January 2013 - Rocky Now

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Issue 1

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Fresh news every day at

R O C K Y. E D U

Keeping our friends and supporters informed about what’s new and exciting at Rocky Mountain College

FOCU S O N F RIE N DS

SMALL RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S AWARD Dr. Lawrence Small, former president of Rocky Mountain College and professor emeritus, is a 2013 recipient of the Governor’s Humanities Awards, which will be presented February 21 at the Montana Historical Society, Helena. Newly-elected Governor Steve Bullock will officiate.

Dr. Small has been a higher education leader in Billings Dr. Lawrence F. Small, RMC pro- for over 50 years.

He served as RMC fessor emeritus, former president, president for 10 years, and a founder of the Institute for Peace Studies will be honored with taught history at a Governor’s Humanities Award.

RMC for 30 years, and founded the Institute for Peace Studies in 1990. He is the co-author of “Religion in Montana”, the definitive account of this important strand in Montana’s cultural life. He also authored a two-volume history of RMC, “Courageous Journey,” and “Pathway to the Present.”

“This is a wonderful acknowledgement for a man who epitomizes leadership in education and public service. The Institute for Peace Studies on our campus would not exist without his endeavor to establish it as an answer to those who tried to inflame prejudice and hatred in our city. His stalwart support for justice and peace sets a standard for all of us,” said Robert Wilmouth, M.D., RMC interim president.

RECOGNIZED FOR PHILANTHROPY Dr. William Ballard and his wife, Merilyn, were recognized for their philanthropy by both the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the YMCA. In November, the AFP, Montana Chapter, saluted the Ballards for generously donating to improve Continued on back page

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNING A frigid January day was thawed by a warming reception in the festively-decorated Great Room to jump start a new year and a new semester.

Hosted by the president and vice presidents, the reception was well attended by board members, faculty, staff and students.

Robert Wilmouth, M.D., (above), who was named RMC Interim President in December, delivered a brief message that focused on the need to work with a positive attitude and renewed dedication to the central mission of RMC, to create the best possible place for faculty and students for learning.

Dr. Wilmouth praised the faculty and staff for their good work, but asked them to “continue to work hard, be patient, and good things will come.”

Right, Scott Neuman, equestrian professor, Jennifer Bratz, music professor, Jacqueline Dundas, English professor, and Matthew O’Gara, political science professor, enjoy visiting during the New Year reception welcoming back faculty and staff for 2013.

ROC KY NOW

Keeping our friends and supporters informed about what’s new and exciting at Rocky Mountain College

LET’S UNDERSTAND: WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER MY PO IN T O F V IE W

BY ROBERT WILMOUTH, M.D., F.A.C.S. -

In my first column I stated that this job is unexpected, a privilege, humbling, and exciting. I also said I will be accountable and results-oriented. This facet of the job is crucial because the stakes are so high and success so vital.

I have a tremendous relationship with our Provost and Academic Vice President Anthony Piltz, one that is respectful and reliant. We worked very closely when I was the Director of the Masters of Physician Assistant Studies Program. No one has a clearer idea of what we are here to do and a better vision of what we can do better.

He states our mission succinctly: We are all about learning. We are about education, not training. We work to make people whole.

We want our graduates to have careers rather than just jobs. We help people become excellent.

To do that, we always need to look at how

President

we can do that best. I believe it will be done when we recognize facts about our College so we can communicate who we really are to others not familiar with RMC. I believe all of us should talk passionately about what a great college this is, and know why. It doesn’t matter if you work in the business office or facilities service, I hope you feel the pulse of life on this campus.

Recently, Provost Piltz reviewed some of the facts about RMC at an Advancement meeting and I wondered how many of us could recite basic information about the make-up of our student body; the percentages of those graduating in major fields of study; the number of students who participate in athletics. How many of us could tell a story of a recent success of one of our students or one of our alumni? How many of us understand what we do helps? Have we all bought in, in other words?

I cannot do this job without looking to the future and what I can do to make it better. I’m all in, as the card playing expression goes, and I want all of us to make a similar commitment.

When we do that, it makes us important.

We all want to feel what we do matters. It’s human nature. And it improves our chances of success.

So, let’s start by talking with each other.

I’m going to every department on this campus to meet people, to find out what they do, to hear their suggestions, to start conversations. Let’s act like we’re all in this together because we are. An RMC alumna featured in this Rocky Now lives by a simple tenet of Aristotle: Being excellent is not an act. It’s a habit. Let’s do something habit forming here. After all, what we do here has a clear purpose and is quite relevant.

COMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 1 The Fifth Annual Invitational Honors Concert will be held at Alberta Bair Theatre, at 7 p.m. The RMC Office of Admissions, in conjunction with the RMC Music Department, welcomes high school sophomoresseniors to perform with RMC students at the annual concert. The public is cordially invited to attend. Admission is free. For more information, contact Kristin Mullaney, RMC admissions event coordinator, 406.657.1026 or admissions@rocky.edu.

Luncheon will be held at noon in the Great Room of Prescott Hall. For more information: Vicki Davison, RMC advancement director, 406.657.1105 / Vicki.davison@rocky.edu.

FEBRUARY 17 The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Western Regional show will be hosted by RMC at the Intermountain Equestrian Center, 1 p.m. For more information: Meredith Burton, RMC IHSA Equestrian Team Captain, Meredith.burton@rocky.edu / 406. 657.1105

FEBRUARY 7 RMC’s 104th Candlelight Dinner, 5:30 PM, Great Hall celebrates RMC’s history and tradition. Guest speaker will be Dr. Robert Wilmouth, RMC president, who will deliver a

The Candlelight Dinner commemorates the first meal shared on the campus in 1910.

The 5th annual RMC Invitational Honors Concert combines high school students from across Montana and RMC students for a free public performance.

“state of the college” message. Following the dinner, guests may wish to join an entourage to the RMC men’s basketball game vs.

Carroll College. Dinner is $20 per person (which includes admission to the game).

For more information, Justin Jantz, RMC alumni director, 406-657-1007 / Justin.jantz@ rocky.edu.

FEBRUARY 12 The annual RMC Donor Appreciation 2

FEBRUARY 21 Go Bald! Inspired by the late RMC Chaplain Kristi Foster, the “Go Bald” event raises Continued on back page

Sunni Hecht, showing her winning hardware and ribbon from the Western Regionals at the 2012 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), stands with Coach Christi Brown, RMC equestrian professor.

ONE OF THE BEST RMC ALUMS, WHO ISN’T ONE FOCU S O N A LUM NI

Tim Russell, who, as CEO of Stillwater Community Hospital, oversaw the creation of a new rural integrated health care organization with Billings Clinic, may be one of the best examples of how alumni continue relationships with Rocky Mountain College.

Except Russell isn’t really an alum.

“You know it’s funny how often I am treated like an alumnus, but, no, I actually never got my degree at Rocky,” the affable nonalumnus said. “I attended for three years and my wife, Joyce, got her degree from Rocky, but then she left to get her master’s in Tulsa and I followed her.”

Joyce Kelley, RMC’81, majored in geology, with two minors, in math and business. While winning academic laurels she also excelled athletically. Her athletic accomplishments earned her entrance into the RMC Clara Klindt Athletic Hall of Fame. She worked on her master’s in geophysics at the University of Tulsa where Tim wound up finishing his undergraduate degree. For a good part of the 1980s Joyce worked in Texas as a geophysicist for Amaco, Standard Oil, Mobil Research Center, and then Equitable Oil, which brought her back to Columbus.

After a time she became involved in real estate, eventually becoming owner/broker

of her own firm. She and Tim have four children: three boys, Kane, Sean, and Seth; and one girl, Chloe.

Even though Russell, a Laurel High graduate earned his degree elsewhere, he enjoyed his years at RMC, where he played both football and basketball.

“I feel like a Rocky grad,” he said. “We both count our best friends as those we made when we were Battlin’ Bears.”

Among those friends, Tim and Joyce count Mike Lohof, Bruce Jensen, and Linda Wright, all RMC’79; Bart Erickson, RMC’81, and his wife, Lynne (Hogue) Erickson, RMC’82; and Steve Shaw, RMC’82. Another RMC connection they enjoy is with Paul Barta, RMC’78 and Paul Edwards, RMC’69, who both live in Columbus.

As CEO of Stillwater Community Hospital, Russell spearheaded the effort to build a new hospital that this past year resulted in opening Stillwater Billings Clinic, merging the local hospital with Billings Clinic.

The 37,000 square feet, $16 million facility sits on 21 acres next to Interstate 90 in Columbus. The new facility includes an outpatient clinic adjacent to the new hospital that will house 10 inpatient beds. The facility also includes an expanded emergency

department, enhanced cardiac and therapy rehabilitaTim Russell is the CEO of the new Stillwater Billings Clinic tion, radiology and laboratory services as in Columbus, Mont. well as a helipad for emergency transport services.

“This new facility brings together the care teams of Stillwater Community Hospital and Billings Clinic Columbus under one roof,” Russell explained. “As a result, patients will benefit from a fully integrated care model that is patient centric.”

It’s an accomplishment worthy of any RMC alumnus, even if Russell really isn’t one.

“Actually, Joyce and I attend a lot of RMC events and we’re always treated as if we both graduated from Rocky. We come to alumni wine tasting in the Great Hall. We attend football and basketball games. We really enjoyed Doc’s retirement BBQ (the farewell party for longtime Professor James “Doc” McDowell). And we frequently get together with friends we made when we were Rocky students,” Russell said. “I guess, if I’m considered an alum, I’m OK with that.”

It’s doubtful any real RMC alumni would object to that either.

LESSON LEARNED: BEING EXCELLENT IS NOT AN ACT; IT’S A F O CUS O N A LUM N I

When Jamaican-born Latoya Ellis, RMC’2006, came to Rocky Mountain College it was with some trepidation.

“I was apprehensive because it seemed remote and cold. How was someone like me, who grew up in Jamaica going to handle that much of a change? I took a chance. I found a place is not remote if the people there have a warm and welcoming heart. Rocky did,” she said. “It was home away from home.”

Latoya threw herself into the entire RMC educational opportunity discovering an excellent experience inside and outside the classroom. Majoring in information technology with a minor in business administration, she was an honor student who also found time to serve on Associated Students and president of the Sojourner’s Club (the inter3

national student association).

“I was given the opportunity to plan RMC’s first Black History month celebration, featuring the African American Art Company, which was an art show which showcased many pieces from African, American and Caribbean artists. I organized a panel discussion on pertinent issues impacting the minority population in Montana,” she said.

With the Sojourner’s Club, she helped organize an international festival sharing food, fashion and culture with the RMC community.

“I remember how excited the International students were, sharing their culture with their colleagues, and the campus community’s excitement to experience world cuisine in one afternoon, transporting the students to

Courtesy Latoya Ellis

Latoya Ellis, RMC 2006, shown with her daughter Kylie Monet, works for a nonprofit organization in New York City.

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BUCK ELK FAMILY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS WORKS AT RMC F O CUS O N S T UDEN TS

Hard work and commitment to education go hand-in-hand in the Buck Elk family. Sisters Latoya and Lesley Buck Elk are continuing that family legacy.

Both are majoring in exercise science at Rocky Mountain College, focused on earning bachelor of science degrees and certification as athletic trainers.

Both work demanding jobs to help pay their way. Lesley, a single mother with a threeyear-old daughter, Aria, works the late shift at Sam’s Club; Latoya works in the house keeping department at Crowne Plaza.

When they’re not working, they’re studying. When they’re not studying, they’re attending class. They share an apartment and Latoya lends a hand helping to raise Aria.

“We have to stay pretty focused on our goals,” Lesley said. “That’s the only downside.

We don’t have much time for play.”

Hard work and dedication were a prescription their dad, Harold Buck Elk (see Focus on Alumni story) followed when he attended RMC in the 1970s. It was also the recipe that worked for their uncle, Warren, who graduated in 1973, and their aunt Eileen, who graduated in 1979.

“That our dad, our uncle, and our aunt graduated from Rocky motivated us,” said Latoya. “But, more importantly, was that Rocky offered the classes we wanted in the program we both are interested in. We also

Latoya and Lesley Buck Elk are working toward becoming certified athletic trainers, earning RMC degrees like their dad, uncle and aunt before them.

understood an education at Rocky is a benefit because it has a good reputation.”

As Assinboine-Sioux who grew up on the reservation at Fort Peck the sisters are well aware, but not at all deterred by the lack of success among Native Americans in attaining college degrees. Statistics show that for every 100 Native American students entering high school, 60 will finish. About 20 will enter college, but only three will graduate with a bachelor’s degree, according to the ”National Institute for Native Leadership in Higher Educa-

tion. The dropout rate is three times as high for Native Americans as for whites.

“It’s not about what we are, it’s about who we are,” said their dad, Harold, about why his family values higher education. “We’re proud of our Indian heritage, but we’re more than that. We’re also proud that we pursued our dreams and attained them, and made a better future for our families and ourselves. That’s who we are.”

While Lesley and Latoya played volleyball and softball in high school, they came to RMC focused solely on their studies. EventuContinued on back page

A HABIT FOR ALUMNA DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS lands they have never thought of visiting,” she said.

Latoya enjoyed other aspects of life at Rocky. “The Yellowstone Park. The Yellowstone River. The Rimrocks.

“I relished it all. I will even be able to tell my children about how a non-swimmer like me fell into that river and lived to tell the tale,” she laughed.

Now living and working in New York City, Montana’s beauty and open space beckons.

“The campus itself was fantastic. All those trees and gardens with the beautiful historic buildings, it is a classic college,” she said. “I miss it.”

Latoya learned a lesson RMC prides itself on teaching: The importance of serving others is a lifelong project. After earning her 4

MBA and PHR (certification in human resources), she took on a job as employee relations manager for a nonprofit in New York City that serves the under served, often the poorest and most stricken people.

“We provide services and support for individuals and families facing challenging life situations such as mental illness, developmental disability, physical disability, AIDS, homelessness, unemployment and poverty,” she said. “It’s rewarding to make a difference.”

Her advice to current students is to find mentors in the RMC community and maintain those relationships; use all the resources available – “you’re paying for them”; be realistic about career

choices “because they must be marketable to pay off the investment you made to attend college.”

“I had some wonderful teachers, from Anthony Piltz in business to Mark Moak in art. I learned loads from people like Margia Pretlow (then a news and information assistant, now with the physician assistant program) when I was a work study. You never know who will make a difference until you get to know them. Give yourself that opportunity.”

Latoya also would advise paying attention to some ancient advice.

“Aristotle said we are what we do over and over, so being excellent is not an act, but a habit,” she said. “I think that’s something you learn at Rocky. I try to live by that.”

HARD WORK, COMMITMENT ENSURE COLLEGE DEGREES FOR FAMILY F O CUS O N A LUM N I

and night. Both wanted their kids to get college educations and all three of us did.

All three did at Rocky Mountain College, too,” Buck Elk said, with pride.

First to earn his degree was Harold’s brother, Warren, in 1973. Warren retired after a successful career running a dialysis support company.

“With above average diabetic levels among Native peoples and dialysis only available at great distance from the reservation (either travel to Minot, North

pany, headquartered at Fort Peck. They are currently converting millions of pages for Tinker Air Force Base, at the rate of 50,000 a month. They are doing similar work for the Alaskan Waste Water Utility.

Another service the company provides is as procurement agent for government, negotiating the best price for supplies.

Acting as a middleman, the company operates on small margins, but when dealing with multi-million dollar orders, the 6 percent margin can be significant,

“MY MOM WAS A DISHWASHER, and then a cook at schools in Courtesy Harold Buck Elk

Harold Buck Elk, RMC’79, was named a Small Business Administration Person of the Year.

Last year when Harold Buck Elk was named the Small Business Administration’s Minority Business Person of the Year, he considered it more a success for his company than for himself.

“I’m the CEO of Fort Peck Tech Services, a company owned by the Fort Peck Tribes, so I rely on many others to make this company successful. It’s not just me,” he said.

Humble as he is, there is little doubt Buck Elk’s leadership was instrumental in taking the company from “$13,000 and an idea” to its current status as an employer of 33 people with $4.75 million in revenues, generating a profit level of $1.05 million.

The SBA award stated Buck Elk was the key to unlocking the tribal resources and directing them to a point that the company has marshaled equity in excess of $3.226 million.

Buck Elk attributes much of his success to the education he received at Rocky Mountain College. Majoring in business and accounting, he was driven by the lessons of his parents and his brother and sister.

“My mom was a dishwasher, and then a cook at schools in Brockton. Dad was a janitor and later a jailer. They didn’t have much education, but they sure understood the value of it. They worked morning, noon 5

Brockton. Dad was a janitor and later a jailer. They didn’t have much education, but they sure understood the value of it. They worked morning, noon and night. Both wanted their kids to get college educations and all three of us did. All three did at Rocky Mountain College, too.”

Dakota or Billings), he set up a company to provide it at Fort Peck,” Buck Elk explained.

Next, Eileen graduated, in 1979. She is a nurse with Indian Health Services in Billings, which provides health delivery to 70,000 Native Americans in Montana and Wyoming.

“I was the uncertain one,” Harold laughed. “I started in 1972, but got distracted so I didn’t wind up finishing until 1979.

Their parents provided whatever they could afford, and the three siblings corralled whatever money they could to make up the difference. They worked summers and part-time during the school terms.

They borrowed on lease income from their tribal property. They earned whatever scholarships they could.

“We just made it happen,” Harold said.

That could be his motto as CEO. “I try to find niches for this company to provide services that aren’t very much recognized publicly. We do document conversion, for example. We have huge contracts to turn paper into digital documents,” he said.

Fort Peck joined with 10 other tribes – including one in Hawaii and another in Alaska – to launch this intertribal com-

Buck Elk noted.

The company is also experiencing growth servicing the Bakken Oil Field boom, re-engineering oil rig parts. It provides welding and engineering jobs for increasing numbers of tribal members, who are getting training as certified welders.

“We’re available 24/7. We recently got a desperate call from a contractor who needed parts over a weekend so he could get back to work Monday. We got it done for him and word spread,” Buck Elk said.

“Whatever it takes, we do.”

Success builds success, he added.

Within the past 6 months the company was fortunate enough to receive a $1 million grant from the Economic Development Administration to expand its training facility and purchase equipment.

In addition, the company was awarded $200,000 in working capital, a grant for the oilfield work from the Shakopee Sioux Tribe in Central Minnesota.

“Like I said, we just make it happen,” he chuckled.

That was a lesson he learned when he earned his degree at RMC. It is also the lesson he hands down to his daughters, Lesley and Latoya. Both of whom are working on their degrees at RMC.

RO CKY NOW FOCU S O N F RIE N DS Continued from Page 1

Photo: David Grubbs, Billings Gazette

Bill and Merilyn Ballard were honored for their philanthropy.

Billings Clinic’s efforts to advance cancer and cardiac treatment. Dr. Ballard has been a member and chairman of the Billings Clinic board of directors.

In December, the Ballards received the Philip N. Fortin Award from the Billings Family YMCA, recognizing “a lifetime of distinguished volunteers, civic and professional achievement that improved the quality of life within the community.”

The Ballards, who received RMC’s Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2011, have also been significant donors to the RiverStone Health Foundation and the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Club Endowment Foundation.

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BUCK ELK FAMILY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

COMING EVENTS

Continued from Page 4

money for the American Cancer Society.

This year, in Rev. Foster’s memory, the effort is called “Foster Kristi’s Hope: 2nd Annual Go Bald Event”. For more information: Robyn Cummings, RMC associate math professor and academic specialist with Services for Academic Success, 406.657.1067 / cummingr@rocky.edu.

ally, Latoya said, she hopes to go further in medicine, earning a graduate degree in physical therapy.

Latoya, the youngest sister, for now is ahead of her older sister in pursuit of an RMC degree.

“I’m the sophomore; she’s a junior,” Lesley conceded. “But, in the end, we’ll both have degrees from Rocky and that’s what counts.”

There’s little doubt the Buck Elk sisters will succeed.

“I have had both in my classes. They are both extremely dedicated, hardworking, studious, and intelligent. They are quite impressive, both in the classroom and as people. Their good attitudes and kindness are just as impressive as their academic achievement,” said Amanda Botnen, RMC assistant professor, physical education.

Clarece Lacy, RMC professor of physical education and health, is also enthusiastic about the Buck Elk sisters.

“They’re interested in their studies.

They’re focused. They work hard. I’m impressed by both.”

PHOTOS

Credit

Photographs appearing in Rocky Now, unless otherwise noted, are by Dave M. Shumway, RMC staff photographer and web content manager.

Continued from Page 2

Organized by Rocky Walkers, the RMC Relay for Life team, “Go Bald” raises money to fight cancer.

FEBRUARY 22-23 & 28 MARCH 1-2 RMC Theatre Dept. presents “South Pacific” at Billings Studio Theater, 7:30 p.m.

Note change in ticket prices: $15 adults, $12 Seniors and Students, $10 RMC Family.

(RMC Night will be Feb 27 and tickets will be $6 for RMC Family.) For more information: Gearld Roe, RMC professor, theatre arts. (406) 657-1111 / roeg@rocky.edu and/ or Sarah Brewer, RMC associate professor, theatre arts 406. 657-1162 / sarah.brewer@ rocky.edu

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