Beyond Marcus May 2007

Professor Grant Mitman Invited to Leadership Training
After successfully completing screening interviews at the National Education Association (NEA) headquarters in Washington D.C., Prof. Grant Mitman (PhD, Biology) has been invited to participate in the Emerging Leadership Academy Class of 2008. His application was supported by Montana Tech Faculty Association President John Brower, and by MEA/MFT president Eric Feaver.
Prof. Mitman recounted a nearly two-hour-long thorough and unusual interview where, among other things, screeners asked him to draw a stick-figure picture of himself and how he fit into the educational community! After waiting a long two weeks he was notified of his acceptance into the leadership academy. Prof. Mitman will be the first-ever participant from Montana.
The goal of the ELA is to provide participants with training in campus and faculty association leadership and how to make the best use of NEA’s vast resources to the benefit of Montana faculty and students. Mitman hopes that his participation will encourage other faculty members on other college campuses in Montana to participate in the leadership academy.

Mars Exploration Update Presentation
Planetary Geologist and Butte native Steve Lee will give a presentation on the Mars exploration update on Friday, May 18, at 3p.m. in CBB 101. This presentation will give an overview of what observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and Mars Exploration Rover missions are revealing about conditions on Mars at present, as well as what we know about the past history of the Martian surface and climate. The future of Mars exploration will be discussed, including previews of the missions planned for the coming decade and possible plans for eventual human exploration of the Red Planet. For more information click HERE.

Montana Tech Receives $64,043 in Acce$$ Grants
The Student Assistance Foundation recently awarded $1.2 million in Acce$$ Grants to Montana colleges for the upcoming academic year. Of the $1.2 million, Montana Tech will receive $64,043 for student scholarships. Acce$$ Grants are awarded to students through the financial aid office based on qualification criteria developed by each financial aid office. Financial aid offices determine individual award amounts in a manner that best meets the needs of the students.

Tech Alumni Wins SAFE Award
During the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida on February 9,2007, Montana Tech Alumni Sean Thatcher, GRIP Safety Director, was awarded the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)-Affiliated Association Safety Program of the Year Award. The award was presented during the first annual Safety Awards For Excellence (SAFE) ceremony at the Peabody Hotel. Scott Morgan, host of HGTV’s Dream Builders Show, hosted the event. The Safety Awards for Excellence commemorated NAHB members’ increased commitment to job safety. Sean was recognized for administering MBIA’s workers’ compensation program through the Montana State Fund. His efforts help make the GRIP program one of MBIA’s greatest benefits. Currently the program has over 480 members and has returned more than $2,000,000 over the past nine years. GRIP offers free safety training and certifications, free onsite consultation training, and free written safety and health programs.
Congratulations Sean for making GRIP the #1 workers’ compensation program in the state.

Tech Awards Handed Out
For a complete list of awards handed out at Tech’s Awards TGIF click HERE.

Commencement Schedule
For a complete commencement schedule click HERE

Athletic Update

Volleyball Update
The Montana Tech Volleyball team wrapped up their spring volleyball season on April 21. According to Coach Marilyn Tobin, it was one of the best spring seasons for individual and team improvement in her 17 years at Tech. The Tech team was split evenly into 2 separate teams for each of the four tournaments where they competed. The highlights for the teams were placing 1st at the UM-Western Tournament (12 total teams), 1st and 2nd at the U of Great Falls Tournament (15 total teams), and 2nd at the MSU-Northern Tournament (12 total teams).
The Digger Athletic Association hosted the athletic banquet on April 20th, and several awards were given to volleyball athletes. Most Improved was given to Cassie Hodges, a freshman right side from Hardin. Most Inspirational was given to Ali Fiamengo, a sophomore middle blocker
from Reno, NV. MVP was given to Kristi Witt, a sophomore libero from Butte. The Peg Sarsfield award, given to the most outstanding female athlete, was awarded to Liz Marsik, a senior middle blocker from Great Falls.

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