All about our students Rachel Ludington is the only student who performs in four RMC music groups, choir and band.
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC
Rachel Ludington had several good reasons to come to Rocky Mountain College. Her great-grandfather attended RMC when it was called Billings Polytechnic Institute; her grandfather, Edwin Ludington, graduated from Rocky in 1956; and her parents, Paul and Julie (Longbottom) Ludington, graduated in 1982. Despite the legacy, Rachel still thought she’d rather go out of state and to a bigger college. That was her plan before she agreed to at least visit the RMC campus. “That one visit changed my mind,” the senior music education major said. “It felt like I fit. The people were friendly. I knew I had found a home.” After four years, the Stevensville, Mont., native has established a notable record, never missing making the dean’s list each semester, performing in all four RMC music groups – concert band, jazz band, concert choir, and chamber singers – and preparing her senior recital, which will be half voice and half piano, even though, in the concert band, she plays oboe and, in the jazz band, clarinet. “That is extraordinary,” said Dr. Sam Hamm, one of her music instructors. “Everything she does, she does well, and that is due to her discipline and work ethic. She has a promising future as a music educator.” She could not have accomplished as much at a bigger school, she said. At Rocky, all her music instructors collaborated to help her achieve her goals. (Please see All about our students on back page)
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC
Some of the more than 40 students who pitched in to help with this year’s Black Tie Blue Jeans Scholarship Benefit show their appreciation for those who donated to the 22nd annual benefit.
Championship BTBJ! The 22nd annual for our student Rocky Mountain scholarships,” said College Black RMC President Tie Blue Jeans Michael Mace. Scholarship Benefit According was a championship to Mace, the benefit befitting its expectation was theme this year. to raise $250,000, The benefit, given the uncertain held Friday, Nov. economic times. 6, 2009, at the “Our staff, the Billings Hotel volunteers, all and Convention the students who Center, sold out, helped, the donors and, coupled with and table sponsors Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC the silent and -- everyone did a live auctions and Kelsey Larson-Daer and her mother, Nicki, were phenomenal job,” he Dollars for Scholars all smiles at the “Champions” scholarship event said. “We are blessed donations, this year. Kelsey’s mom and dad, Rick, were the by their generosity and raised more honorary chairs for the 2009 Black Tie Blue goodwill.” than $330,000 Jeans. Kelsey and her brother, Kevin, who also This year, Rick and for student attended, are both RMC graduates. Nicki Larson were scholarships. BTBJ Honorary Chairs. The theme for The Larsons, who cothis year’s benefit was “Champions” founded Employee Benefit Management and celebrated the Battlin’ Bears men’s Services (EBMS), Inc., in 1980, have been basketball team national championship, pioneers in the health insurance industry but also other champions among and leaders in the community, with a students, faculty, staff, and alumni. history of supporting RMC. They are also “People proved our theme was a good parents of two RMC alumni. one, because we had so many people (Please see BTBJ on back page) come forward to help and to donate
Insider Neighbors Helping Neighbors is what BTBJ Benet is all about It is a privilege to write a letter to our favorite Rocky Mountain College friends and fans. You may not think very often that you are, but there’s a reason you receive Rocky Now. It’s because you have been a solid supporter of our students and a friend to all of us who want them to succeed. You have graciously favored Rocky with your support! Last week I joined many of you at our annual Black Tie Blue Jeans Scholarship Benefit, an event I have enjoyed since I first became involved with Rocky, over ten years ago. Some of you have supported this important event since its inception, more than two decades ago, and to you I offer my sincere thanks – your constancy and loyalty have carried this wonderful tradition to yet another generation of deserving students. The evening always offers great auction items, a wonderful meal, and terrific entertainment, but the best part was mingling with Rocky-loyal people who share a common fellowship. The number of people involved was extraordinary. It was a recipe for success. Start with the 40 students who volunteered to help. Add in 50 table sponsors. Mix in 30 live auction donors and some 70 silent auction donors. Spice it up with hefty contributors to Dollars for Scholars. Toss in 600 people attending. Blend with staff and friends who pitched in to help at every level. Well, you get the idea. These numbers matter, not only because it’s always easier getting things done with more hands, but also because they demonstrate the care and commitment that so many people bring to this cause. Support from alumni, faculty, staff and friends have a direct impact on why students choose Rocky over other colleges. And this level of support influences other funding sources as well; foundations and grant makers see high levels of support from within the institution as indicators of the College’s good health and continued success. As I watched people enjoying each other’s company, I wondered: What motivates such generosity from so many people of so many different occupations and persuasions? What transcends our political and religious differences? What can inspire Cat and Griz supporters alike to dine, dance and celebrate a common cause, side by side? I think the answer is simple. We all share a fundamental respect for the power of education, and a commitment to our young people. Nothing is more American than the belief that our country’s future is dependent on a well-educated workforce. Nothing is more patriotic than wanting the best for the next generation. The theme this year for Black Tie Blue Jeans was entirely appropriate. We have so many champions at Rocky Mountain College, far too many to name, so we selected a few representative champions and in honoring them, we were honoring all the champions among us. We do not say often enough that you are our champions, too. That’s what I saw at BTBJ. Champions everywhere I looked who were busy helping in the making of other champions. Like we say in rural Montana, neighbor helping neighbor for the good of everyone.
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC
Barb Skelton, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Rocky Mountain College.
The theme for the 22nd Annual BTBJ Scholarship Benefit was “Champions.” The design, below, created by Monica Forsberg of Artcraft Printers, featured the 2009 NAIA Champion Battlin’ Bears Men’s Basketball Team and a representative sampling of some of the champion students, faculty, staff and alumni .
Focus on Faculty & Staff Collaboration is the Right Key for Harmonious Teaching “What works so well for our department is we play together and we teach together,” said Dr. Sam Hamm, Rocky Mountain College assistant professor of music. Dr. Hamm isn’t referring to “play” in terms of enjoying each other’s company after work. He literally means playing together as in playing music together. The collaboration between Dr. Hamm and his colleagues, Dr. Steven Hart, RMC associate professor of music and choir director, Anthony Hammond, RMC visiting instructor and band director, and Dr. Jennifer Bratz, RMC assistant professor of music, springs from that musical connection with vocal and instrumental performances. “My colleagues and I are constantly talking with each other about our classes and ensembles to ensure that we are helping our students to become the most well-rounded musicians that they can be,” Dr. Hamm noted. It is what makes the department hum with purpose for music majors who find a team of professors working with them simultaneously rather than sporadically or periodically. A case in point is the featured student in this issue, Rachel Ludington. Rachel is the only student who performs in all four music venues – concert band, jazz band, concert choir and chamber singers. She has benefited from the teaching of all four professors. Mr. Hammond is her advisor and honor’s project consultant, as well as her teacher for methods in music. Dr. Hart directs her in both choirs. Dr. Hamm instructs her in music theory classes and she tutors others in those classes. Dr. Jennifer Bratz oversees her piano instruction. “Our strength as a music faculty is how broadly we cover the spectrum of education and performance as well as our recognition of those individual strengths in each other. We all
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC
Members of the RMC music department include, left to right, Jennifer Bratz, Sam Hamm, Anthony Hammond, and Steven Hart. own an equal stake in the success of the music students at Rocky,” Mr. Hammond said. Dr. Bratz and Dr. Hart concur. Because of the interrelationship of the instructors with the students, the department develops the highest quality of students which continues the legacy of fine music at Rocky.
Focus on Alumni & Friends Porsche Club Presents Check; Follett, RMC Celebrate 20th Fred Magers, (below right), representing the Absaroka Porsche Club, presents a check to RMC President Michael Mace from proceeds of the annual All Euro Car Show held on RMC’s campus, Aug. 22nd. Open to all European sports cars and sedans, vintage or contemporary, this year 54 cars were on display. Hundreds of people strolled around the show, admiring the cars. The show is free to the public. “We only charge $10 per entrée and the public can come for free so it’s not a major money maker, but we appreciate Rocky letting us hold it here every summer,” Magers said. “We always present a modest check after our expenses.” President Mace said the show is a welcome addition to summer events on campus. “It’s an opportunity for people to see not just the beautiful cars but the beautiful campus,” he said.
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC
The Follett Higher Education Group, which operates the Rocky Mountain College bookstore, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its partnership with the College by having a luncheon in the Great Hall of Prescott Commons. Fran Bergum, Follett store manager, and Gary Madole, Follett regional manager, hosted the October 21st luncheon and presented RMC President Michael Mace with a commemorative clock. Pictured are, left to right, Gary Madole, Carole Peterson (RMC director of student records, representing RMC staff), Fran Bergum, Mike Mace, Brad Nason, and K. Stuart Smith (RMC associate professor, computer science, representing faculty).
Rocky Mountain College’s Leadership Gift Annuity You don’t have to be rich to give to Rocky Mountain College . . . You just have to believe Rocky still makes a difference in the lives of students. You can do so with a Rocky Gift Annuity qualifying for the 40% Montana income tax credit; secure a big federal charitable tax deduction; receive a higher return than savings certificates; and, eventually fund scholarships for Rocky students. • Fixed Income for Life • Partially Tax-Free Income • Current Charitable Income Tax Deduction • Possible Avoidance of Capital-Gain Tax • Asset Diversification By developing a creative strategy, risk can be removed from the equation and rewards remain, both for you and for us.
Coming Attractions YULE LOG DINNER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 The traditional Yule Log Dinner will be held for members of the RMC community at 5:30 p.m. in the Bair Family Student Center. There is no charge for this year’s dinner, however, food will be collected for the needy members of the Billings community as well as Rocky students unable to travel home for the holidays. Please bring a nonperishable food item, particularly “self-contained” items. Please stop by the Dean of Student’s Office to RSVP and pick up tickets or call the Dean’s Office at 657-1018 for tickets which will be held at the door.
ROCKY’S MAGIC CHRISTMAS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Rocky’s “Magic Christmas,” a free outdoor Christmas concert, featuring local community choirs from churches and schools, will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the south lawn of Prescott Hall.
$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
The older the annuitant, the higher the payment rate. Call Obert Undem with your birth date so he can tell you what your payments will be. Gifting stock with long term appreciation will avoid much of the capital gain. High income, younger taxpayers can divert income to elder family members in lower tax brackets and claim the tax benefits of these planned gifts as donors. For a free consultation, contact Obert Undem, director of planned giving Email: undemo@rocky.edu Phone: 406.657.1142
The annual holiday concert – “Lessons and Carols” – requires two performances to accommodate large crowds. LESSONS AND CAROLS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 The traditional Rocky Mountain College Choir’s “Lessons and Carols” concert, free and open to the public, commands two performances to accommodate those wanting to attend. The first will be held Sunday, Dec. 6th, at 3:00 p.m. and a second, at 7:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, on the corner of 13th Street and Poly Drive. The concert annually brings to the community a musical celebration of the Advent seasons with a blend of the beauty of Christmas music and Scripture. The program is based on an Old English tradition where the Christmas story is presented through choral singing, instrumental music, and the reading of Scripture.
RMC NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL JANUARY 29 & 30, 2010 RMC National Advisory Council meets on campus (more details in the next issue of Rocky Now).
All about our students (Continued from front page)
Championship BTBJ (Continued from inside)
“I could seek and get the attention I needed to do what I wanted to do,” she said. Along the way, Rachel served as the department’s work study student and resident tutor, while also tutoring math and writing with the Services for Academic Success program. “Rachel combines three components necessary for successful students majoring in music; a bright intellect, advanced musical experience and preparation, and high-level organizational leadership skills,” said Dr. Steven Hart, music professor and director of the RMC Concert Choir. This year she will also present her honor’s project, a curriculum she developed which provides a nexus for math and music. It is a project Anthony Hammond, RMC director of bands, is confident will be as exceptional as Rachel. “She is such a bright student, I know it will be comprehensive and well done.” Explaining the project is complicated, but Rachel said it basically involves a curriculum designed for fourth grade level, when kids first learn fractions and play the recorder. She thinks her honor’s project will open a new avenue for teaching those subjects. “Both math and music have a basis in mathematical foundations, such as fractions,” she said. For Rachel, the future holds teaching music in a small school district, one where she can continue to help others, like those who helped her. Rachel will present her senior recita in Losekamp Hall on March 28, 2010.
Music was provided by the Midlife Chryslers. Auction items -- including fine art, vacation getaways, NFL tickets, jewelry, gourmet dinners, and a chance to be an extra in a Hollywood film -surpassed previous years for the sold-out benefit.
Rocky Royalty Current RMC student, Annie Anseth, Miss Montana USA 2010, and Lacey Kraft, RMC ’98, Mrs. Montana, flank RMC President Michael Mace at BTBJ. People posed in front of a Rocky “College of Champions” cereal box designed by Judy Chapman for souvenir portraits.
Photo: Dave M. Shumway, RMC