News from MSU - Great Falls

April 25, 2011

Thursday (April 21) marked the first day of design charettes with L'Heureux Page Werner (LPW) Architects as they work with our campus community to design and build our child care/preschool center! We had two groups with a mixture of students, staff, faculty, community resources who know child care centers, and possible partners. The project is taking shape, and holds some exciting possibilities for our Interior Design students and our Carpentry students to contribute to the actual final product too.

Today we worked with some conceptual plans that helped us all visualize what is most important for our center. For instance, we learned that it will probably be helpful for our center to have a larger reception area for parents since it is likely that parents will come and go frequently during the day as they pop in to see their little ones between classes.

If you did not participate in Thursday's sessions, but still wish to have input in the planning process, come to a second planning day on May 2, from 1:00 - 3:00. We know this is finals week, and do not recommend anyone miss a final for this! However, we wanted to be able to include students in this as much as possible, so are having the second session before you are gone for the summer.

The planning process will continue during the summer, so if you are still around, we welcome your continued participation. Just let Judy Hay know that you wish to be kept informed. Students and employees should also watch for an electronic survey to help us design the actual service and program as we put together that end of providing high quality child care and education for children!

Earth Day gift

Maple Leaves The Associated Students of MSU - Great Falls purchased a 10-foot Emerald Lustre Maple tree for the College to commemorate Earth Day. It has been planted by Tilaraas Landscaping in the U-shaped area outside the windows on the ramp and Employee Break Room. The students' plan is to add a deck and other outdoor amenities in the area for students. The maple has good multi-color throughout the year and provides excellent shade. It is a hardy tree with red-tinged immature leaves that mature into glossy deep green leaves. It will eventually reach a height of 45 feet and spread 40 feet diameter.

2011 Scholarship Reception

To honor our 2011 scholarship recipients, as well as to thank the generous donors who support our students, please plan on attending the 2011 Scholarship Reception, Thursday, April 28th at 5:30pm in Heritage Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our deserving students, and further share in their success.

A change from previous events is that our program will feature an "open mic," whereby we will welcome each scholarship winner to briefly share a synopsis of their educational journey here at the College, as well as an overview of their goals and future plans. Also new, this event is evolving from a true "reception," with just refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, to a nice dinner, thanks to the support of our revamped campus catering. In all, it should be a fun and inspiring night for our campus community.

By way of sustaining scholarship awards for future students, it necessary that donors have an opportunity meet the talented and deserving students their generosity supports. It is likewise beneficial for donors to meet our larger campus community, faculty and staff members who have fostered the success of these great recipients. In short, it is through these brief meetings with students, faculty, and staff, that we can help ensure our College has a long and fruitful relationship with those who financially invest in the success of our students.

Plan on attending the 2011 Scholarship Reception. If you haven't already RSPV'd, please do so by contacting Tom Figarelle at 771-4412 or at thomas.figarelle@msugf.edu.

New Student Government Officers

Associated Student advisors Dena Wagner-Fossen and Dennis Veleber, along with current Associated Students of MSU-Great Falls officers Derren Augere and Marcus Kraus have asked me to share the results of yesterday's elections for 2011-2012 officers with you:

With 72% of the vote, Marcus Kraus is the new President with 91 of the 127 votes.

With 34% of the vote, Lisa Malcolm is the new Vice President with 40 of the 117 votes.

With 76% of the vote, Jay Hill is the new Secretary with 98 of the 129 votes.

With 76% of the vote, Maren Klengler is the new Treasurer with 97 of the 128 votes.

Marcus, Lisa, Jay, and Maren assume their offices at the end of this spring semester. Please join me in wishing them a productive and exciting year, and congratulating them on this vote of confidence from their peers here at MSU-Great Falls!

Congratulations to the new officers!

Development Board Established
Submitted by Tom Figarelle, Development Officer

MSU - Great Falls College of Technology is proud to announce the establishment of the College's Development Board, an active group of donors and community supporters who will help direct the institution's philanthropic activities. The Board's mission is to, "Enhance Montana's future through increased access to public higher education by advancing the philanthropic support of student scholarships, academic programs, and select campus projects at MSU - Great Falls."

The following members serve on the Board: Suzanne Waring, Knud Grosen, Sharon Oakland, Gerry Jennings, Brian Kaufman, Sandra Erickson, Channing Hartelius, Brad Talcott, and Will Weaver.

By consent of the Board, Brad Talcott was elected Chair, Gerry Jennings was elected Vice Chair, and Will Weaver was elected Member-At-Large. All three members will serving on the Board's Executive Committee with Dean/CEO Joe Schaffer.

Graduation Announcement

Graduation will be held at the University of Great Falls McLaughlin Center on May 7^th at 3:00 p.m.. Guests will be seated in the bleachers. If you have family members with mobility impairments who cannot navigate the steps to the bleachers or if any family members require any other disability-related accommodations, please contact Kathy Meier, Director of Disability and Learning Support Services at 406-771-4311 (Voice/TDD) to reserve seating on the floor of the McLaughlin Center.