MSU All Staff Council Newsletter

Featured Staff Member

Renee Lineback

Renee Lineback - Human Resources

I started MSU in January 2008 in the HR Payroll department working as one of three payroll techs for the University. In 2014, I began working in the Department of Education, Health and Human Development doing departmental budget/payroll accounting and employee hiring paperwork. In 2017, I came back to the HR Payroll department as payroll supervisor and then most recently worked with the team on transitioning 7000+ employees to bi-weekly payroll. My current position is Payroll and Tax Compliance. I enjoy working with numbers, data, and testing in Banner to ensure that our payrolls run smoothly. In my almost 15 years at MSU, I have made great relationships across campus, have learned a lot, and continue to learn.

In my off time, I love to read and spend time with my husband and daughters playing games or being outside. This year has been busy for our family as one daughter got married and another daughter started her first semester at Montana State University. Go Cats!

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU

OLLI image

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Montana State University (formerly MSU Wonderlust) provides intellectually stimulating and enjoyable programs that foster lifelong learning and community engagement for the pure joy of learning for curious at heart individuals 50 and greater.

No assignments or grades
Annual membership fee of $45 includes access to events, book clubs and discounted programming
A program of Academic Technology and Outreach
Support provided by the Bernard Osher Foundation

OLLI at MSU is a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach.

Offerings

We are excited to offer a diverse line-up of topics and programs each semester.

We offer members-only multi-day courses, a speaker series, behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses and performing arts groups, seasonal events, and special interest groups. If you are looking for in-depth learning and local travel, the OLLI at MSU Travel Program may be right up your alley. Our semester reception, monthly Friday Forum, and Community Partnership Events are open to the public.

By Members for Members

Our programs are created by members for members and instructed by local and visiting professionals, university professors, and staff. Our instructors enjoy teaching our engaged, curious, enthusiastic OLLI at MSU members.

We are guided by a volunteer Advisory Council and program committees composed of greater Gallatin Valley community members.

Membership

$45 per year includes

Exclusive members-only courses, tours, performances and trips
Free members-only OLLI Speakers Series and special interest groups
Guest pass for one OLLI Speakers Series presentation per semester
Friday Forum notifications
Scholarships for tuition assistance
Learn anywhere, anytime with online and face-to-face programs

Strategic Plan

The OLLI at MSU strategic plan guides the decisions of staff and the Advisory Council.

Advisory Council and Committees

Our volunteer Advisory Council consists of dedicated volunteers who help guide the organization toward its mission and serve as a liaison between members, volunteers, instructors, and staff. The Advisory Council and staff prepared the OLLI at MSU strategic plan and are guided by it.

Volunteer

Our volunteer committees develop our courses, lectures, tours, events, and more throughout the academic year. We invite you to join us as a volunteer and help shape the lifelong learning programs you and others enjoy.

To find out more about OLLI, check out their website at: https://www.montana.edu/olli/

Description

The Excellence in Innovative Service Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates tangible innovation, positive and broad impact on student experience, embodies the mission of MSU/MAES/MES, and leadership distinguished by role modeling in a staff capacity.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for the award, a nominee must hold a staff position with the university system, the Agricultural Experiment Station, or Extension Service.

Sponsor

President’s Office

Award Amount

$1,500

Selection Criteria

Innovation: How has the awardee furthered current practice, discovered, and/or implemented new procedures? What is significant about the activity of the award winner? With regards to the innovation piece, how has the awardee used sustainability, impact, distinction and alignment with the university mission? Each piece of sustainability, impact, distinction and alignment will be awarded point values as follows:

Sustainability: How broadly might the innovation(s) of the nominee be implemented? What efficiencies were gained through the work of the awardee?

Impact: How has the awardee improved the lives of students in the university community? How far does the influence of the award spread? How has the award winner engaged across the university system and the state of Montana?

Distinction: How has the nominee gone “above and beyond” expectations and objectives within their job description? How does the awardee take initiative, distinguish themselves, and/or otherwise excel amidst their
colleagues?

Alignment: How does the activity of the award nominee embody the mission of MSU/MAES/MES? How does the work of the award winner reflect the values and prioritize the goals articulated in the MSU strategic plan, “Learners and Leaders?”

Go to the Award Nomination Portal to select this award and complete the nomination. For any questions, please contact Beverly Garrison at [email protected].

National Cookbook Month is Celebrated Throughout October

By Glenda C - The Mommy Reviews

National Cookbook Month is an annual designation observed in October. Most things in our world have moved to a digital-based format, including the recipes we use to cook. Nowadays, we usually use Pinterest, or the notes on our phone for reference when we're cooking. You may be wondering why anyone would need a cookbook when recipes are readily available on websites? Digital recipes are not a go-to for many who prefer the traditional permanence of a cookbook or do not have readily available internet access. Cookbook recipes are easy to navigate, and since they have been tried and tested by so many, including professionals and editors, chances of success are very high. I would challenge you to pull out your family's recipe file box and your favorite cookbooks and let's get cooking!

Do you know the history of the oldest recorded recipe on record? It turns out, the oldest recorded recipe dates to the age of Babylon in 1750 B.C. Four culinary clay tablets feature a recipe for Meat stew. The recipe was replicated by chefs at N.Y.U. in 2018. The ingredients included Meat, Smoked wood, Vinegar, Herbs.

The first cookbook written in English was "The Forme of Cury, " compiled by chefs of King Richard II in 1390. The format of the cookbook has changed significantly over time. With different cooking methods and an absence of good quality photographs, not every dish came out the same. In addition, many words were also coined after first appearing in cookbooks, including supper and soup.

In 1796, the first cookbook ever written by an American was “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons. Despite the cookbook claiming that it “adapted to this Country and all grades of life,” Cookbooks were not purchased by everyone. Still, the cookbook remained popular for the next 30 years and remains a fundamental part of American Culinary History.

Today, cookbooks are still a staple in many households and on the shelves of professional Chefs. Rich in history, easy to bookmark, and charmingly traditional, the beauty of a cookbook is timeless for those who appreciate books and the art of cooking.

Celebrate Pumpkin Spice Season in Bozeman with these Fall Community Events

History After Dark October 14 7-9pm The Extreme History Project

234 E Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT

https://extremehistoryproject.org/

Encounter the ghosts of Halloween past on this self-guided tour of downtown Bozeman where you'll meet notable people from Bozeman's past.

Bozeman MADE Fair Oct 14-15 Brick Breeden Fieldhouse

https://handmademontana.com/pages/bozeman-made-fair

a modern handcrafted market featuring 190+ artists; get a jump on holiday shopping from this unique hand-made collection.

Gallatin Valley Botanical at Rocky Creek Farm

34297 Frontage Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715 8a-6pm

https://www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com/

A fall visit generally includes a hayride to the pumpkin field, seeing the animals, and watching the cider press.

Bozeman Maze open now thru Oct 30

1340 E Valley Center Rd, Bozeman, Montana 59714

With special events closer to Halloween https://bozemanmaze.com/

15^th annual hay bale maze at a new, larger location. 5000 Bales! Also hayride, bungee jump & mini-train.

Laboratory - An Immersive Halloween Experience Oct 22 6-11pm

Emerson Center for Arts and Culture 111 S. Grand Ave.

https://juicyentertainment.webflow.io/events/laboratory

Adult night of costumes; cocktails and incredible performance in the Neon Laboratory.

Pumpkin Carving & Painting Oct 26 5-7pm at Cancer Support Community Montana

A family-friendly afternoon decorating and carving pumpkins. Carving and decorating tools provided to help you create your spooky masterpiece!

Haunted Mountain Theater at Museum of the Rockies

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Oct 21 thru Oct 30

https://museumoftherockies.org/signature-events/hmt

Experience the Northern Rocky Mountains’ spookier history and folklore brought to life through a production that blends live theater with the Taylor Planetarium’s state-of-the-art capabilities.

Halloween Cosplay Photoshoot Oct 28 at Steep Mountain Teahouse 3pm

402 E Main Street, Bozeman

Come out have tea; get your picture taken in your costume and enjoy more Halloween things afterwards.

Anderson School's Haunted House: HOUSE OF PHOBIA Oct. 28 5:30-10pm

10040 S. Cottonwood Rd., Bozeman

Head to the Little Red School House- 5 miles South of Huffine on Cottonwood Rd for a night of fun and TERROR!

Family Grossology Halloween Party Oct 29 2-5pm at Museum of the Rockies

https://museumoftherockies.org/signature-events/hmt

Visit with scientists from MSU and local organizations at stations throughout the museum with a Grossology Passport, observe fun chemistry experiments, and touch creepy, crawly critters.

Spooky Science October 29 10a-2pm at Montana Science Center

https://montanasciencecenter.org/

Hands-on science & STEM set-up on the Science Station and around the science center.

Wear your costume for a special treat.

Downtown Trick or Treating Oct 31 4-6pm on Main Street Bozeman

https://downtownbozeman.org/event/downtown-trick-or-treating

Join our downtown businesses for a safe way to enjoy traditional trick or treating in beautiful Downtown Bozeman. Over 150 businesses welcome kids and families with candy and Halloween decorations!

Get To Know Your Council Members

Aurora Dreyer - University Facilities Management

I have been the Real Estate Manager at MSU for 3 years as part of the University Facilities Management team. I adore my job, the people I work with and being able to help support all of MSU with their property and leasing needs. I was raised throughout Montana, received my college education at Colorado State and have spent my entire career in some form of real estate management and development. I have raised three wonderful daughters and have 7 year old son as the perfect little caboose. My personal time is spent planning a wedding with my fiancé Joe (summer of 2023!), practicing vegetable gardening, horse shopping, hunting, camping, winning at Jeopardy and reading.

Alisha Downs - Planning, Design & Construction

Hello! It is an honor to have the opportunity to represent our staff on MSU’s All Staff Council. I have been with MSU for approximately 8 ½ years, spending the first 5 years in the Registrar’s Office, and the remainder of my time thus far in Planning, Design, and Construction as the university’s Space Planner. I am a Bobcat alum (GO CATS!) and love being a part of this campus community. In my free time, I enjoy being in the great outdoors camping, fishing, paddle boarding, floating, or rock hounding with my family. We are also a family of athletes and avid sports fans, so any weekend you can find me at the basketball courts/football or soccer fields cheering on the kiddos, or cheering on my favorite Bobcat teams or the Denver Broncos!