Montana Tech | Public Relations

Montana Tech | Contact Tech | Search Tech | Site Map |

Public Relations

Give to Montana Tech
Career Services

You are here: Montana Tech >> Public Relations >> March 2006

Beyond Marcus March 2006

March 31, 2006

Nursing Program Accredited
The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission has awarded Accreditation to Montana Tech of the University of Montana Associate Degree Nursing Program for achievement of quality and excellence in nursing education. The accreditation is from Fall 2005 to Fall 2010.

Professor Ziegler Presenting Paper
Liberal Studies Professor Robert Ziegler is presenting a paper, "Meanings of Pleasure in Octave Mirbeau's 'Le Journal d'une femme de chambre'", at the annual conference of the Society of Dix-neuvièmistes, hosted by the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, on April 1. The Society represents scholars in 19th-century french literature from the United Kingdom as well as from France and the United States. Professor Ziegler has published extensively on Mirbeau in French and American journals and is currently working on a book on the author.

Professor Munday Delivering Key Note Lecture
Pat Munday, a professor with the Technical Communication program, has been invited to deliver the key note lecture at the annual meeting of the Montana Watershed Coordination Council. The council is a forum for local watershed groups to help enhance, conserve, and protect natural resources and sustain the high quality of life in Montana for present and future generations. About fifty groups belong to the council. MWCC encourages local people to take a proactive, collaborative approach that will address natural resource issues and concerns. Dr. Munday has worked closely for more than a decade with a number of conservation groups and watershed committees on the upper Clark Fork River and Big Hole River watersheds.

Professor Chad Okrusch Publishes Paper
Professor Char Okrusch of the Professional and Technical Communications department at Montana Tech recently published a paper titled "Care as a Virtue for Journalists" in the Journal of Mass Media Ethics. To view the paper click here.

Nursing and Library Faculty Collaboration
Spurred by the recent accreditation of the 2 year Registered Nursing program, the nursing and library faculty collaborated to evaluate the library’s nursing book collection. On January 12th, the nursing faculty came to the library to evaluate the books that nursing students find on the shelves. The faculty spent the morning implementing the accreditors’ suggestions about updating the collection. They discarded outdated books and assigned special status to others that have lasting value. The faculty also divided up subject responsibility to ensure that books in all subject areas remain current. The morning’s work resulted in a stronger, updated collection. In addition, faculty members Allison McIntosh and Miriam Young, continue to work with Noni, the library nursing liaison, on selection and policy development for the nursing collection. The librarians are impressed with the nursing faculty’s level of involvement which illustrates their dedication to students' overall learning.

Congratulations to Mark Taylor
Mark Taylor of Whitehall won three medals at the Montana Special Olympics Winter Games at Big Mountain near Whitefish on March 7. Mark has competed in the Special Olympics for 20 years and has brought home dozens of medals. This year he took the gold in the 3 kilometer and 1 kilometer cross country ski races. He won the silver in the 500 meter cross country race. Mark has worked at Tech for 18 years and is currently a carpenters helper.

Tech Alumnae Captures Classic Photo
Josie Youderian a recent graduate from Tech's Professional and Technical Communication Department captured this photo just outside of Roundup Montana. Bugle, the magazine of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, ran the photo on page 21 of its March/April 2006 issue. Josie is currently a master's candidate in Technology Management with the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona. Josie will marry Chad Krause, a recent Environmental Engineering grad and avid elk hunter, in June of this year.

Montana Tech Gets New Vertical Mill
Dr. Rick Donovan, General Engineering Department and developer of the RAVE Creativity Forge just took custody of a Haas 5 axis vertical mill worth an estimated $180,000. This state-of- the-art machine was 'entrusted' to Montana Tech because we are a 'Haas Technical Education
Center.'

Dr. Richard Donovan’s Engineering Statics, Engineering Dynamics, and Engineering 315 classes are touring the RAVE Creativity Forge this week. The tour includes demonstrations on the CNC Vertical Mill, CNC Lathe, and the robotic welder. These state-of-the-art machines are part of a facility made possible through collaborations between Montana Tech, the RAVE Technical Development Center, the National Science Foundation, and Haas Automation, Inc.”

Feature Article on new mill

Mining Design, Operations & Closure Conference '06
The latest mining-related technologies and methods will once again be showcased at the 14th annual Mine Design, Operations & Closure Conference. Attendees can expect an educational forum highlighted by an array of case studies presented by industry professionals. The conference will be hosted at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and will run from April 23-27, 2006.

Montana Tech Computer Science Student Featured in Montana Standard
Click here for complete article

Plaque Unveiling
There will be a ceremony next Tuesday April 4, at 2pm to unveil the new plaque honoring Ron "Swede" Kenison in the HPER complex. Please come and see this plaque honoring a longtime friend of Montana Tech.

Athletic Update
Spring Drills have started for the Montana Tech Football team. Having graduated 18 seniors there is a lot of opportunity for the younger kids to step up and earn playing time. The Oredigger's will practice on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays through the Green-White game at 11 a.m. April 26 at Alumni Coliseum. Other scrimmages will be held April 1, 8 and 15 at Alumni Coliseum. Leonard Field will be used in case of wet weather.

March 20, 2006

11th Annual Spring SPE Symposium
The Petroleum Department and the student chapter of Society of Petroleum Engineers will again be sponsoring the 11th Annual Spring Technical Symposium and Golf Tournament to be held on April 27tht, 28th, and 29th. The symposium theme of “Rocky Mountain Technology Connection” will feature a technical program of industry speakers relating to the current oil and gas exploration and development activity in the northern Rocky Mountain region. The agenda will conclude with a golf tournament at the Anaconda “Old Works” golf course on Saturday, April 29th.

The technical conferences and social events of the annual symposium provide an opportunity for petroleum industry professionals to gather with engineering students to share information about our oil and gas industry. The success of the Symposium has been established as a networking and educational forum for many industry attendees throughout Montana, southern Alberta, and the northern Rocky Mountain states.

Registration forms for the Symposium will be sent in early March. Those wishing to obtain a form should contact Leo Heath (lheath@mtech.edu) (406-496-4507) in the Petroleum Engineering Department, or Keith Simard of the student SPE chapter (kgsimard@mtech.edu).

10th Annual Undergraduate Research Fair Scheduled
The 10th Annual Undergraduate Research Fair will be taking place Saturday April, 8. The event will start at 8:00 am with a welcoming reception in the SUB. The presentations of the undergraduate researchers will be taking place in various room in the SUB with the final presentations concluding at 4:30 pm. For a full schedule please follow this link:

http://www.mtech.edu/undergradresearch/schedule2006.htm

Alumni Named Young Engineer of the Year
The Society of Petroleum Engineers Gulf Coast Section (GCS) has selected Neil C. Decker, E.I.T., as the recipient of its 2006 Young Engineer of the Year.
Mr. Decker is a reservoir engineer for BP. He is currently working the Anadarko Basin and is responsible for identifying and evaluating drilling prospects including rates, reserves, and economic evaluations.
Mr. Decker holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering with a Minor in Mathematics from Montana Tech of the University of Montana. During his time at Montana Tech he began his involvement with the SPE volunteering for numerous projects, serving as Vice President of the Student Chapter, and helping to lead Montana Tech to be named 2003 SPE International Most Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year.

Academic All Conference Announced for Volleyball and Football
VOLLEYBALL
Montana Tech — Lacie Brenton, Helena, sophomore in applied health; Ali Fiamengo, Reno, Nev., sophomore in environmental engineering; Emily Glasson, Billings, senior in professional and technical communications; Corey Anne Russell, Whitefish, sophomore in general science; Megan Wichman, Belt, sophomore in mathematics/secondary education; Kristi Witt, Butte, sophomore in applied health.

FOOTBALL
Montana Tech — Levi Briese, Havre, sophomore in petroleum engineering; Kyle Carter, Shelby, sophomore in occupational safety and health; Rory Clark, Geraldine, junior in petroleum engineering; Corey Edmundson, Harrison, senior in informational technology/design; Nate Foster, Lewistown, senior in mining engineering; Shane Hensleigh, Colstrip, junior in mechanical engineering; Ray Hibnes, Big Timber, senior in computer science; Jens Jensen, Missoula, junior in petroleum engineering; Josh Johnson, Frenchtown, junior in business/informational technology; Casey Kelly, Butte, sophomore in mechanical engineering; Josh Kling, Butte, sophomore in mechanical engineering; Cole Loeffler, Bigfork, senior in informational technology/design; Tyler Muzzana, Great Falls, senior in mechanical engineering; J.J. Perino, Helena, sophomore in general engineering/civil option; Nathan Prach, Big Timber, junior in general engineering/civil option; Tom Probert, Colorado Springs, Colo., sophomore in environmental engineering; Cole Salo, Butte, sophomore in metallurgical engineering; Britt Siddoway, Great Falls, sophomore in environmental engineering; Zach Soukup, Sheridan, Wyo., sophomore in mechanical engineering; Brian Styck, Kalispell, senior in general engineering/civil option; Craig Tippett, Butte, junior in business/informational technology; Corey Warner, Dreary, Idaho, sophomore in general engineering; Jason Watkins, Missoula, sophomore in general engineering; Tyrel Wilson, Scobey, sophomore in general engineering.

Congratulations to T.J. Scarbrough
T.J. a senior on Montana Tech's men's basketball team, was named second team All-Conference for his play during the 2005-2006 season.

March 1, 2006

Montana Tech Receives $1.7 Million Dollar Research Grant
U.S. Senator Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) today announced the Department of Energy is releasing $1,775,000 to the University of Montana-Tech in Butte, Montana for a two year project focused on the improvement of the nation’s electricity grid. Senator Burns, through his position as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, requested and secured this money as part of the Fiscal Year 2006 appropriations bill. Click HERE for rest of story.

Mike Johnson Hired as New Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and Director of Foundation
Mike Johnson, current Professor in the Business Department has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and Director of Foundation. Mike has been teaching at Tech for 2 years. Mike has strong ties to Montana Tech and Butte as well as significant experience in business. The Marketing Team for Montana Tech will report to Mike and he has the additional responsibilities of running the foundation. Mike plans to start his new position on June 5th.

Montana Tech Business Department Forms Honor Society
Montana Tech's School of Business and Information Technology announces the formation of a local chapter of the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society. The local chapter was officially formed March 21, 2006, with the induction of its first ten charter members.

Approximately ten years ago, Sigma Beta Delta was created as a business honor society for institutions with regional accreditation. Sigma Beat Delta has now established over 230 chapters in 45 states, with one international institution. Sigma Beta Delta provides an opportunity for the faculty to confer on students at Montana Tech an international recognition for their outstanding academic achievements in the school of business. Click HERE for rest of story.

Schlumberger Ltd. Donates Software to Montana Tech
Schlumberger Ltd., the leading provider of oil field services and technology to the international petroleum industry, has donated specialized software valued at $3 million to the Montana Tech of The University of Montana.

The software, which is used in oil and gas exploration and production (E&P), will be installed in the Geological Engineering Laboratory at Montana Tech. Petrel is an integrated Windows-PC software solution that enable petrotechnical workers to solve all subsurface challenges -- from seismic interpretation through reservoir simulation. All work processes in Petrel contribute to developing and refining the same volumetric earth model, static to dynamic. The new software will allow geological and petroleum engineering students to study subsurface geology and geophysics, focusing specifically on petroleum reservoir characterization and visualization. Petrel is an industry leader in this area of software.

Dianne Shelton, Schlumberger Information Solutions University Relations Manager, made the gift to Dr. Diane Wolfgram, Professor and Head, Department of Geological Engineering as part of an effort to increase industry-standard geology and geophysics software knowledge for students. This preparation will broaden the skill sets of Montana Tech’s geological and petroleum engineering graduates, making them more attractive in the job market. The software was developed and marketed by Schlumberger Information Solutions, a Schlumberger service segment.

Micron Scholars Announced
Idaho-based Micron Technology has named Thor Hanks from Amarillo, Texas and Patrick Kane of Butte, this year’s winner of the Micron Technology Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded every year to two Computer Science or Software Engineering students. These students will receive $2,500 per semester during both their junior and senior years. This is a total award of $10,000 per student. In addition to the scholarship the students are generally offered an internship position at Micron Technology during the summer between their junior and senior years.

Thor Hanks is working towards a Software Engineering degree and hopes to graduate in 2008. Patrick Kane of Butte is working towards degrees in Software Engineering, Information Technology and Design, and Biochemistry.

Congratulations to Math Major Demitri Plessas
Demitri Plessas a senior math major scored in the top 30% of all students taking the international William Lowell Putnam Exam. Demitri scored 10 pts; the median score was 0pts and of the 3700 who took the exam, 2700 scored 0 pts. Demitri is planning on attending the University of Montana to pursue an advanced degree in mathematics.

Chapter of the Year Awarded to Montana Tech Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
The Anderson-Carlisle Technical Society of Montana Tech received the 2005 GEM award as the Outstanding Student Chapter of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration. The award was presented at the Society’s Annual Meeting Banquet in St. Louis, MO on March 29th.

Library Receives Anonymous Gift
Montana Tech Library recently received a generous anonymous gift of $40,000 to further its mission of providing books and other library essentials to Montana Tech students and faculty. Tech Librarians are using the funds to enhance the quality of the collection and move the library forward. This gift is very much appreciated.

Library Hosts Sixth Annual Authors Reception
The Library hosted its Sixth Annual Montana Tech Authors’ Reception in the Mill Building Alumni Lounge on April 18th. Twenty four faculty members and Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology researchers displayed their 2005 publications. Each author was given two minutes to explain their research, and each was presented with at certificate of recognition. A group photo of these scholars will be added to the permanent Authors’ display in the library.

Library Hosts Annual Membership Dinner
On April 26th, the Friends of Montana Tech Library held their annual membership dinner in the Student Union Building. The evening began with a social hour hosted by Dr. Frank and Ann Gilmore in the Chancellor’s home. Ray Beebe, Class of 1953, along with Friends Board members, contributed to the promotional costs of the dinner. The guest speaker, Montana Tech Alum and distinguished Executive Director of the Butte Archives, Ellen Crain, gave a fascinating account of “The Working Landscape: Butte’s Industrial Archeology.” She discussed Butte’s contributions to U.S. history and how extractive industry left its imprint on the city and region.

Over the past year, the Friends held fund raisers and contributed more than $4000 to the library for book purchases, furniture restoration and printing costs for a brochure to promote the library’s expansion and renovation plan (See M News, Summer 2005). The Friends enhance the library and keep it moving forward.

Questions or Comments? Contact Us!