2009 Walter and Charlotte Pippenger Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Stuart Snyder, assistant professor of physics at MSU Billings won this years Walter and Charlotte Pippenger Excellence in Innovation Award.  The award, which carries a $5,000 grant, recognizes those who improved undergraduate learning at MSU Billings. Dr. Snyder established the first undergraduate research program in experimental physics at MSU Billings, and the university now has two laser spectroscopy labs because of his efforts.  The labs have enabled research projects that have resulted in undergraduate participation in published articles and attracted $550,000 in grants.

Walter and Charlotte Pippenger were the parents of Cheri Cox, who along with her husband, Dick, are longtime supporters of MSU Billings.  Dick and Cheri Cox, along with one of their sons, Shaun, presented the award to Snyder on August 26, 2009.

Some previous Pippenger award winners include Dr. Kurt Toenjes and Dr. David Butler, 2008, Dr. Sarah Keller and Dr. A. J. Otjen, 2007, Ms. Barb Pedula, 2006, and Dr. Kirk Lacy, 2005. 

Photo: Dr. Stuart Snyder, 2009 Walter and Charlotte Pippenger Excellence in Innovation Award winner

College of Technology receives $400,000 gift of equipment from Tractor & Equipment Company

On September 3, 2009, the College of Technology (COT) received its largest contribution in terms of size and value – a $400,000 14M Caterpillar motor grader.  The equipment was donated to the COT by Tractor and Equipment Company and Caterpillar, Inc. COT Dean, John Cech, said the new equipment will be used in multiple programs at the COT to enhance student learning, including diesel technology and equipment operations.  Diesel technology students will have hands-on experience in diagnostics, operations and maintenance, and equipment operations students will be able to use the same equipment they will encounter in industry.  University Chancellor, Dr. Ron Sexton acknowledged the importance of Tractor and Equipment Company and Caterpillar, Inc. for their continuing partnership with the COT.  Sexton said industry partnerships are critical to the COT’s ability to provide its students broad-based training and greater educational experiences.

Photo: Tractor & Equipment Company representatives and members of the university and foundation at the ribbon cutting ceremony, 9/3/2009

A Community Asset – MSU Billings Soccer Facility 

(click on photos to enlarge)

After two full seasons, the all-weather soccer facility located on the College of Technology campus has proven to be a welcome addition to the soccer community.  Not only has the facility benefited the university’s soccer teams, but also youth and adult soccer throughout the community and region.  The popular field has hosted dozens of tournaments, camps, clinics, and exhibitions over the past two years. 

Support for this project represents an outstanding example of the importance of individual, corporate and foundation partnerships between the university and the community.  Members of Billings’ two youth soccer programs – Magic City Soccer and the Yellowstone Soccer Association – have been actively involved in planning and supporting the facility.  This fall, the MSU Billings Foundation welcomed Dr. John Andre and Mr. Vince Rosales to the soccer facility steering committee.  Larry Van Atta served on the original steering committee and has agreed to continue his service.  To date, $464,000 has been raised in support of the field.  Bleachers for up to 1000 spectators, sheltered team benches, lighting, and backstop nets are needed to complete the facility. 

As proud as we are of the MSU B soccer facility, we are equally proud of our student-athletes.  The women’s team finished the ’09 season with a 9-10-1 overall record and placed 5 student-athletes on the GNAC All-Conference Teams.  The men finished the season 11-5-2 record, which is the second most wins in the university’s history and placed 8 student-athletes on the GNAC All-Conference Team, including two-time GNAC Player of the year, Sam Charles. 

In addition to their success on the field, these student-athletes excel in the classroom.  Fourteen MSU Billings men’s and women’s soccer players have been selected to the 2009 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Soccer Academic All-Star Team.  The Yellowjackets had the most combined selections of any school in the conference.  On the men’s side, the Jackets led the conference with a total of seven selections for the 3rd year in a row.  To be eligible for the GNAC academic team, student-athletes must have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 and be in at least their second year of competition at their university. 

To find out more about supporting MSU Billings men’s and women’s soccer or to make a gift to the soccer facility, contact the MSU Billings Foundation at 406-657-1620.

$300,000 College of Business Management Information Laboratory Dedicated

The $300,000 College of Business Management Information Laboratory was dedicated Spring 2008.  The Lab was made possible through a $150,000 grant from the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and matching funds from the businesses listed above.  The most advanced computer lab in Montana, a few of the features of this multimedia center include 30 computer stations, a recordable white board, a new stand-alone server and networking system, providing business students the capabilities to help businesses manage their complex technology needs. 

To find out more about the Lab, contact Dr. Jenny Leonard at 406-657-1689.  To find out about the programs at the College of Business go on line to www:msubillings.edu/cob/

Donors (click on photo for larger image):

Left to right front row:  Jim Walker, President, Western Security Bank; Lisa Gilbertson, Vice President, Western Security Bank; Rick Reid, Region Manager, Montana Dakota Utilities

Left to right back row:  Ed Garding, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, First Interstate BancSystem; Rick Cunningham, CEO, Rimrock Foundation; Deb Singer, Manager Community Relations, NorthWestern Energy; Mike Schaer, CEO, Computers Unlimited.

Other donors to the Lab were Nance Petroleum and Zoot Enterprises.

2009 Chancellor Scholars

The Chancellor’s Excellence Awards are Montana State University Billings’ most prestigious scholarship awards, recognizing academic achievement as well as leadership qualities.  Each spring, the Chancellor’s Excellence Awards are awarded to high-achieving freshmen entering Montana State University Billings for the upcoming fall.  Recipients receive $3,000 per academic year.  Chancellor’s Scholars who meet or exceed all award criteria may have their awards renewed for four years for a maximum award of $12,000.  Chancellor’s Scholars are the best and brightest at Montana State University Billings: today’s campus leaders and tomorrow’s influential citizens.

2009 Chancellor’s Excellence Awards Scholars
Kelsie Hanson, Shawn Griffith, Chancellor Ron Sexton, Connor Schultz, Mary Owen

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