Vol. 5 Issue 2
Fresh news every day at www.rocky.edu
February 2010
All About Our Students The daughter of a veterinarian, Kayla Homewood developed a love for horses at a young age. The 20-year-old Columbus, Mont., native lived in the saddle. She grew up loving rodeo, competing in barrel racing, pole bending and even goat tying. She also developed a love for how horses can help people at a Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC young age. “I noticed in high school, when I was working for a day care, how much good horses did for some of the kids who had behavioral problems,” she said. “I always thought about being a vet like my dad, but then it grew on me that I wanted to work with people and horses.” That passion for horses and helping others came together when this RMC junior decided to major in therapeutic riding, a new and expanding program at Rocky. “Therapeutic riding can help so many people, from those with emotional and behavioral issues to those with physical handicaps,” Kayla said. Known as a hard worker as well as an outstanding student –- she has consistently made the dean’s list -- Kayla is the barn manager at Intermountain Equestrian Center where RMC has its home. “She is a standout,” said her instructor, LeeAnn Demars. “She’s energetic and responsible and I think she’s an affirmation that we’re going in the right direction to have a successful therapeutic riding program. If we keep attracting students like Kayla, we can be confident that we’re graduating students who will be great wherever they work.” This summer Kayla has her sights set on a wonderful opportunity to take her interest in therapeutic riding to a new level, as a summer intern at the Victory Junction Camp in North Carolina. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty, parents of NASCAR driver Adam Petty, who was killed in a NASCAR qualifying run in 2000, the camp was a dream of Adam’s. Adam, whose dad and grandfather, Richard, were NASCAR racers, developed a passion for helping kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses after participating in a Paul Newman-sponsored camp. “I’d love helping fulfill that dream by helping those children,” Kayla said.
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC
MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC were high school students from across Montana who joined RMC students for the second annual Invitational Honors Concert January 29 at Faith Chapel Worship Center. More than 200 high school students participated this year, double the number from last year. (See story on back page)
Equine Divine RMC Hosts Western Regionals, Montana FAA Shows This Month This month will find Rocky Mountain College’s equestrian program hosting two notable events. “I think it’s wonderful that we’re able to host these events to show what a great facility we have, as well as to expose students from other programs and from high schools all over the state to what we do here,” said Scott Neuman, RMC director of equestrian studies. In this highly competitive industry, the RMC professional faculty provides a solid foundation of classical instruction and training. Additionally, the faculty contacts throughout (Please see Equine Divine on back page)
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC
RMC is hosting the Western Regional Championships for the third consecutive year.
Insider
Licenz2Giv
by Michael R. Mace, President
Breathtaking Gift There are few things in life that actually take one’s breath away, but I believe artwork is one of them. Certainly a gift of 15 numbered, signed, artist proof lithographs by Russell Chatham had me awestruck when I viewed them one by one in my office. My wonderment was the result of a generous gift from Helori Graff, owner and president of Artcraft Printers, that arrived here on a cold and dreary January day. The Chatham prints pushed back the gray day. If there is a Western landscape artist whose work could truly be called iconic, Chatham’s work would be it. It is why his Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC collectors include a who’s RMC Board Chair Barb Skelton and RMC Fine who of celebrities, such as Arts Professor Jim Baken admire one of the authors Peter Matthiessen, Russell Chatham lithographs gifted to the the late David Halberstam, College by Helori Graff. Jim Harrison, Thomas McGuane, the late James Crumley, Richard Ford, Rick “The Chatham prints Bass, the late Dr. Hunter S. pushed back the gray day.” Thompson, Tom Robbins, Carl Hiaasen, and the late Richard Brautigan; editors and publishers, Jann Wenner, the late Seymour Lawrence, and Terry McDonell; New York restaurateur Elaine Kaufman; former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent; art critic Robert Hughes; media correspondents Tom Brokaw, the late Ed Bradley, Morley Safer, and the late Charles Kuralt; entrepreneurs Yvon Chouinard, Thomas Siebel, Paul Allen, and William Randolph Hearst, III; chef Mario Batali; entertainment personalities Jessica Lange, Jeff Bridges, the late Sydney Pollack, Sean Connery, Angelica Huston, Jimmy Buffet, the late Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Jack Nicholson, Robert Redford, and Harrison Ford. And, now, thanks to Helori, Rocky Mountain College. In the days following the arrival of the gift from Bozeman, I found myself talking about them to anyone who would listen, and I am more than a little anxious to organize a show in order to share them with others. That is what artwork is all about -sharing and a coming together of thoughts and ideas. As awed as I am by the artwork, I am equally awed by Helori’s generosity. For the College to be in possession of these masterpiece works of art -- valued at just less than six figures in today’s rather depressed art market -- humbles me; they truly portray the beauty of Montana. Helori’s major gifts over the years to support worthy causes have no doubt changed countless lives. To quote Helen Keller, “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” I am very thankful for Helori’s love of Rocky Mountain College and her vision to help our students -- now and in the future. These gorgeous proofs will bring attention to Rocky and ultimately inspire others to donate what they can to further the education of our worthy students, just as Helori has. The words thank you seem small, but the sentiment is enormous.
Is Your Vehicle Wearing Rocky? When you register your vehicle, why not show your pride in Rocky Mountain College and, at the same time, make a charitable donation to the College? Thanks to all of you whose vehicles sport RMC license plates. Revenue to RMC in 2009 was $14,760. When you show RMC green & gold we raise more green & gold.
An Avalanche of Books Donated for Brockton Schools
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Brockton School students acquaint themselves with books donated for the pre-school literacy program.
Last month in Rocky Now we told the story of four RMC alumnae at Brockton Schools who coordinated a program to help early literacy among Fort Peck Indian Reservation’s youngest students. Olivia Johnson, principal; Tiffani Anderson, library media specialist; Laurie Wilson, kindergarten teacher; and Jennifer McClure, art teacher, mentored Brockton students who would take books to the homes of preschoolers and help teach them to read. The school, however, had a paucity of children’s books. Thanks to their connection to Rocky, publicity in the Rocky community, and generous media coverage, there was an avalanche of books sent to Brockton. “It was an outpouring of books and we’re really grateful,” said Jennifer McClure, who spearheaded the effort. By the end of January, more than 500 books were donated.
Focus on Faculty & Staff From Stable to Saddle This is a typically busy month for the man who directs Rocky Mountain College’s equestrian studies program. The Intermountain Equestrian Center, which the RMC program calls home, will host the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Western Regional Championships (see Equine Divine, front page). The next weekend will find Scott in the center of the Montana FFA horse judging, with high school delegations from across Montana competing to represent the Montana FFA at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., in October 2010. Scott is justifiably proud when Rocky is at the center of these kinds of events, as they serve important purposes for Rocky. RMC students measure how they are doing against other topnotch regional equine programs. There is an opportunity to recruit students to our program as they see the wonderful facilities available to RMC equine students. “It’s also integral to how I perceive our program -- very hands on. I like to say our program goes from stable to saddle and then some,” Scott said. “I want a program where our students will be employable as managers as well as equestrians, where the daily application of what they learn comes into play.” So far Scott’s goals for the program are paying dividends for the students who graduate with an equestrian studies major. They are working in horse care, horse sales, horse show
events and horse clinics. A major new course of study in therapeutic riding is drawing more students. Of course, as Scott is quick to point out, the success and development of the equestrian program would not be possible without a group of faculty all working towards the same vision. “Every member of the equestrian faculty plays an important and unique role in everything that happens at the equestrian center. A cohesive, ambitious, and dedicated group of equestrian faculty are directly responsible for the advances made in the equestrian program both Photo: RMC Archives in student numbers and program Scott Neuman believes in a hands-on learning experience. development,” he said. A past Montana Quarter Horse Association Scott has taught each of the riding classes since vice president, he currently serves as a board becoming a faculty member in 1991 in the RMC member. Scott judged the Canadian Youth equestrian program. He is a cheerful morning Team at the World Cup in Dubbo, Australia, in presence at the equestrian facility as he currently June 2004, and Amarillo, Texas, in 2006. At teaches hunter seat equitation, fundamental the AQHA World Show in 2000, Scott showed horsemanship III and IV, and advanced training. fellow RMC instructor Marilyn Randall’s horse, Besides teaching in and directing the program, The Shmoozer, to a top ten finish in Western he serves as a student advisor. Scott also Riding. Scott also accepts AQHA and NSBA maintains his own training facility for show horses. judging assignments throughout the U.S. and Specializing in the all-around horse for amateurs Canada. Last year, Scott showed a Reserve and youth, Scott has shown and coached World Champion in hunter-under-saddle numerous horses and riders to place in the top division at the World Championship Paint ten at all three of the prestigious national Quarter Show. Horse shows.
Focus on Alumni & Friends Adieu To Two Rocky Mountain College acknowledges with regrets the resignation of two devoted Rocky alumni and administrators, with gratitude for their dedicated service.
BOB “FITZ” FITZGERALD isn’t really retiring. He’s just “dialing back.” He has had a five, going-on-six-decade love affair with Rocky Mountain College. Fitz began his lifelong affiliation with Rocky as a student in the early 1960’s. In the mid 1970’s, he accepted a challenge to help recruit students for his alma mater. After graduation, he ended up in Hollywood appearing on the Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop, and Dean Martin shows, among others. In the 1970’s, he and other Rocky grads and students went to high schools in three states, performing concerts at school assemblies touting “the college of the open door.” Enrollment swelled by 70 percent. In the 1980’s, he and three other Rocky alumni – Rusty Harper, and brothers Tim and Steve Holmes – formed the Montana Logging and Ballet Company. They still spend much of their time spreading the word about Rocky while appearing all across the U.S. Through their performances they met and began a lifelong friendship with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In 1984, the RMC senior class asked Fitz to be their commencement speaker. In the 1990’s, Fitz served his alma mater on the RMC National Advisory Council, and in the 21st century, from 2004 to the present, he joined the development team as director of major gifts. His two stepsons, Aaron and Alex Bilodeau, are RMC graduates; Alex
married a girl he met at RMC, Andee Uffelman, also an RMC graduate. Announcing his retirement, Fitz made it clear that he would not end his long Rocky relationship. “I’ll be thanking tons of people who have supported Rocky and I’ll still be trying to spread the word,” he said. “Rocky not only educates, it transforms lives. Our faculty do way more than what is required and the students are the fortunate beneficiaries.” Fitz hopes to spend more time with his wife, Pam, relaxing at home in Helena, at their cabin at Seeley Lake, and traveling. “But I’m not ready to just put my feet up and read AARP news,” he joked. “I’ll always be available for fundraising consulting and will continue to support Rocky financially.”
LISA BROWNING, who served as vice president for enrollment services, is another RMC graduate who had a distinguished career with the College. Lisa resigned her position, effective Dec. 31, 2009, to become program manager for RiverStone Health’s Eastern Montana Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Named by The Billings Gazette and Billings Business Journal as one of the “40-under-40 People to Watch” in the Billings area in 2008, Lisa was an inspired and energetic leader of the new campus strategic plan as it addressed enrollment, recruitment and retention. She was the lead administrator with the NoelLevitz, Inc., upgrade of campus management systems and oversaw the integration of the new data processing information systems. This modernization will improve quality and efficiency of service for decades to come. Under
Bob FitzGerald and Lisa Browning
her leadership, new enrollment procedures and an integrated marketing plan resulted in the largest incoming class in Rocky’s history and student retention improved, as well. “I’ve always operated on the principle that actions and decisions should be based on what is best for the institution,” she said in an interview with The Billings Gazette. Lisa proved she meant what she said by building new relationships on campus and with students. Rocky is better known in Montana and surrounding states thanks to the sales pitch advanced under Lisa, that students can expect the kind of individualized attention that’s rare at a large university. Lisa interacted with students from the time they applied until they picked up their diplomas. The strong connection between a college education and success, another hallmark of Lisa’s work at Rocky, was another major achievement. The record of placement was a steady 99 percent for graduates working or entering graduate school within three months of graduation. Lisa, a 1994 Rocky graduate, leaves a legacy of how to build a student body in the 21st century.
Neighbor to Neighbor
I hope you will note among the upcoming events Canstruction, an event that our Students for Free Enterprise (SIFE) is organizing to help fill the larder at Billings Food Bank. This is near and dear to us because our students By Barb Skelton, are honoring the Fortin Family, whose Chairman of the Board of Rocky Mountain College philanthropy has touched every corner of Billings. Recently and notably, the I have a hunch that we will be blessed There are so Fortins gave the largest single gift -with a publication problem every many exciting $1 million –- to the Food Bank, which month. events coming up helped complete the brand new building We will always run out of space this month and in on North Fourth St., Billings. to thank those who have helped our March, we want Another exciting event coming up College. to be sure to thank some special people. is the RMC Theatre Arts performance We will never have enough In this issue, you can read about the of “The 25th Annual Putnam County publications to include everything we fantastic gift that Jim and Betty Taylor Spelling Bee.” Without generous want. have provided. You can also read about donations from NorthWestern Energy I think most of you know, from the the terrific gift of an impressive collection and Streeter Brothers Insurance, title of my column, how important of Russell Chatham artist proofs donated bringing this award winning musical neighbors helping neighbors is to what by Helori Graff. comedy to Billings would not have I think makes life better. It’s been possible. This is a hilarious the way I was raised. When show so be sure to plan on someone needed help haying attending. or calving, you could count Lastly, I want to thank everyone on your neighbors. When who attended the annual RMC someone was sick, families National Advisory Council meeting. nearby showed up with food Our members come at their and offers to pitch in. At the own expense to help us address center of community, churches critical issues. This year, after an and schools were built that informative and motivating speech way. by Peter Bryant, Senior Vice While I serve as RMC board President, Noel-Levitz, Inc., we chair, I want to be sure we focused on enrollment challenges cultivate an “attitude of for small private colleges. The input gratitude” for all the wonderful from members was fascinating, and neighborly things done for useful. Most of all, I felt surrounded Rocky. by great neighbors! Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC If we forget to thank someone, Peter Bryant, Senior Vice President, Noel-Levitz, Inc., keynoted the God bless you all. please accept our apology and RMC National Advisory Council meeting in Prescott Hall. let us know.
An Attitude of Gratitude
Coming Attractions MARCH 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27
RMC Shows You “Can” Help Hungry & Homeless
Rehearsal is underway for “The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee”.
Musical Comedy! Rocky Mountain College will present the Broadway hit and Tony Award winning musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” this March at Billings Studio Theatre. Directed by RMC Theatre Arts Professor Gearld Roe, and sponsored by NorthWestern Energy and Streeter Brothers Insurance, the musical will be performed March 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27, 2010. All performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students (The show is R-rated, so children are not permitted.) For more information, contact Gearld Roe, RMC professor, theatre arts, (406) 657-1111, or email: roeg@ rocky.edu.
The program is called Canstruction®. The slogan is “one can.” But, it will actually be many can and many cans when Rocky Mountain College’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) hosts the first-in-Billings food fund drive this March at the Billings Food Bank. Canstruction® is a volunteer trademarked charity of the Design and Construction Industry under the auspices of the Society for Design Administration. Teams of architects, sponsoring businesses, and organizations compete to design and build colossal structures made from full cans of food. The results are giant “canned art” exhibits, according to Dr. Karen Beiser, RMC business and economics assistant professor and SIFE faculty advisor. The theme for the first annual Billings Canstruction® event is something about Billings, about Montana, or about a Billings organization. Team will work to build entertaining structures, which will be judged by a panel of judges and by the public. The teams will build the structures on March 13 & 14 at the Food Bank and the public may view them during regular Food Bank hours from March 15-18.
According to Sheryle Shandy, the Food Bank executive director, Canstruction® is a wonderful way to cap a great year for serving the area’s underprivileged. Photo: Courtesy Canstruction® The event Canstruction® structures are made will celebrate from thousands of cans of food. the new Food Bank with a Billings Canstruction® gala reception and awards ceremony. Construction of the new building was made possible, in part, by a $1 million donation from the Fortin Foundation in December 2008, the largest single gift the Food Bank received, according to Shandy. Businesses and organizations interested in participating should contact Karen Beiser, RMC assistant professor, business administration and economics, (406) 657-1170, or email: karen. beiser@rocky.edu.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE’S LEADERSHIP GIFT ANNUITY It is an act of enlightened self interest . . . . . . Thoughts of Obert Undem, Director of Planned Giving, Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Mont., on the investment options for elders in early 2010. Interest rates have never been lower than now, causing problems for retirees. Costs of almost everything are up. Reliable investment options offering greater rates of return without high levels of risk are hard to find. John and Mary, both 75, found an answer. They chose a Rocky Mountain College Charitable Gift Annuity with $10,000 from a matured 2% CD. They did not seek more tax savings by transferring appreciated investments. Available in amounts of $5,000 or more, rates are based on age on issue date, and payments will be quarterly for life. Balances remaining at death of survivor will fund scholarships for Rocky students from donors’ hometown. The older you are, the higher the income. John and Mary will receive $140 every three months, $560 per year, for their lifetimes. A $3,562 federal tax deduction, at their 25% tax bracket will save them $890; the Montana 40% tax bracket, will save them $1,425. The after tax cost of the $10,000 gift is $7,695. The net return increases to 7.28%. 70% of the $560 yearly income will be received tax free. $7,695 adjusted cost will be recovered in 13 years 9 months. For information, contact Obert (406)-6571142 or e-mail undemo@rocky.edu.
$25,000 ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE GIFT ANNUITIES (CASH) Age(s) & Rate at Issue
Tax Saving “Income Deduction (Federal) on annuity (Federal) Tax for life (1099) (25% Rate)
Montana Tax Credit Total Savings Tax to Donor Savings
One Annuitant 55 @4.8%
$1,200
$5,017
$1,254
$2,007 $3,261
60 @ 5.0%
$1,250
$6,522
$1,631
$2,609 $4,240
65 @ 5.3%
$1.325
$7,975
$1,994
$3,190 $5,184
70 @ 5.7%
$1,425
$9,535
$2,384 $3,814 $6,198
75 @ 6.3%
$1,575
$11,040
$2,760 $4,416 $7,176
80 @ 7.1%
$1,775
$12,557
$3,139
85 @ 8.1%
$2,025 $14,118
$5,023 $8,162
$3,530 $5,647 $9,117
Two Annuitants 65 @ 4.9%
$1,225
$5,649
$1,412
$2,260 $3,672
70 @ 5.2%
$1,300 $7,205
$1,801
$2,882 $4,683
75 @ 5.6%
$1,400 $8,904
$2,226 $3,562 $5,788
80 @ 6.1%
$1,525
$10,748 $2,687 $4,299 $6,986
85 @ 7.0%
$1,750
$12,147
$3,037 $4,859 $7,896
For a free consultation, contact Obert Undem, director of planned giving Email: undemo@rocky.edu Phone: 406-657-1142
Scholarship Endowment A Wonderful Legacy By Obert Undem RMC Director of Planned Giving Rocky Mountain College is made Montana tax a very special place by those who credit for such populate its campus as staff, faculty, planned gifts, student or as a participant in the councils estimated to of governance and outreach. We come have resulted to rely heavily on these talented and in 1991 tax dedicated people, some of whom enter savings of about $3,200, reducing our grove in one capacity and, after their out- of-pocket cost of the annuity years of submergence in our affairs, to about $7,800, and providing a tax the time comes for withdrawal of those adjusted yield of 7.13%. energizing individuals from the hectic Seven years later, after receiving and ongoing process of change that is the $5,073 of income, the remaining found in an ever changing and improving annuity balance is about $7,200. In organization. Sometimes this is planned May 2007, after Betty’s death, Jim as family and career plans may decree, transferred $15,000 of appreciated some changes are tied to time itself, stock which paid a small income to such as retirement plans, and other him, exchanging it for an annuity times by the end of life itself. paying him $1,080 per year, a yield of Among those whose lives have 7.2%, and generating a good 2007 tax recently ended and who are much saving of about $5,600. This reduced missed is James R. Taylor, a longhis “out of pocket” gift cost to about time academic dean and registrar of $9,400, on which the tax adjusted the College, a founder of the RMC yield was about 11.5%. Less than three Institute for Peace Studies, and a one years after issuance of the annuity, time faculty member. He was a man of the approximate value of the annuity great wisdom, wit, common sense and balance is approximately $11,800 humor and he shared those attributes after two plus years of some of the with kindness and loving care. We will worst economic conditions and stock always remember him for what he did to markets since 1929. establish his many legacies at Rocky. A total of about $19,000 of Jim was one who admired getting remaining annuity principal in the two down to brass tacks. Many remember his annuities will be credited to the Jim dry sense of humor when he recorded and Betty Taylor Family Scholarship the minutes of the Institute for Peace Endowment Fund. Income will be Studies, editing long-winded remarks to awarded as Taylor Scholarships brevity an editor would love. Jim would to Rocky students. Memorial gifts squirm if we extolled his earthly virtues received since Jim’s death are about with too much hyperbole. So, I think he $1,000 and have been added to the wouldn’t mind if we share what he did scholarship fund. Jim advised us late for the future, rather than what he did in last year that he was also naming the past. Rocky Mountain College as beneficiary Jim and Betty Taylor, like so many of of an IRA account, and we are now our staff members and parents of alumni, told that will increase the Taylor wanted to give Scholarship something back Fund by about to an institution $85,000. that had meant The Taylor so much to Scholarship them and their Fund will have a children. In balance of about December 2001, $105,000 which they transferred should produce $10,000 in scholarships of appreciated between $4,000 mutual funds and $5,000 for a two-life for distribution annuity which beginning in began to pay September 2011. them $180.20 What a quarterly for the wonderful next seven years. legacy this dear They recovered Photo: Courtesy Taylor Family couple provided $5,073 of through their The Taylor children -- who graduated from Rocky -- gathered their original generous gift for Betty Taylor’s 80th birthday party. From (left and then planned gift going up the stairs): Betty, Ken (RMC ’76), Jim, Ann (RMC ’74), to benefit Jimmy (RMC ’76), David (RMC ’79), Will (RMC ’86), Paul (RMC Rocky’s needful in addition to ’82), and Pete (RMC ’83). the then 50% students!
Equine Divine (Continued from front page)
the equine world result in student opportunities for professional success at all levels of the multi-faceted equine industry. “We love to show how well rounded this program is. Our students aren’t just riders. They are working in horse care, horse sales, horse show events and horse clinics. A major new course of study in therapeutic riding is drawing more students,” he said. First, the program will host the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Western Regional Championships, Saturday, Feb. 20, and Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010. The show will be held at Intermountain Equestrian Center, located at 7256 Highway 3, Billings, Mont., beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day. RMC is hosting the competition for the third consecutive year. Teams from Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah will participate, each vying for the right to compete at the zone championships held in California in March. The second event brings high school students from across Montana to the equine headquarters. The schools will be dispatching Future Farmers of America (FFA) delegations to Rocky for the State Equestrian Career Development Event (CDE). RMC will host the Montana FFA horse judging at the Intermountain Equestrian Center, 7256 U.S. Hwy. 3, on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.
RMC Welcomes Singers, Musicians From Across Montana They converged on the Rocky campus from cities and towns across Montana. Some came from Great Falls, Glasgow, Bozeman, Miles City, and Belgrade. Others came from little towns such as Pablo, Terry, and Fishtail. Crow Agency and Ronan were represented alongside Moccasin, Forsyth, Havre, Missoula, Pinesdale, and Lolo. Altogether some 200 high school students came together to perform at the 2nd Annual RMC Honors Invitational Concert. The students joined the RMC Choir and RMC Band in rehearsals Friday, Jan. 28, 2010, and presented the concert at Faith Chapel Worship Center the following evening. Organized last year and this year by Jesse Murphy, an RMC 2008 summa cum laude graduate who is the College’s outreach and development coordinator, this year’s event doubled the number of high school students participating. “It was a joint performance by the best high school musicians in the state. We believe the best music is made by the best musicians and this year’s concert did not disappoint,” he said. Dr. Steven Hart directed the high school students in the Honor Choir, and Mr. Tony Hammond directed the Honor Band. The Honor Band performed The Sinfonians (Clifton Williams 1923-1976); America The Beautiful (Samuel
Augustus Ward arr. Carmen Dragon 1914-1984); On The Overland Stage To El Paso (David Holsinger (b. 1945); Lux Aurumque (Eric Whitacre (b. 1970); and On The Mall (Edwin Franko Goldman 1878-1956). The Honor Choir performed Das Newgebohrne Kindelein (Dietrich Buxtehude 1637-1707); Jenny Rebecca (Carol Hall, arr. Clair McElfresh b. 1931); Somaguaza (South African Folk-song); Anoj Pusej Dunojelio (Vaclovas Augustinas b. 1959); and Go Where I Send Thee (Spiritual, arr. Paul Caldwell b. 1963/Sean Ivory b. 1969). In addition to providing beautiful music, the event affords the students an opportunity to enjoy a collegiate-level experience and, seeing the campus, perhaps pursue an interest in attending Rocky. The event raised $4,200 for music scholarships through donations and the sale of Honors Concert t-shirts. DVDs of the concert are available for a donation of $50 or more, and CDs are available to those donating $25 or more. To order, contact Jesse Murphy, RMC outreach & development coordinator, 406-208-2429 or email: jesse. murphy@rocky.edu.
Scholarship Celebrated at Luncheon The RMC Scholarship Luncheon, held January 19, 2009, in the Great Room of Prescott Hall, provides an opportunity for current students to meet the people who create scholarships. More than 25 students attended. Academic and athletic scholarships were awarded. “This bi-annual event has become a wonderful tradition at Rocky,” said Vicki Davison, RMC alumni director. “It’s one more way of connecting our students with our community.” Scholarships and recipients included: William & Lorraine Baker Endowed Scholarship (Represented by Lorraine Baker) /Recipient: Melinda A. Driscoll; Winston L. Cox Scholarship (Represented by Dick & Cheri Cox)/ Recipients:Andras Varhelyi, Jesse Murphy (past recipient); Royal & Norma Johnson Family Endowed Scholarship (Represented by Royal Johnson)/ Recipient: Toryn Rogers; Berv & Virginia Kimberely Endowed Scholarship (Represented by Berv & Virginia Kimberely)/ Recipients: Kasey Peters, Mark Desin, Chris Molen, Sean Coleman, Levi Sutton; Herbert and Clara Klindt Endowed Scholarship (Represented by
Dave Oberly and Bill and Helen Ryan)/ Recipients: Nate Richardson, Chawn Johnson, Kale Eike, Jessica Overstreet, and Ashley Coburn.
Dave Oberly, Nate Richardson, Jessica Overstreet, Bill Ryan, Chawn Johnson, Erin Sutherland-Evans, Kale Eike. Dave and Bill represent the Herbert and Clara Klindt Endowed Scholarship.