January 2004

Bear Briefs
Bighearted Campus—UM-Missoula employees set a record during their 2003-04 Charitable Giving Campaign, contributing more than $90,000 to worthy area causes. Lisa Arends, University Relations special projects coordinator, said 608 campus employees gave an average of $148 each. Last year campus donated more than $89,000. Proceeds benefit charities such as the Missoula Humane Society, the Poverello Center Inc. and United Way. Many employees donated lump sums, while others contribute all year long via automatic payroll deductions.

Recycling Boost—In order to meet its goal of reducing waste by 25 percent, UM-Missoula increased recycling of cardboard and paper by 200 percent during fiscal year 2003. Seventy-five recycling stations across campus make it easy for students and employees to recycle mixed paper, newsprint, plastic, aluminum and tin. President George Dennison is matching all money collected through employee payroll deductions for the recycling program. Now, with the installation of two large composting units called Earth Tubs, Dining Services is poised to create rich compost from food wastes. For more information about waste reduction at UM-Missoula, visit the recycling Web site at http://www.facs.umt.edu/facilities/recycle/index.htm.

Cookie Cook-off—It was “A Charlie Brown Christmas” this year at UM-Missoula, when campus and community members gathered for the fifth annual Great UM Christmas Cookie Cook-Off on Dec. 18. Warmhearted campus folks baked and decorated cookies, half of which they took home. The other half was donated to local nonprofit organizations, such as youth homes and senior homes. This year 563 dozen cookies were baked, and 297 dozen were donated.

Strong Prices, Weak Industry—Despite sharp increases in lumber and plywood prices, production and employment at Montana mills declined during the third quarter of 2003, according to a report from UM’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research. The report attri-butes the drop to wildfire-related forest closures and court decisions that prevented logging on national forests. Most of the declines appear temporary, and lumber markets are expected to rebound somewhat in 2004. For more information, visit the BBER Web site at http://www.bber.umt.edu.

Fine Food—Two venues at UM’s College of Technology feature the creations of students in the Culinary Arts Program. Visit the Student Snack Bar during the academic semester from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for full breakfasts, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, soups, salads, fries and specials. For an upscale dining experience, try the Hunter Dining Room between 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students prepare culinary masterpieces, including entrees that change weekly and are affordably priced at $5.95. Be sure to stop by on Fridays for the international buffet. Both venues are located in the Administration Building on the COT campus.

Outstanding Alums—The UM Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2004 Distinguished Alumni Award. The awards are presented each year at Homecoming and honor alumni who have distinguished themselves in a particular field and who have brought honor to the University, state or nation with a focus on career achievement and/or service to UM. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the UMAA Web site at http://www.umt.edu/alumni. All nominations must be submitted by Feb. 1. For more information, call (406) 243-5211.

Corporate Sponsors—The UM College of Technology recently received corporate contributions for two programs in the industrial technology department. The recreational power equipment program received a 2003 Yamaha Mountain Viper snowmobile from Yamaha. The sled features power valves with servo motor control, digital electronic ignition and throttle position sensor for three-dimension ignition timing. These snowmobiles sell for $8,500. The recreational power equipment curriculum is collected in a yearlong certificate program in which students train to be motor-sport technicians. In addition, the diesel technology program will receive two axle-drive units, as well as a state-of-the-art 18-speed auto-shift transmission, from Eaton Roadranger. The COT will be the only school in Montana teaching with an 18-speed auto-shift transmission.

Grants for Montana—If you’ve been thinking about doing a Montana research, writing or wilderness studies project, now is the time to get started. UM’s Wilderness Institute is calling for project proposals for the Matthew Hansen Endowment, which grants awards for historical research, creative writing or wilderness studies projects that explore Montana’s land and people. Projects must focus on historical research, creative writing, wilderness studies or any combination thereof. Funding for projects is competitive, and proposals are reviewed for feasibility and relevance to the endowment’s goals. Awards usually range from $400 to $1,000 and are distributed in April. Proposals should be postmarked by March 1. For detailed information visit www.forestry.umt.edu/wi, call (406) 243-5361 or e-mail wi@forestry.umt.edu.

Montana Made—Some lucky folks got a taste of local foods and supported Montana’s economy last month during a brunch hosted by University Dining Services and the UM Farm to College Program. The menu, featuring Montana-grown and -processed foods, included breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, waffles, vegetable quiche and more. The UM Farm to College Program highlights the University’s dedication to state and local economies and provides fresh healthly food to the campus community. By purchasing regional food, the program supports local economies, strengthens local communities, preserves natural and cultural heritage and positively impacts the environment.

Conservation Lectures—The 25th annual Wilderness Issues Lecture Series, sponsored by the College of Forestry and Conservation’s Wilderness Institute, will be held Feb. 3-April 20. It brings together scientists, landowners, environmentalists, conservation agency staff and an art historian to examine the implications of landscape-scale conservation. Lectures are scheduled for 7 p.m. every Tuesday beginning Feb. 3 in Gallagher Building Room 122. All lectures are free and open to the public. For a full schedule, visit www.forestry.umt.edu/research/MFCES/programs/wi/lectureseries.htm or call Nicky Phear at 243-6932.

UM Volunteers—UM’s Office for Civic Engagement recruited volunteers for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 19. Students and other volunteers worked the morning at 10 area charitable organizations.

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

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