June 2004

Bear Briefs
Strong Journalism—For the sixth consecutive year, the UM School of Journalism has placed in the top 10 of the Hearst Journalism Awards Program, a yearlong competition made up of 12 separate contests. The journalism school placed 10th overall among journalism schools nationwide and eighth in broadcast news. Last year, the school placed seventh overall, with a fifth place showing in broadcast news. Nine students won individual awards during the competition, accruing points toward the final tally. One of the nine, senior Chelsi Moy, won two awards. “To be ranked amongst the top 10 journalism schools in the overall national Hearst competition is a major honor,” said journalism Dean Jerry Brown. “Cheers to the students. By winning in all categories, they demonstrated both a depth and breadth of talent and professional growth.” The Hearst program, which gives more than $400,000 in awards, matching grants and stipends yearly, was founded in the late 1940s by publisher William Randolph Hearst. The competition consists of three photo, six writing and four broadcast news contests annually. Of approximately 400 journalism programs in the country, 105 are accredited by the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication and are eligible to participate in the awards program.

Top Scholar—A high school senior from Lynwood, Wash., is the first American Indian student to earn a prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholarship to attend UM. Lily Gladstone, who lived in Browning until 1997 and now attends Mount Lake Terrace High School near Seattle, was one of 14 recipients awarded 2004 UM Presidential Leadership Scholarships. About 300 students applied this year for the scholarship, which is presented annually to high school seniors who exhibit outstanding academic and leadership skills, according to Betsy Bach, interim dean of UM’s Davidson Honors College. As an nonresident student, Bach said Gladstone’s scholarship will cover about $42,000 in tuition and other expenses over a four-year period. Gladstone intends to major in Native American Studies at UM.

Historic Exhibit—Lewis and Clark created extensive journals during their 1803-06 expedition, so we have a pretty good idea of what they experienced during their epic trek. But they didn’t bring an artist to document what they saw for future generations. UM is correcting this oversight with its “An Artist With the Corps of Discovery” exhibit, which will be displayed through Sept. 11 at UM’s Montana Museum of Art and Culture. Created by Billings artist Charles Fritz, the free exhibit contains more than 50 original works devoted to the Lewis and Clark adventure. The works are housed in the Paxson and Meloy galleries of the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 3 to 7 p.m. Friday. The exhibit eventually will contain 65 views of historic Corps of Discovery landscapes depicted in modern landscapes. Fritz has meticulously researched the look of his paintings by visiting actual Lewis-and-Clark-Trail locations and reading the expedition journals. After its stint at UM, “An Artist With the Corps of Discovery” will become a national traveling exhibit.

Fantastic Food—University Dining Services has received the 2004 Loyal E. Horton Gold Award in the “Catering-Special Event” category for medium-sized schools. The department entered its work for the 12th annual Cowboy Ball — a highly successful fund-raiser for UM’s rodeo team — in the competition. The award, presented by the National Association of College and University Food Services, is the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts. It recognizes the most successful ideas in menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts. Winning entries must have unique themes, exceptional menus and flawless presentation.

Former Coach Reaches NBA—Mike Montgomery, 57, head coach of the UM men’s basketball team during 1979-86, has been hired to coach the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. During his eight-year tenure in Montana, Montgomery had a record of 154-77 for a .657 winning percentage. He then became head basketball coach at Stanford for 18 seasons. His Stanford stint included a 393-167 record and 16 postseason appearances.

NFL Griz—Former Grizzly offensive lineman Jon Skinner has inked a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers, according his Missoula agent, Ken Staninger. The 6-foot-7-inch Skinner hails from Dillon, and his playing weight last season was about 310 pounds.

For information, contact:
Rita.Munzenrider@mso.umt.edu
University Relations
(406) 243-2522

© 2003 The University of Montana
Web design by Cary Shimek
and Patia Stephens