University of Great Falls holds 75th Anniversary Gala celebration

(Great Falls, MT) 580 people gathered at the Great Falls Civic Center on Saturday, December 8 for the University of Great Falls 75th Anniversary Gala.

UGF students helped make the 75th Anniversary a big success

In addition to the premeir of an inspirational video, the night was highlighted by seven guest speakers who talked about how the University changed their lives.

Dick Sanchez, a 1954 graduate and longtime supporter of the school, credited the University with his becoming a pilot and a successful businessman.  He said he is always using the lessons learned in college.

“I found out that every day you have a final exam” said Sanchez.  “I tried to treat my business relationships that way.”

Sanchez also announced that he will be giving $400,000 in his will to the University in the form of endowed scholarships.

“We think this gift could help four or five students every year, so we’re very grateful” said President McAllister.

Sheila Rice and Richard Sanchez

Sanchez’ sister-in-law, Sheila Rice, also spoke at the gala. “There is an extraordinary

connection between the faculty and students at the University of Great Falls” said Rice, a 1974  

graduate.  “If you ask the students, they’ll say it’s the faculty that makes the difference.”

Jennifer Wright, a 2007 graduate, said the University is a special place.  “People come to the University of Great Falls for the unique experience it gives” said Wright, who is completing a degree in accounting.

Several Sisters of Providence were in attendance.  Sister Dorothy Byrne, a 1954 graduate, said it was more than just her student experience that changed her life.  “I was a student, worked on the staff as the assistant to the President, and served on the board three different times” said Byrne.  “I can honestly say that each time I’ve served, I’ve loved the University even more.”

Other speakers included Karl Jorda, an Austrian native who graduated in 1953 and now serves as a law professor at the Franklin Pierce Center in Concord, New Hampshire;  Bob Nommensen,

UGF Presidents past and present: (L-R) Dr. Michael Easton, Dr. Eugene McAllister, Dr. William Shields at the University's 75th Anniversary gala.

a 1978 graduate who is now the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for Sletten Companies in Great Falls; and Dr. Kennard Kapstafer, a 1957 graduate who operates a private medicalpractice in Spokane.

Among the many special guests at the gala were former presidents of the University, Dr. William

Shields and Dr. Michael Easton.  About 25 University of Great Falls students assisted in the evening’s festivities.  The gala program also featured a copy of Great Falls Mayor Dona Stebbins proclamation designating December 8, 2007 as University of Great Falls day.

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University of Great Falls responds to students’ needs by staying open 24 hours a day

December 5, 2007

(Great Falls, MT)  Students at the University of Great Falls spoke up and the University listened.   With final exams less than a week away, the University is responding to students’ requests.  Among those requests is 24 hour a day service in key campus buildings, including the library and student center.

Students raised the ideas during weekly dinners with University of Great Falls President Eugene McAllister.  The students asked for extended hours; the University of Great Falls responded by keeping the library open for 24 hours December 5-7 and the student center with computer and food service for 24 hours December 3-14.

“It is virtually unheard of that a small university of 725 students is open for 24 hours a day, but this is our commitment to our students” said President McAllister. “We are a community devoted to our students.”

During the period in which the library was open 24 hours, faculty and administration members helped man the premises.  In addition, the Sullivan Hall Computer Lab will be open from 7:00 am-9:00 pm Monday-Friday and 1:00 pm-5:00 pm on weekends.  The University will also make more tutors available during finals.

The University is also increasing its technology support for students for the stretch run at the end of the semester.  New laptop computers are available for checkout at the library.  Three new computer labs are in place in residence hall lounges.  The computer lab in the Grandma Rice Retention Center is also open 24 hours.

Students were also able to take part in some special activities leading up to finals week.  Included was a Mexican Fiesta, a Birthday Barbecue, cutting down Christmas trees, pizza with the President, and a midnight breakfast on the eve of finals.  

Final exams at the University of Great Falls will begin Monday, December 10 and conclude on Thursday, December 13.

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University of Great Falls art student goes

"Full Circle." 

Fallen Leaves, ceramic, various sizes

(Great Falls, MT)  Eloise Nyman's Senior Thesis Art Exhibit will open on Wednesday, December 12 at 5:30 at the Paris Gibson Museum of Art.  The museum is located at 1400 First Avenue North in Great Falls.

The exhibit, featuring ceramic works, is entitled "Full Circle."

For more information, contact the University of Great Falls Art Department at 406-791-5375.

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Hyde Park Forum winners announced

(Great Falls, MT) “Hyde Park Forum:  The University of Great Falls Speech Contest" was held Thursday night, November 15.  33 contestants put their public speaking skills on display.  UGF faculty, staff, and area Toastmasters served as judges and moderators.  UGF students served as timers.  Winners were honored with "The Obie" award, named after former UGF Speech professor Thomas O'Brien.

Joseph Furr III gives a speech on roller skates

Contestants were divided into eight groups.  First place winners were: Joseph Furr III, Sami Pack, Stephanie Gaston, Janice Evans, Trey Dennis, Brian Johnson, Josh Holladay and Amy Barber.  Winners performed their speech a second time for the local cable access television station.

2nd place finishers were: Kim Wright, William Wine, Wayne French, Zach Kozak, Chelsa Dilcher, Michael French, Alden Johnson, James Anacker.

3rd place finishers were: Claudia Jacobs, Ashley Cannon, Nathan Hellyer, Cortnee Doll, Devon J. Ellis, Marc Jennings, and Ryan Kovach.

 
This is the 14th year UGF has held the event.  It is held each semester.

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Argo runner to compete at nationals

(Great Falls, MT)  In just its second year, the University of Great Falls Cross Country program has produced a national qualifier.  On Tuesday, November 6, the NAIA released the qualifiers for the 52nd Annual Men’s and 28th Annual Women’s NAIA Cross Country National Championship.  Among those competing in the women’s division will be Alejandra Borunda.  The

University of Great Falls freshman clocked a time of 19:04 in the 5-kilometer race at the NAIA Region 1 Cross Country Championships last weekend in Olympia, Washington.  Her time was good enough to earn her a spot at the National Championship in Kenosha, Wisconsin to be held November 17.

“I’m excited because I’ve never reached a level like this,” said Borunda, a business administration major from Yakima, Washington.  “I’m a little nervous.  I never expected it to

Alejandra Borunda

happen.  But my coaches and teammates have been very supportive.”

Borunda will be racing among the top 250 female distance runners in the nation.  She finished 18th at the regional competition.  As a team, the Lady Argos finished in a tie for 9th with Carroll College.  The UGF men placed 15th.

"Alejandra is a natural leader on and off the field. A model student at UGF she is well respected and liked by her teammates.  We're especially proud and somewhat surprised with her performance so far this year.  She has been a true ‘diamond in the rough.’” Said first year head coach Jim Brewer.  “If everything plays out well, Alejandra could finish high enough to be an All-American.”                           

Borunda would need to finish in the top 30 to gain All-American status.  She’s already earned All-Conference honors by finishing in the top ten.  Teammate Charelle Martin also earned All-Conference and just missed qualifying for nationals by one place.

The national meet will take place at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.  The men’s race will start at 9:30 a.m. (MST) and women’s race is set to start around 10:45 a.m.

While Borunda aims to do her best in the race, she hopes her race at the national meet will help her team.  “I want to share the experience with my teammates so they know that they can get there someday, too” said Borunda. 

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UGF competes in NAIA Region 1 Volleyball Tourney

KANSAS CITY, MO – (Monday, November 12, 2007) – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the pairings for this week’s NAIA Region 1 Volleyball Tournament that takes place Thursday-Saturday, November 15-17th at Spokane Valley, Washington at the Spokane ValleyHub (http://www.valleyhub.com).

The Frontier Conference is well represented at this tournament with five of the eight teams. Lewis-Clark State both received automatic bids because of their conference finish and their NAIA rankings. LC-State and Westminster played for the Frontier Conference Championship on Saturday night with LC-State coming out on top 3-1. The University of Great Falls, Rocky Mountain College, and Montana Tech were also invited.

The University of Great Falls Lady Argos defeated Rocky Mountain College on Friday night 3-1 and on Saturday lost to Lewis-Clark State (3-0) in the semifinals and then defeated Montana Tech (3-0) in the consolation game.

The Cascade Collegiate Conference rounds out the tourney with teams including The College of Idaho (formerly Albertson College), Oregon Tech and Southern Oregon University.

In the opening round of the regional tournament on Thursday, UGF will take on Lewis-Clark State at 12:30pm (Pacific) and then at 6:00pm (Pacific) UGF takes on Oregon Tech. Other first round games include the College of Idaho battling Rocky Mountain College, Southern Oregon taking on Oregon Tech and Montana Tech playing against Westminster College.

On Friday, UGF takes on Southern Oregon at 11:30AM (Pacific Time) before the pool play playoff games begin. The Region 1 Championship is slated to begin at 2:00PM (Pacific) on Saturday afternoon.

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Spring registration is underway

(Great Falls, MT)  Thanksgiving has yet to arrive and the snow has yet to fly, but it's not too early to think spring...spring regsitration, that is.  Monday, November 12 marks the beginning of spring registration at the University of Great Falls.

Prospective and current students can view class availaibility online.

Students can also register online.

Spring classes begin January 9.  For more information, call 800-856-9544.  

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Blood drive a success

(Great Falls, MT) A handful of people made a difference on halloween by giving blood at the University of Great Falls.  The blood drive took place in Absolon Lounge in the University’s Student Center.

Red Cross spokesman Scott Shanahan said the drive produced 25 donors with 19 productive units of blood.  There were also eleven first time donors.

According to the American Red Cross, blood is needed every two seconds in the United States for cancer patients, accident victims, and surgery patients. 

For people to give blood they must: weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good general health, be at least 17 year of age, and not have donated blood in the last 56 days.

For more information on giving blood or upcoming blood drives, call the American Red Cross at 800-448-3543.

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Nature's Music on display

(Great Falls, MT)  A University of Great Falls art student is displaying his works through November 29 in the UGF Library.

The exhibit by Nathan Paulus is entitled "Nature's Music."

The exhibit will be highlighted by an artist's reception on Friday, November 16 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Library.  Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call the Library at 406-791-5375 or the UGF Art Department at 406-791-5315.

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Deputy Secretary of the Treasury visits University of Great Falls

Robert M. Kimmitt, Deputy Secretary of the United States Treasury, addresses University of Great Falls students

(Great Falls, MT)  Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Robert Kimmitt  told a packed room in Absolon Lounge about the importance of public service.  Deputy Secreatry Kimmitt was at the University of Great Falls on Thursday, September 20, to meet with students, faculty, and staff about public service and lessons in leadership.  Before he took questions from the University of Great Falls community, he took part in a ceremony in which a local homeowner’s organization received a check for more than $60,000 from the Treasury Department.

“You don’t have to be in politics to participate in public service,” said Kimmitt, who has served in his current role since August of 2005.  “The reason you do public service is because it is a reward unto itself.”

Deputy Secretary Kimmitt has also served as American Ambassador to Germany, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, General Counsel to the United States Treasury, and Executive Secretary and General Counsel at the National Security Council.

In the private sector, Deputy Secretary Kimmitt was Chairman of the International Advisory Council of Time Warner, Vice Chairman and President of Commerce One, a software company headquartered in the San Francisco Bay area, and Managing Director of Lehman Brothers.

Deputy Secretary Kimmitt is a graduate of West Point and served in combat with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, earning three Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

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Integrated Learning Communities a part of UGF freshman experience

 (Great Falls, MT) - Freshmen at the University of Great Falls are taking part in a unique learning experience this academic year. All freshmen at the University are now required to enroll in an Integrated Learning Community, or ILC, course. For the past two years, ILC courses have been optional and offered as upper-level classes.

An Integrated Learning Community is a “super” course worth six credits, twice as much as a typical class.  Two or three professors from different academic disciplines guide the course, but it’s the students who drive the class.  Instead of lectures, the pace is set by learning through experience.  The focus is on learning through community, with each class acting as a team.

When crafting its ILC program, UGF looked to Evergreen State College in Washington which has offered ILC courses since it was founded in the early 1970's. "This approach to higher education is one where students are engaged," said Evergreen's Dean of Library Services Lee Lytle. "The degree of depth is really open ended. I've heard from students that they learn more and get a richer perspective of the issues."

UGF Freshmen have five ILC courses to choose from. Among them is Art of Leadership: History, Style, and Practice.  The course is being team taught by History Professor Vern Pederson and Communications Professor Rich Breiner.  Students study historical leadership styles which are then incorporated into speeches they give.  Already the course is showing positive results.  “The students are really enjoying it,” said Pederson.  “The atmosphere is much livelier than in classes they are doing solo.”

Another ILC offering is Technology, Society and Change, taught by Sociology Professor Mike Low and Computer Professor Jim Croft. The course will try to answer the question, 'Is an electronic society viable?' "Instead of the normal papers students have done before, this class will be paperless," said Croft. "We will try to show students how technology is driving our socio-economic system." By applying what they learn in the class, Croft is hopeful the students will remain in contact and engaged in the subject matter long after the course is complete.

Other ILC offerings this fall include: Human Culture, Science, and Technology which combines History and Science; Literature of Social Injustice which combines English, Education, and Sociology; and Foundations of Human Civilization, which combines Composition and Philosophy. In addition to developing critical thinking and team building skills for students, the ILC courses will also be guided by the overarching question, 'What does it mean to be human?' Faculty has developed their course goals and objectives to reflect this basic question.

Integrated Learning Communities aim to provide students with a greater understanding of the course; they also give both students and faculty an opportunity for increased intellectual interaction and shared inquiry. “It has helped me become a better listener,” said Breiner.  “I enjoy having Vern there.  I’m learning to be a better teacher from the way he responds to students.”

Faculty has collaborated to set aside a block of time for classroom discussion and activities, but they will also schedule time outside the classroom. Previous ILC courses have included service projects, time spent on stage reading dramatic pieces, and philosophy discussions in a student lounge.

ILC supporters see great benefits to the program. "It gives a bigger role to students to explore aspects of the field in which they are interested," said UGF Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Richard McDowell. "It creates energy because of the discussion of different fields. And the fact that the group is encouraged to do things beyond the classroom adds another dimension."