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From the desk of the president
Montana State University's landscape is changing.
Not only is our physical campus undergoing great change, but the intellectual campus is also growing with new programs that enrich the university's culture, traditions and support of our students.
When I first arrived at MSU seven years ago, I noted that I was not a president dedicated to bricks and mortar. However, the needs of faculty and students mandated new or updated facilities. As a result, a new Chemistry Building that anchors our northern campus will open in the coming months. A black box theatre has been added to the Visual Communications Buildings, Gaines Hall is being overhauled and student life will soon be enhanced with major renovations to the recreation center and the Student Union Building.
Our educational campus is also dynamic. We recently launched several new events that deepen the university's traditions. For example, MSU's inaugural Freshmen Convocation was held the first day of classes. Greg Mortenson, author of the best-selling "Three Cups of Tea," spoke about his unlikely journey from mountain climber to builder of more than 60 schools for poor children in remote areas of Central Asia. The message to students was two-fold: this university is a place of thought and idea; and through education, every person can make a difference.
The university has also experienced a phenomenal "Gold Rush" of enthusiasm for Bobcat athletics and we have launched a committee to integrate the athletic and academic sides of the university in supporting the academic success of our student athletes.
And yet another block in our university's building of culture and tradition is this magazine, "Mountains and Minds." We received so much positive feedback about our inaugural issue that we are publishing the magazine twice yearly to bring you stories about resourceful and courageous alumni, compelling students, world-class faculty and research that is making life better for all.
We hope that you enjoy this sampling of the people, the ideas and community that make Montana State University such a remarkable institution. It is, indeed, a dynamic institution that deserves your support and attention as it grows physically and intellectually to serve the needs of our students, the people of Montana and the world beyond.
Sincerely,
Geoff Gamble, president
> Fall 2007 Contents
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