-year colleges and passed her knowledge on to other counselors. Now CTE day is a key portion of the MSCA conference. Largely because of Boone’s dedication, Montana students have more and better alternatives to follow when they graduate from high school. Miriam Avery, ’96, a sales executive at PayneWest Insurance, has earned the Certified Self-Funding Specialist professional designation from the Health Care Administrators Association in Minneapolis. Candidates for CSFS designation must complete an extensive curriculum of seven comprehensive courses which cover every aspect that plan sponsors, brokers, employee benefit professionals, and other health care professionals need to consider when establishing or maintaining a self-funded health care plan. Alisha Belmontez, ’97, has recently been appointed finance director

of the Mental Health Center. She has worked in various positions in the organization’s accounting department, most recently as payroll specialist. The Mental Health Center is a private, non-profit corporation serving mentally ill clients in 11 counties throughout south-central Montana. Belmontez has a degree in business administration, cum laude. Willard Fladager, ’97, has qualified for the 2016 Waddell & Reed Circle of Champions conference, recognizing the company’s top financial advisers from around the nation. It is the 12th time he has earned this distinct honor as a certified retirement plans specialist for Waddell & Reed. Karry Woodard, ’97, attended MSUB/EMC from 1993-1997, lives in Billings, and teaches at Billings Public Schools. Jenny Randall, ’98, makes her home in Billings. She works in the education profession from the same institution in which she graduated, MSU Billings. Jessica (Freeman) Frazier, ’98, makes her home in Helena, where she is a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual. 1980-1989 Kenneth Fichtner attended EMC from 1979-1982. He became the Corvette & Fleet Sales Manager for Denny Menholt Chevrolet after retiring from being a Chevrolet Dealer. He recently remarked, “My degree in business with a major in accounting from EMC allowed me to be successful in business and in life. I truly value the education that I received at EMC.” Twilla Morgan, ’80, is the new customer Service manager at First Interstate Bank Billings West Branch. Morgan earned an accounting certificate at City College and began her career preparing taxes. She worked in retail as an office and customer service manager before joining First Interstate Bank in 1997. She was a teller supervisor at the downtown location before

joining the west branch in 2014. Janet R. Davison, ’82 and ’05, lives in Fairbanks, Alaska where she works as an administrative assistant for Fairbanks North Star Borough. Kathleen Poulson, ’83, lives in Billings. She works as an associate financial representative for Northwestern Mutual. She notes “I was a stay at home mom for 16 years from 1997 to 2013 and then went to work for Northwestern Mutual in December of 2013.” Bob Tyler, ’83, lives with his wife, Georgia Kay Tyler, an MSUB/EMC Alumnus of 1984, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Bob works as director, HR and Environmental, Health, & Safety for North American Stamping Group. Dr. Del Siegle, ’83, was recently recognized for his impact on gifted education as recipient of the 2016 Palmarium Award. The Institute for the Development of Gifted Education at the University of Denver presented the award during its annual conference. Rilla Hardgrove, ’85, lives in Billings. A retired educator/principal, she has been selected as a board member for Young Families Early Head Start of Billings. Bill Kennedy, ’85, took the helm of the MSU Billings Foundation on August 1st as the CEO. Lisa Reid Perry resides in Huntley, Mont.. She is a manager of customer relations for NorthWestern Energy.

49 She attended EMC/MSUB in 1982-86 and 20102015. Dar Schaaf, ’87, is an assistant principal at Billings West High School. He was honored as a Golden Apple Award Winner this year. Patricia Kennedy, ’89, is a paralegal for Katz Golden Rosenman and lives in Sherman Oaks, Calif. 1970-1979 Alan Strong, ’70, is a retired school teacher who lives in Las Vegas, Nev. Susan (Canon) Evans, ’72, resides in Polson. She is a small business owner of A&R Trophies, Gifts & Shirts, a small engraving business that she started in 2005. Mike Caskey, ’72, will retire this year as Billings School District 2’s Program administrator for transitions. 1960-1969 Karen Ford (Peterman), ’66, lives in Shoreline, Wash. She is retired and stays busy as the volunteer building coordinator for her parish having served on the Vestry for three, threeyear terms. She also works with an Alzheimer patient in a memory care unit. Wayne Schatz, ’69, is a retired teacher who lives in Sheridan, Wyo. He received his bachelor’s in elementary education from Eastern Montana College and went on to teach in Sheridan. 1950-1959 Jimmie Huff, ’51, is a retired UAL captain and lives in Vancouver, Wash. n

Update your information with us! Class Notes celebrate your recent career and life accomplishments. Share information about births, weddings, career moves, and life-changing experiences with us at

msubillings.edu/alumni/update We publish alumni submissions as well as news items we receive from employers and media sources. We reserve the right to edit submissions to meet style guidelines Printed or digital photos (1 MB or larger) are welcome and will be used as space permits.

PEAKS to PLAINS — Montana State University Billings

Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S

In Memoriam We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of the following alumni. Names without class or degree years include alumni and non-degree alumni. To be included “In Memoriam,” the MSUB Office of Alumni Relations requests a letter of notification from family. Listings compiled for In Memoriam January 1, 2015-June 1, 2016. 1920s Mabel E. Brewer, ’28

Barbara L. Rice, ’53

Irene S. Cline, ’70

Gladys L. Phelps, ’77, ’89

Teresa M. Jorgenson, ’89

Evelyn V. Morck, ’54

Sam Matthews, ’70

Helen I. Cosner, ’78

Rock F. LaCross, ’89

1930S Elizabeth Leslie, ’30

Nayan C. Kleiter, ’55, ’58

Kingsley L. Smith, ’70

John A. Currie, ’78

Ken R. Lekse, ’89

Virginia L. Wemple, ’56

Donald H. Gray, ’71

Kevin M. Edwards, ’78

Oscar H. Wirtala, ’56, ’66

Stanley C. Hilling, ’71

Myrneth C. Lacy, ’78

1990s Darren D. Bloomquist, ’90

Bonnie M. Preikszas, ’34 Anita P. DeVille, ’35, ’66

Thomas E. Kenney, ’57

Hattie U. Martin, ’71

Connie M. Landis, ’78

Shirley E. Voyta, ’35, ’60

Louise I. Bracha, ’90

Joyce L. Arthun, ’58, ’64

John J. Petek, ’71

Scott C. Schreiber, ’78

Viola D. Irion, ’37, ’68

Paula J. Kubik, ’90

Kathleen E. Zuroff, ’58, ’71

Serina J. Becker, ’72

Laura M. Lebsack, ’79, ’94

Jean E. Wickens, ’37

Kelly J. Foss, ’91

Patricia L. Betts, ’59

Jeraldine Belgarde, ’72

Jean C. Rahn, ’79

Gladys E. Bakker, ’39

Coralee Turnsplenty, ’91

Lela I. Gum, ’59, ’65

Hannelore M. Carter, ’72

Alice L. Roberts, ’79

Hazel Hougen, ’39

Robert L. Lane, ’59

Joyce N. Fiechtner, ’72

Linda K. Walker, ’79

Tamara K. Albrethsen, ’93, ’94

Delphine S. Olson, ’39, ’68

1960s Jane E. Clark, ’60, ’78

William L. Kehler, ’72

Thomas C. Donahue, ’93

Michael J. Moran, ’72

1980s Joseph W. Charter, ’80

Julie L. Coleman, ’60, ’77

Kenneth D. Smith, ’72

C. J. Estelle, ’80

Carl O. Huff, ’93

Leo D. Eberhardt, ’60

Mary G. Wagner, ’72

Dallas B. Hugs, ’80

James M. Cain, ’94, ’96

Bellevina McKinney, ’41

Ronald E. Ewing, ’60

Wanda R. Gallentine, ’73

Otis F. Kapps, ’80

Jeanette E. Grooms, ’94

Lola Perrins, ’41

Donald P. Kipp, ’60

Arlene P. Garvey, ’73

Peggy L. Roberts, ’80, ’80

Jamie R. Dalton, ’95

Louise C. Goodwin, ’42, ’69

Linda J. Alberta, ’61, ’72

Loretta L. Schmidt, ’73

Lynn M. Sept, ’80

Robert S. Ostermiller, ’95

Dwain S. Cheatham, ’61

J. M. Sprague, ’73

Susanne Smith, ’80

Ella L. Wood, ’95

James W. Connor, ’61

Fern Schillreff, ’42

Minnie L. Fitzpatrick, ’74

Dorothy I. Aragon, ’81, ’83

Ronald I. Pering, ’62

Katherine Gairrett, ’98

Arline Voss, ’42

Tom B. Powell, ’62, ’66

Harriett A. KimballHilario, ’74

Nancy Boothe, ’81

Ellen J. Wilson, ’43

Gladys E. Stout, ’62

Katherine J. Repkie, ’74

Eva M. Fleharty, ’48, ’70

Janet M. Lillis, ’63

Shelley J. Bergum, ’75

Robert L. Zupan, ’48

Ray L. Mace, ’63

William J. Brooks, ’75

Janis H. Frank, ’49, ’51

Alice M. Ryniker, ’63

Charmaine Burns, ’75

Patricia L. Sheetz, ’49

Robert L. Solie, ’63

1940s Helen E. Clark, ’41 Roberta E. DeWoody, ’41

Marjory D. Plummer, ’42

Mary Ellen Hitron, ’93

Drena D. Chord, ’81

2000s Marjorie E. Nagengast, ’00

Robert J. Opie, ’81

Richard L. Medley, ’01

Pamela J. Kraft, ’82

Debra H. Allen, ’04

Dianne G. Roesch, ’82

Michael D. Barnes, ’05

D. M. Carlson, ’75, ’81

Barbara J. Walborn, ’82, ’82

Matthew R. Boyer, ’05

Arthur J. Hart, ’63

Thomas J. Mason, ’75

Marian W. Brinkerhoff, ’83

Roger W. Clawson, ’64

Diann Sherman, ’75

Gerald C. Evans, ’84

Charles K. Lundgren, ’50, ’53

Beverly A. Jellison, ’64, ’73

Steve D. Smith, ’75, ’76

Doris J. Mattson, ’84

James C. Michel, ’64

Michael C. Ullman, ’75

Grace H. Poehls, ’50, ’54

Larry E. Wacker, ’64

Bradley D. Palmer, ’84

Dorothy B. Shinn, ’50

Thomas L. Blevins, ’65

William E. Highbarger, ’76, ’80

Clayton M. Stabnow, ’84

Dorothy E. Strobel, ’50, ’70

Leonard D. Shupe, ’65

George I. Maas, ’76 Andrew C. Russell, ’76

Peter E. Bakken, ’51, ’53

Margaret E. Beckers, ’67

1950s William F. Arvin, ’50, ’55

Nikki J. Kukowski, ’05 Theresa L. Waite, ’05, ’95 Dale M. Dahlin, ’06 Robert D. Gottula, ’06

Betty L. Wilson, ’84

2010s Joseph T. Tochihara, ’10

Patrick Stands Over Bull, ’85

Lorelie K. Elkshoulder, ’12, ’12

Barbara E. Boe, ’86

Benjamin M. Erickson, ’12

Dorothy H. Rogina, ’86

John K. Caten, ’13

Ronald J. Scherry, ’86

NDA (non-degree alumni) Earl Abbey

Dennis D. Schmidt, ’67

Dawn L. Sayre, ’76

Bette J. Duncan, ’52

Sue A. Clague, ’68

Ida M. Thomas, ’76

Katherine Hart, ’52

Donna R. Crystal, ’68

Norma M. Vaughn, ’76

Carl R. Johnson, ’52

Kirk Maxwell, ’68

Edna J. Bang, ’77

Marlene E. Kiel, ’52

Lucinda L. Tate, ’68

Lorraine E. Hansen, ’77

J. L. Monson, ’52, ’80

Lawrence L. Daggett, ’69

Lewis V. Hicks, ’77, ’82

Harry L. Wolverton, ’52

Doris K. Ruf, ’69

Fern Little Light, ’77

Vincente F. Gutierrez, Jr., ’88

Robert E. Lowe, ’77

Candice L. Horner, ’88

George Lee

Ardella S. Mack, ’77

Becky L. Geer, ’89

John Novasio

Thomas M. Ask, ’53 Mac J. Johnson, ’53

1970s Bruce M. Bochy, ’70

Rickard A. Ross, ’87 Monte Ebel, ’88

Cynthia A. Hampton Robbin R. Iverson

August 2016

Y E L LO W S TO N E & B L U E — A L U M N I N E W S

YOUR ALMA MATER, NEAR AND FAR Beginning with the first graduating class of three students, the Yellowjacket family has grown. In May, Montana State University Billings added 958 alumni to our association. As a no-dues Alumni Association, these alums are automatically inducted into the MSUB Alumni Association and join our EMC and MSUB alumni that have graduated before them. Your alma mater continues to offer students a high quality education that prepares them for life outside of the classroom.

happy to show you around. We want to celebrate all of the joys, achievements, and awards that our alumni experience. Our Yellowjacket alumni are an important part of MSU Billings and we want to keep you informed and involved in what is happening at your campus.

The purpose of the Alumni Association is to help all alumni stay connected to the university and to each other. To all of our alumni, we invite you to stay involved with MSU Billings and reconnect with us if you have lost touch. Please come back and visit whenever you have a chance. If you are interested in a campus tour to see all of the updates that we have been working on, please connect with us and we will be

As a proud alumna of the classes of 2002 and 2009, I recall the wonderful connections I made with faculty, fellow students, and the staff of our university. Those relationships have made me the person I am today and I am thankful to this wonderful university for providing me with the skills I needed to excel in my personal and professional life. I now have the great honor of serving as an ambassador for my alma mater.

doing amazing work in their communities and I hope that you will share your experiences from your time as a Yellowjacket and let us know where life has taken you. We always love to hear from you and encourage you to update your information with us and inform us of important events in your lives— marriage, birth of a child, new job, or awards/ recognitions that you receive! We hope that you enjoy catching up with us through this magazine and I look forward to hearing your stories and keeping you connected to your university.

With more than 34,000 alumni worldwide, you are likely to find EMC/ MSUB Yellowjackets wherever you go. We know there are exceptional alumni

We hope to hear from you or see you at an event soon! Sarah Brockel, ’02, ’09 Director of Alumni Relations

WHERE ARE MSUB ALUMNI? 1,167 19,813

583

276

434

182

735

529

200

1,305 327

260

792

426

82 10

101

64 24

44 13

69 174

203 24

46 102

21 40

24 5 38 7

72 106 56

120

1500 University Drive Billings, MT 59101-0245

Thirsty for some fun? This summer, we are introducing a meet-and-greet event to thank our loyal listeners and underwriters, and hopefully meet some new listeners as well! Join Yellowstone Public Radio’s Inaugural Brewery Tour in Billings, Bozeman, or Helena; get a YPR pint glass for $10; and meet some of the on- and off-air staff at YPR. Exclusive YPR Brewery Tour T-shirts will be available for $25. If you’re free and in the area of one of these events, stop by, say hi, and enjoy some of Montana’s finest microbrews!