• The University of Montana
• The President's Update
• UM News
• University Council
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Senate
• Staff Senate Scholarship
• Alumni Relations
• Give to UM
• Centennial Circle Bricks
• Montana Memories

• Main Hall to Main Street
• Vision
• President's Report
• Research View
• TGIF News
• Montanan
• Montana's Agenda

• Subscribe to ForUM
• View Back Issues

 

Welcome to ForUM, the e-newsletter for University of Montana staff, faculty and administrators. ForUM is published weekly during the academic year except during scheduled academic breaks.

A new edition of "The President's Update," a video series for UM President Royce Engstrom to communicate with the campus community, is now available on the President's Office website and on the official UM YouTube channel.

UM Makes Another 'Best Colleges' List   UM again has received national recognition for its great winter lifestyle. The University was among eight schools named last month to U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges for Winter Enthusiasts." The eight were chosen as best schools in the nation for students who are searching for a "cold, crisp breeze; fresh snow; and access to skiing and snowboarding." U.S. News & World Report's Education Web producer Ryan Lytle writes, "If winter weather tops your college wish list, then these schools are for you." UM's profile showcases a popular photo titled "Main Hall in Winter" by University photographer Todd Goodrich. In the profile, Lytle writes that UM "offers a ton of winter fun." "Best Colleges for Winter Enthusiasts"

University Launches GoGriz.com   GoGriz.com became the official online headquarters of the UM Grizzlies this month, replacing the MontanaGrizzlies.com site that has been in use since 1999. The launch is a joint effort between UM, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the department's multimedia rights partner, Grizzly Sports Properties. The site is hosted by CBS Sports College Network. GoGriz.com offers fans exclusive access to in-game statistics, video content, photo galleries, merchandise and much more. It also will be the department's site for immediate news and results and breaking announcements. MontanaGrizzlies.com, which was established and run by The Bookstore at UM, debuted more than a decade ago and gave the Griz programs their first official online presence. The Bookstore, which has supported Grizzly Athletics since 1921, will continue operating MontanaGrizzlies.com in a supporting role to GoGriz.com. The site will feature Missoulian content and original written and video work produced by interns through the UM School of Journalism. GoGriz.com

Economic Outlook Seminar Heads to Nine Cities   The 36th annual Economic Outlook Seminar, "Paying for the Recession -- Rebalancing Montana's Economy," will hit nine Montana cities during January, February and March. The half-day seminar and luncheon will highlight the latest economic trends and forecasts for local, state and national economies. Bureau of Business and Economic Research economists Patrick Barkey and Paul Polzin will present economic outlook forecasts for each seminar city. Researchers and experts from throughout the Montana University System will provide outlooks for Montana's important industries. The seminar runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held in Missoula on Friday, Jan. 28, at the Hilton Garden Inn. Registration costs $80, which includes a proceedings booklet, lunch and a one-year subscription to Montana Business Quarterly, BBER's award-winning business journal. To register or for more information, visit the BBER website or call 243-5113. Bureau of Business and Economic Research

Faculty Members Receive Fulbright Awards   Regents Professor William Woessner and Professors Michael DeGrandpre and James Gannon are UM's newest Fulbright Scholars. They join 1,200 experts from the United States who are traveling abroad this year on the U.S. government's flagship academic exchange program, designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those in other countries. This year 850 foreign scholars also received Fulbright awards at U.S. campuses through the program. Since 1947, 52,000 scholars and professionals have received Fulbright awards. The competition for 2012-13 Fulbright Scholar grants will open Feb. 1. More information is available on the Fulbright Program website. Fulbright Program

Professor Featured in The New York Times   Joel Berger, a professor in UM's Division of Biological Sciences, was featured in the Dec. 13 Science section of The New York Times. The feature, "Musk Oxen Live to Tell a Survivors' Tale," was written by Natalie Angier. It highlighted Berger's musk ox research, including the animal's unique story and how it can be used to help other endangered large land mammals facing extinction. Read The New York Times Article

Science Nation Episode Features UM Flight Lab   Ken Dial and Bret Tobalske, both professors in UM's Division of Biological Sciences, were featured in a Science Nation episode titled "Fascinating Flight." The episode highlights Dial's research at the UM Flight Lab, which focuses on the evolution and ecology of bird flight, and Tobalske's work, which focuses on the biomechanics of flight. Some of the practical applications of studying birds include research for "drones," small self-powered machines that mimic large insects or small birds, and understanding muscle performance. A better understanding of birds' muscle performance could lead to advances in treating human muscle disorders and help to design safer aircrafts. Dial and Tobalske also are studying how fossils and modern birds are related. For more information about the UM Flight Lab, call Dial at 243-2035 or e-mail kenneth.dial@umontana.edu. View the Science Nation Episode

FLBS Research Gains National Recognition   Recent research conducted by UM's Flathead Lake Biological Station has provided important data about how introductions or invasions of non-native organisms can lead to major changes in the structure of aquatic ecosystems. UM Assistant Research Professor Bonnie Ellis and FLBS Director Jack Stanford were among a team of scientists from around the Pacific Northwest who studied how the invasion or introduction of organisms into the lake has affected its biological diversity. The research was published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and the scientists' study, titled "Long-term Effects of a Trophic Cascade in a Large Lake Ecosystem," will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Nature. Read the Full News Release

Research Sheds New Light on Human Origins   An international team that includes UM researcher Jeffrey Good recently studied DNA from a 30,000-year-old finger bone found in 2008 in the Denisova Cave in southern Siberia, Russia. The scientists discovered previously unknown connections that occurred among the ancient ancestors of modern human populations. Good, an assistant professor in UM's Division of Biological Sciences, said the research shows that the genetic interactions of our ancestors may have been much more complex than previous scientific studies have shown. The team's paper was published in the Dec. 23 issue of the international science journal Nature. Read the Full News Release

Diversity ContinuUM at UC this Week   The Office for Civic Engagement at UM will kick off spring semester by hosting Diversity ContinuUM from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, Jan. 24-28, in the University Center Atrium. OCE invites all UM students, staff and faculty members to check out the Diversity ContinuUM table, where they can write and share what diversity means to them and have their portraits taken. The stories and photos collected will go on display in the UC in February. In its second year, the Diversity ContinuUM project captures and highlights what diversity can mean and look like on UM's campus and offers participants a unique opportunity to serve their community by making their voices heard. Through personal stories, Diversity ContinuUM promotes an understanding of individuality, tolerance and inclusion in the UM community and beyond. For more information, call Katie Koga at 243-5531 or e-mail katie.koga@mso.umt.edu.

Civil Rights Expert to Present Lecture   Glenn Eskew, who has written widely on the civil rights movement and Southern history, will give the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration lecture Wednesday, Jan. 26, at UM. Eskew will present "Connor, King, Kennedy: Birmingham Icons Tell the Civil Rights Story" at 7:30 p.m. in Gallagher Business Building Room 123. The event is free and open to the public. An associate professor of history at Georgia State University, Eskew is the author of the book "But for Birmingham: The Local and National Movements in the Civil Rights Struggle." The book, which deals with the civil rights demonstrations that took place in Birmingham in 1963, integrates the city's local history with the history of the national civil rights movement.

Leading Expert on PTSD to Speak Today   Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's leading experts on post-traumatic stress and childhood trauma, will deliver a lecture at 7 p.m. today in the Urey Lecture Hall at UM. The event is free and open to the public. Van der Kolk's lecture will draw from his interdisciplinary expertise, appealing to everyone from psychologists, counselors and caregivers to educators, victim advocates, law enforcement officers and social workers. It marks the beginning of van der Kolk's formal collaboration with UM's Institute for Educational Research and Service. For more information, call Richard Manning of IERS at 243-6249 or e-mail richard.manning@umontana.edu. Institute for Educational Research and Service

Memorial Held for UM Professor Emeritus   UM journalism Professor Emeritus Robert C. McGiffert died Dec. 25 at St. Patrick Hospital from the sudden onset of pneumonia. He had been living in California and was in Missoula to visit family and friends for the holiday. A memorial service was held Jan. 1 at UM. McGiffert joined the School of Journalism faculty in 1966 and taught full time until he retired as a professor in 1990. While at UM, he served as acting dean of the journalism school during 1989-90 and, after retirement, continued to teach at the school part time until 1996. Former students and friends wishing to send a message to the family may mail cards directly to the School of Journalism or e-mail journalism@mso.umt.edu. Memorial donations may be sent to the Robert McGiffert Excellence Award at the School of Journalism, 32 Campus Drive, University of Montana, Missoula MT 59812. School of Journalism

Wyss Scholars Program Funding Extended   UM has received more than $400,000 in funding from the Wyss Foundation to fund up to 13 Wyss Scholars over the next five years as part of the Wyss Scholars Program for Conservation of the American West. First funded at UM in 2005, the program has provided major support to graduate students through scholarships and professional internships. Scholars are selected based on financial need and demonstrated commitment to conservation in the western states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho and eastern Oregon and California, as well as their outstanding promise as future conservation leaders. UM Wyss Scholars may be selected from graduate programs in law, business, communications, geography, political science, economics, history, biology or anthropology in addition to the University's Environmental Studies Program and College of Forestry and Conservation. The Wyss Scholars Program covers up to half of the tuition and expenses of getting a master's degree. Half the award is made during the master's program, and the remainder is available for scholars who enter qualifying employment. Scholars also are awarded up to $5,000 to cover their summer research or internship to provide conservation work experience. For more information, call UM Environmental Studies Program Chair Len Broberg at 243-5209 or e-mail len.broberg@umontana.edu.

Technology Company Funds New Scholarship   A Missoula-based information technology company is investing in student achievement in computer science at UM. Alex Philp, president of GCS Research, recently announced the company will provide a $10,000 scholarship as part of the UM Foundation Missoula Business Drive. Philp earned a doctorate in philosophy at UM. GCS Research is an internationally recognized leader in geospatial information technology. The company, started in 2001 in Philp's basement, evolved out of a UM research and development project funded by NASA. The company has grown to 23 employees and includes clients such as Missoula County, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Energy-Idaho National Laboratory, Northrop Grumman and Plum Creek Timber Co. The UM Foundation Missoula Business Drive is an annual fundraising campaign designed to strengthen the bond between the business community and the University. For more information, call Lauren Clark, director of annual giving-external campaigns, at 243-2456 or e-mail lauren.clark@mso.umt.edu. UM Foundation Missoula Business Drive

Nominations Open: Student Employee Award   Nominations are now open for 2011 Student Employee of the Year. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Feb. 16. To qualify for the award, students must be enrolled in at least six credits and have completed at least six months of paid employment on campus. The UM Office of Career Services will award a $500 scholarship to this year's award recipient. The Student Employee of the Year award will be presented in April during National Student Employee Week at UM. The nomination form and other criteria are on the Office of Career Services website. For more information, call Janay Whisman, student employment coordinator, at 243-5627 or e-mail janay.whisman@umontana.edu. Office of Career Services

Consultant Available for Retirement Planning   TIAA-CREF will offer individual counseling sessions to assist faculty and staff with retirement planning from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 22-23, and from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at UM. Appointments are required for the sessions, which will be held in University Center Room 216. To make an appointment, call the TIAA-CREF Phone Center at 800-732-8353 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Join Weight Watchers at Work   Weight Watchers meetings will be held on campus this semester. Meetings will take place at noon Thursdays. For more information, come to an informational meeting at noon Thursday, Feb. 3, in the Presidents Room of Brantly Hall or e-mail Roberta Townsend at roberta.townsend@mso.umt.edu.

President Engstrom's Office Hours   Each semester President Engstrom welcomes members of the campus community to meet with him to discuss issues and topics of their choice. Please call 243-2311 or e-mail prestalk@umontana.edu to make an appointment to meet with President Engstrom during these times. President Engstrom's scheduled office hours for spring semester are: Tuesday, March 15: 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, March 31: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, April 15: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, April 29: 10 a.m.-noon President Engstrom also will host three open forums during spring semester. The forums will be held at 4 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 11, March 18 and April 22, in Davidson Honors College Room 119 before the 4:30 p.m. Faculty/Staff Socials in the DHC Lounge.

Faculty/Staff Socials   Socials will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. most Fridays during spring semester in the Davidson Honors College Lounge. The first spring semester Faculty/Staff Social will be sponsored by DHC on Friday, Jan. 28.

News About U   Ian Robbins has been named the new director of purchasing for Business Services. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, where he majored in computer science and information systems. Robbins most recently served as a global strategic procurement manager for Smith & Nephew Inc., a leading medical device manufacturer, where he was responsible for more than $140 million in spending and the development and implementation of global procurement category strategies. Communication studies Adjunct Assistant Professor Phyllis Ngai taught students in Ethiopia during semester break at the invitation of Addis Ababa University. Ngai taught an intensive graduate course for doctoral students in comparative education that dealt with issues in multicultural and multilingual education, 21st-century schools and technologies for education in development. She also led workshops for master's students on qualitative educational research methods and on interactive instructional strategies. Forestry Professor Diana Six has been invited to speak at the "Forests at Risk: Climate Change & the Future of the American West" symposium, featuring keynote speaker Al Gore. The symposium, which focuses on a host of threats to western forests, will take place Feb. 18 at the Aspen Institute in Colorado. Mathematical Sciences Professor Bharath Sriraman gave an invited lecture titled "Mathematical Giftedness: Elitism Versus Egalitarianism" Jan. 11 at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and two guest lectures on topics in the history of mathematics. The lectures were co-hosted by the School of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, the Gwenna Moss Center for Teaching Excellence and the Pacific Institute for Mathematical Sciences. Modern and classical languages and literatures Professor Liz Ametsbichler attended the 108th annual Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association Conference, held Nov. 13-14 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Ametsbichler presented a paper titled "Diversity in Nineteenth-Century Women Authors: A Translation Project" in the conference session Germanics II: Interdisciplinary Approaches. Political science Professor Peter Koehn taught master's and doctoral students in Ethiopia during semester break at the invitation of Addis Ababa University. Koehn presented three doctoral seminars in comparative politics and three seminars in comparative foreign policies and delivered a public lecture titled "Transnationalism and Transnational Competence." Judy Fredenberg, director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, will serve this year as president of the National Council of University Research Administrators. NCURA, with more than 7,700 members, aims to advance the field of research administration through education and professional development programs.

Publications   Wall, Tamara U. and Sarah J. Halvorson. 2011. "Wildfire Research in an Environmental Hazards Course: An Active Learning Approach." Journal of Geography, 110:1-10.