achievements
Carroll College Achievements for Academic Year 2006-2007
NATIONAL RANKINGS
In fall 2006, U.S.News & World Report placed Carroll as the second best comprehensive college - bachelor's in the West, according to its rankings of the best colleges of 2007. Carroll College tied with Master's College and Seminary (Calif.) for second place. 2007 marks Carroll's 13th year in the U.S.News top 10 for its category. The magazine also ranked Carroll College as the fifth best value among comprehensive colleges in the West.
The Sunday, August 27, 2006, issue of the New York Times, covered the Fighting Saints football program and christened it "the Quiet Dynasty."
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LIBERAL ARTS
Carroll College History Professor Robert Swartout was one of two college professors honored by the Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees in autumn 2006 for their contributions to Montana history, with Dr. Swartout receiving the Educational Excellence Award for his nearly 30 years of teaching history. In January 2007, Dr. Swartout's essay, "Entering Butte," was published in the Winter 2006 issue of "Montana, the Magazine of Western History." He also had a review essay published in the February 2007 issue of The Journal of Asian Studies.
On April 12-14, 2007, Dr. Swartout and Assistant History Professor Gillian Glaes served as panel commentators and chairs at the annual Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Regional History conference Lincoln City, Ore. The professors also brought five Carroll history majors to present their original work at the conference.
At Commencement 2007, Political Science Professor Erik Pratt received the 2007 Carroll College Distinguished Scholar Award for his book and article publications focused on strategic national defense policy.
The Cambridge University (England) Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic named Carroll English Professor Dr. Ron Stottlemyer an honorary research associate during the Michaelmas term for the month of October 2006.
English Professor Loren Graham announced that two of his poems, "Skinning" and "Fate," were accepted in late fall 2006 for publication by the prestigious journal Tar River Poetry of East Carolina University.
Dr. Barry Ferst, professor of philosophy, was a guest speaker at the Montana Festival of the Book in Missoula, where he read a chapter of his book, "Montana: High Rise and Handsome" on September 30, 2006. On October 4, 2006, he presented a review of Muzaffar Iqbal's book, "Islam and Science," at the University of Great Falls. He also presented a chapter on his latest book in the works, "Sunday School Sins," focusing on early Christianity. Also in October, his artwork entitled "Everyone Has Hidden Within a Psychic Experience. What You Say?" was included at the Artbeats auction in Helena.
In October 2006, Carroll French Professor Nathalie Caulliez presented, "Tour de France 2006: How to back-pedal?" at the Washington Association of Foreign Language Teachers-Confederation in Oregon for Language Teaching conference in Portland, Oregon.
Philosophy Professor Richard Lambert published a book, "Self Knowledge in Thomas Aquinas: The Angelic Doctor on the Soul's Knowledge of Itself" (Author House, Indianapolis), in spring 2007.
SCIENCE
In autumn 2006, Carroll Biology Professor Dr. Grant Hokit and his former student researcher Andy Brown, class of 2005, published a first-ever study, "Distribution Patterns of Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica) in Denali National Park," in the peer-reviewed science journal Northwest Naturalist (Autumn 2006). Just a few months prior to this publication, Dr. Hokit's newest first-ever study of Andean glass frogs took place in Ecuador, with the assistance of his student researcher, Carroll honors biology senior Mario Pizzini.
Assistant Professor of Biology Jennifer Geiger accepted a position as editor-in-chief of the American Fern Journal, a quarterly scientific publication of the American Fern Society.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. Kelly Cline published a paper, "Sharing Teaching Ideas: Classroom Voting in Mathematics," in a fall issue of the journal Mathematics Teacher. His astronomy lecture series at Carroll continued with "Beyond the Hubble Space Telescope" on September 28, 2006; "Mysteries of the Moon" on October 19, 2006; "Studying Dead Stars" on November 30, 2006; "Chaos in the Solar System" on February 1, 2007; and "Cosmic Rays: Particles From Space" on March 14, 2007.
Twelve honors research students and four faculty of the Department of Natural Sciences presented posters of their research at the 15th Annual M. J. Murdock Science Student Research Conference at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon, on October 19-21, 2006. Participating in the conference were Carroll faculty members Drs. Sam Alvey, Dawn Bregel, Grant Hokit and Gerald Shields.
Associate Professor of Computer Science Steve Harper presented a paper, "Immersion Language Theory meets Computer Science," at 8th Annual Northwest Region Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges on October 4, 2006, at Eastern Washington University, in Cheney, Washington.
Psychology Department Chair Anne Perkins's article, "The Ram as a Model for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology," will be published in the journal Hormones and Behavior in June 2007.
FINE ARTS
Carroll College Music Professor Dr. Lynn L. Petersen presented the world premiere of her new composition, "Mary Dyer, Martyr," for mezzo-soprano and piano, on November 4, 2006, at the Montana State Music Teachers Association State Conference in Missoula. The MSMTA commissioned this latest work by Petersen. Dr. Petersen's "Hark! The Glad Sound: Carols for Organ" was published in spring 2007 by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America based in Minneapolis, Minn.
Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts: Music Joe Munzenrider presented an organ concert on October 27, 2006, at St. Ann's Cathedral in Great Falls as part of St. Ann's Centennial Year celebration. On January 6, 2007, he returned to the organ to present "Musick on Twelfth Night" in Helena. On April 10, he joined violinist Jack Glatzer in producing "An Evening of Baroque Music" in Helena. This spring, Professor Munzenrider was named artist in residence at the Cathedral of Saint Helena in Helena, Montana.
Carroll artist in residence Sallyann Mulcahy created an all-new, Montana-themed version of "The Nutcracker" ballet with her world premiere of "A Montana Dream," in December 2006. As artistic director of Missouri River Dance Company in Great Falls, Mulcahy presented "A Montana Dream" at the Mansfield Theater in Great Falls, Montana. On April 19, 2007, Mulcahy, as founding director of Artisan Dance (Montana's professional ballet troupe in residence at Carroll College), presented "A Delicate Force," a 30-minute contemporary dance work to the poems of poet/playwright Ed Noonan, at the Myrna Loy Center in Helena.
THEOLOGY
Carroll Theology Department Chair Annette Moran, C.S.J., Ph.D., published an article, "Reasons for Our Hope," in the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet magazine "Connections" (fall/winter 2006 edition). She received the 2007 Carroll College Outstanding Teaching Award at Commencement 2007.
Carroll Assistant Professor of Theology Dr. Jim Cross has been appointed convener of the Symbol, Ritual, and Sacraments section of the College Theology Society (CTS). In June 2007, Dr. Cross presents a paper, "Communal Penance and Public Life," at the annual convention of the College Theology Society at the University of Dayton.
Dr. Christopher Fuller's paper proposal, "What of the Old Testament? Addressing the Unity of Scripture with Bakhtin," has been accepted for the annual conference of the Society of Biblical Literature in November 2007. Students in Dr. Fuller's spring 2007 course, "Wealth and Poverty in the Bible," presented a final synthesis of their work to the Montana Legislature on April 20, 2007.
STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Dr. Jennifer Elison, associate director of Carroll Counseling Services, published an editorial in the January 29, 2007, edition of Newsweek magazine and was a featured guest on CNN's "Now" program with Paula Zahn in spring 2007.
In autumn 2006, Carroll College's Director of Financial Aid Janet Riis was named the Outstanding Financial Aid Professional of the Year by the Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program and the Student Assistance Foundation.
On March 10-11, 2007, Robert Poirier, Carroll Campus Center events arrangement specialist, won the 2007 National Ski Joring Finals held at Red Lodge, Mont.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FORENSICS FIFTH IN NATION, REGIONAL CHAMPS
In winter 2007, the Talking Saints forensics team ended the season ranked fifth in the nation, after winning their 17th consecutive Northwest Regional Championship. Senior Marcus Granger was named the region's top speaker for the year. Five members of the Carroll College Talking Saints forensics team were also named to the first team All Conference for 2006-2007. Talking Saints forensics coach Brent Northup represented the United States as a judge at the Irish National Debate Championships in Dublin in February 2007.
INTERNATIONAL MATH COMPETITION
In spring 2007, Carroll College students finished with honors in the annual International Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM). In all, 21 Carroll students in seven teams participated in the two contests, which drew over 1,200 teams from around the globe. Three Carroll teams received the Meritorious ranking in the MCM, placing them in the top 14% worldwide.
NEW FACILITIES ON CAMPUS
In fall 2006, the newly renovated Wiegand Amphitheater (room 101-202 in Simperman Hall) opened for classes, with new seating and flooring, the latest digital technology, stadium-style accommodations and other amenities. These renovations were made possible by a grant from the E.L. Wiegand Foundation in Reno, Nev.
NEW PROGRAMS AND MAJORS
Carroll's Department of Athletics has added men's and women's cross-country teams to begin competition in fall 2007.
Starting in fall 2007, Carroll will offer a new minor in Latin American Studies, a 22-credit program that can be completed in two years, and in Human-Animal Bonding, the first program of its kind in the nation.
In spring 2007, Carroll established a new major in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and in Health and Physical Education K-12.
THE ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS
This academic year, the Performing Arts Department presented two mainstage productions in the Carroll Performing Arts Center: "Working" in October 2006 and "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" in February 2007. Two family productions also took the stage in the PAC: "A Christmas Carol" in December 2006 and "Marco Polo" in April 2007.
Improv artist and professor Michael McNeilly reinstituted Improv Nights at Carroll College in fall 2006 with a new troupe of players performing in the updated Merton Acting Studio. McNeilly's Masquers of Improv of Carroll College presented an improv "happening" in April 2006 on campus and performed outreach performances at Montana public schools on a tour this spring.
On February 21, 2007, Teatro Milenio, an Afro-Peruvian music and dance group, gave a special Carroll presentation at the Fortin Science Center Scola and daylong workshops in Carroll's Merton Acting Studio.
On July 21, 2007, the annual Symphony Under the Stars will take place on the Carroll campus, featuring the Helena Symphony.
VISUAL ARTS
In the Carroll Art Gallery, the following shows appeared during the 2006-07 academic year. August-October: "Recent Works," a painting exhibit by Carol Novotne; October-November: painting exhibition "Wild Time II" by Sandra Dal Poggetto; January-March: "On the Divide" ceramics exhibit by Matt West; and the annual Carroll Student Art Show was displayed in spring 2007. This June through July 2007, the Art Gallery and the Montana state capitol will host a new photograph exhibition, "Sudan: The Land and the People."
FESTIVALS OF THE ARTS
In November 2006, the 4th Annual Carroll Literary Festival hosted four-time novelist and physician Leonard Schonberg, who presented the keynote reading. In spring 2007, the 15th edition of Carroll's annual "Colors" literary magazine was published.
On March 1, 2007, the third-annual Charlies Film Festival awards ceremony took place to honor student filmmakers and their original movies.
HONORARY DEGREES
On October 2, 2006, Carroll College conferred an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on internationally award winning humanitarian Thandiwe Dlamini, founder of the Parish Nurse Program in the African kingdom of Swaziland.
On March 27, 2007, Carroll conferred an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on History Professor Emeritus and Carroll Mission Statement author the Rev. Jeremiah Sullivan.
During its May 5, 2007, Carroll commencement ceremony, the college conferred an honorary doctor of science degree on Dr. Clarence "Bud" Ryan, Carroll class of 1953, an internationally award winning and widely published scientist who serves as the Charlotte Y. Martin Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Plant Molecular Science at Washington State University. He is the first Washington State University faculty member to be admitted to the National Academy of Sciences
SPEAKERS ON CAMPUS
August 23, 2006: "Peruvian Challenges for a Post-Modern Society" by sociologist Victor Maqque, the director of Campus Ministry at the National University of the Altiplano in Puno, Peru; and Christine Perrier, a Maryknoll lay missioner at the National University of the Altiplano Campus Ministry and at the Institute of Aymara Studies in Chucuito, Peru.
September 18, 2006: Dr. Roman Pryjomko, senior technical advisor/partnership coordinator to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) in Rome, presented "Understanding Terrorism - Cultural Fronts, Emerging Threats and the Geography of Violence."
October 19, 2006: Carroll College's Students for a Just Society sponsored a free screening of the nationally recognized documentary "The Ground Truth" about the experience of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. One of the film's featured soldiers, Staff Sergeant Jimmy Massey, a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, spoke at the event to a standing room crowd.
November 30, 2006: Emmy-award-winning former correspondent for ABC News, Clay Scott, presented, "Lebanon's Latest War: A View from Neighborhood and Village."
January 15, 2007: Father Gregory J. Boyle, S.J., a Jesuit priest who has worked with gang members in East Los Angles since 1986, and two former L.A. gang members presented the annual Martin Luther King Day lecture, "Putting a Human Face on Gang Members: Creating a Community of Kinship Such that God Would Recognize It."
February 6, 2007: The Montana Catholic Conference presented a forum on the death penalty, featuring speakers David Kaczynski, the brother of "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski; Gary Hilton, a former warden from New Jersey; Sam Millsap, a former prosecutor from Texas who sent people to the death chamber; Jim (Ziggy) Ziegler, whose father was murdered in Los Angeles in a botched robbery; and Marietta Yeager-Lane, whose daughter was kidnapped and murdered in Three Forks, Mont.
February 13, 2007: Michael Fine, Canadian consul general in Denver, presented a talk on U.S.-Canada relations.
February 22, 2007: David Quammen, the Wallace Stegner Distinguished Professor of Western American Studies at Montana State University-Bozeman, prolific science and nature writer and author of "The Reluctant Mr. Darwin," presented "Charles Darwin: The Secret Life of a Conservative Revolutionary."
February 26, 2007: Dr. James P. Hanigan, distinguished moral theologian and professor at Duquesne University, presented, "John Paul II's Theology of the Body."
February 28, 2007: Panel discussion, "Papa's Got a New Nuclear Bag: A Nuclear North Korea and Its Implications," featured guest speakers Gordon Flake, the executive director of the Mansfield Foundation; Tom Burns, a vice president of Moody's; and Scott Rembrandt, the director of research and academic affairs at the Korea Economic Institute in Washington, D.C.
March 14, 2007: Mr. Christian Höy, a Fulbright/APSA scholar from Argentina, presented "South America. What is happening between Presidents and Congress?"
March 20, 2007: Missoula representatives of Witness for Peace spoke about their summer 2006 trip to Venezuela to observe threats to human rights and obstructions to freedom of the press.
March 27, 2007: The inaugural Carroll College Centennial Lecture featured the Rev. Jeremiah Sullivan, professor emeritus of history, presenting, "Carroll College: The First, the Last, and the Next Half Century."
April 11, 2007: Report on human rights in Columbia by Scott Nicholson of the Montana Human Rights Network and Yaneth Perez, president of the Columbian human rights group Dawn of the Women of Sarazena Arauca Association.
April 14, 2007: Carroll's annual Astronomy Weekend featured keynote speaker Dr. Joseph A. Shaw, the director of the Optical Technology Center at Montana State University-Bozeman, presenting "What color is the sky at night?" To commemorate the Carroll Neuman Observatory's 70th anniversary, family members of the late Carroll Professor Edward Neuman, founder of the observatory (Montana's oldest), presented a talk about Dr. Neuman's life and contributions.
April 19, 2007: Dr. Greg Grandin, author/director of Graduate Studies in Latin American Studies at New York University/professor of history at NYU, presented, "Empires Workshop: Latin America, the U.S. and the Rise of the New Imperialism."
April 20, 2007: The biennial Carroll College James J. Manion Symposium featured keynote speaker, internationally renowned scientist Dr. John Priscu of Montana State University-Bozeman, presenting, "Earth's Icy Biosphere." Priscu was recently honored with a valley in Antarctica being named after him.
April 23, 2007: Law Day lecture by Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Karla Gray, entitled "The History and Future of the Montana Constitution."
SERVICE AND OUTREACH--A SAMPLER
On July 24-29, 2006, Carroll hosted Montana GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), bringing over 40 school children, primarily from Montana Indian reservations, to Carroll for a week of research, learning and confidence building. GEAR UP returns to Carroll in summer 2007.
In fall 2006, 15 Carroll Alpha Seminar freshmen volunteered 20 hours to developing exhibit projects for the Exploration Works! Interactive Museum of Science and Culture, Carroll's soon-to-be next door neighbor.
Throughout the 2006-07 academic year, Carroll students brought in several tons of food and clothing items for Helena Food Share and God's Love homeless shelter.
Also yearlong, Carroll students participated in various "Up 'Til Dawn" Hunting for a Cure fundraising events to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This spring, the final tallies revealed that, of the 12 colleges participating in Washington, Idaho, Colorado and Montana, Carroll raised the most money for the cause, with a total of over $36,000.
Carroll's student chapter of Engineers Without Borders raised thousands of dollars in spring 2007, enabling nine student members plus their faculty and professional engineer advisors to travel in May 2007 to Queretaro, Mexico, where they designed and installed a sewer and septic system at an orphanage.
ATHLETICS
In fall 2006, Carroll unveiled Halo the St. Bernard mascot for Saints Athletics.
Football: Carroll's Fighting Saints football squad won the Frontier Conference championship and competed in the NAIA playoffs, where they continued to the NAIA quarterfinals in fall 2006.
Soccer: For the first time in history, Carroll's women's soccer team earned a berth in the NAIA National Tournament in fall 2006.
Volleyball: Winning the Frontier Conference championship, Carroll's volleyball team went on to the NAIA Region I Championships in fall 2006.
Men's Basketball: Carroll's Saints ended the season at the Frontier Conference semifinals in spring 2007.
Women's Basketball: This year's Frontier Conference Champs, the team advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the NAIA National Tournament in spring 2007. This is the second time in the past three seasons the women Saints have reached the national Sweet 16.
