March 27, 2015
We the People
Those wishing to learn more about the U.S. Constitution will now have that opportunity thanks to a $24,000 grant from the Apgar Foundation to Carroll’s Constitutional Studies program.
This newly funded program, "Constitutionalism, Ancient and Modern," expands upon the recent efforts of the faculty and administration by creating a yearlong series of events that will heighten awareness of constitutionalism within the community and help develop a sustainable and active Constitutional Studies Center. Made available to students in the fall 2014, the constitutional studies’ minor is an interdisciplinary program taught by the history, philosophy and political science departments.
With the Apgar Foundation’s support of $24,000, along with additional funding from the college and interested donors, Carroll will be able to heighten awareness of the long tradition of constitutional government.
According to program director and political science professor Dr. William Parsons, “Students are naturally curious about the intellectual origins of the U.S. Constitution. This award is crucial support for Carroll College’s efforts to satisfy that curiosity.”
For further information about the Constitutional Studies program or to learn how to support the study of constitutional government at Carroll College, contact Dr. William Parsons, Director of the Constitutional Studies Center at wparsons@carroll.edu.
Read the full release here.
No Debating Who's the Best
Thumbs up to Ryden Meyer and Mark Schmutzler on their World Debate win.
Mark Schmutzler, Megan Towles '13 and Ryden Meyer at the tournament at Cal Poly.
Carroll top world debate team won the Western Regional Debate Championship held at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, on March 21-22. The tournament featured 56 of the best world debate teams in the western United States.
Juniors Ryden Meyer of Portland, Oregon, and Mark Schmutzler of Helena defeated Claremont College in the semifinals to advance to the finals where they defeated the University of LaVerne, Loyola Marymount University and the United States Air Force Academy to win the championship. The Air Force team had received an award at the World Championships in Manila in January.
“The competition was very talented but also really friendly,” said Meyer. “It was sweet to represent Carroll against all the bigger programs and to come out on top.”
The topics included sex education, the Greek economy, endangered species and ended with a final round debate on whether police should be allowed to use deadly force “to preempt bodily harm to themselves.” Carroll opposed that motion in the finals.
“We thought the topics were excellent because they were so applicable to issues that all nations face,” said Schmutzler. “And to debate them at a high level against great teams was amazing and inspiring.”
The Western Championship was held at Cal Poly, but administered by Carroll graduate Megan Towles ‘13, who will also serve as the co-administrator of the United States National Championships in World Debate in Anchorage, Alaska in April. Towles is a graduate student in communication at the University of Denver and also serves as coach of their World Debate program.
The Talking Saints debate season concludes on April 11-13 at the United States University National Championships at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Four Carroll teams will compete, including Meyer and Schmutzler, who have won awards at both previous national championships they’ve attended.
Also competing for Carroll at nationals will be junior Nick Fuller of Seattle, Washington, freshman Jake MacDuff of Seattle, freshman Tori Hill of Sidney, Montana, freshman Luke Kendall of Stevensville, Montana, freshman Becca Poliquin of Hamilton, Montana, and freshman Freddy Gray of Idaho Falls.
Three other team members will compete at the National Individual Events Tournament in Portland, Oregon, on April 4-6 at Lewis & Clark College.
Competing at this event will be juniors Hanna Hiller of Jerome, Idaho, Desirae Kivett of Spokane, Washington, and Anna Hoerner of Spokane, Washington.
The Talking Saints’ year will end with the annual Night of the Talking Saints at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, in the lower Commons. The evening will showcase team performances from the year.
Red Dirt, S'mores, and Sand Bears
Twenty-one students spent their spring break exploring the high desert of Moab, Utah, through Carroll’s Adventure and Mountaineering Program (CAMP).
“The goal of the trip was to introduce Carroll students to a different part of the U.S. that is equally as fun to explore and learn about as the wild places of Montana,” said Brad Maddock, assistant director of student acitivites and advisor for the program.
Quite different than the high mountains of Montana, the desolate landscape, and lack of wildlife and water, proved a different learning ground for students. They found themselves walking amongst cactus, cryptobiotic soil crusts, lizards, and the mythical sand bear. The trip included hiking in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park Needles District, canyoneering and navigating a technical canyon, mountain biking, and rock climbing. “The trip was a great way for students to experience a new part of the United States and learn technical outdoor skills, while also working on teamwork and leadership,” said Maddock.
This is the first year that CAMP has offered trips over fall and spring break. Based on the popularity of the trips, it won’t be the last. CAMP will continue to offer regular trips on weekends and after classes throughout the school year as well.
“My favorite part of the trip was definitely trying to conquer my fear of heights by repelling off a 130 foot ledge” – Ellen Barta
“I loved hiking in Arches National Park. The scenery was breathtaking and I was amazed at God’s creativity in creation. I found a new appreciation for the desert and was so blessed to experience it alongside wonderful people.” – Amy Penaskovic
“Canyoneering was scary, but easily made this trip the best spring break ever!” – Colton Rudie
“One of my favorite parts of the trip was the 11 mile hike through Canyonlands on the last day. There’s just something about going on an amazing hike with a group of really cool people that I absolutely love.” – Maggie Bailey
CAMP is always looking for new and used outdoor equipment donations. Have an old canoe, pair of XC Skis, or camping stove taking up extra room in your garage? Contact bmaddock@carroll.edu to donate.
Check out more photos from the Utah trip on the CAMP Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CarrollCAMP.
Alumni News
Honoring our Educators
Buffy Smith works with a student in her computer class.Photo courtesy of Eliza Wiley, Helena IR
Carroll Computer Science Department recently hosted the 3rd annual Montana NCWIT (National Center for Women and Information Technology) Aspirations in Computing Contest. National judges pick the Montana winners and the Montana Educator. This year the Educator Award goes to Carroll grad Buffy Smith '93, for the second year in a row. Also, a record five of Buffy's students were given awards as well.
After graduating from Carroll College with a BA in English, and a minor in Computer Science, Buffy Smith started her teaching career in Burley, Idaho, and currently teaches at Helena High School. She taught English for seven years before changing to computer classes, which include Cisco, Oracle, Technology Skills for Life, and Basic Computer Skills. Buffy also teaches Computer Science Python on-line for the Montana Digital Academy and actively pursues dual-credit opportunities for her high school computer students.
Buffy feels that one of greatest things about teaching computers is that she is always learning. Buffy earned an MA in Education and has taken part in many computer training and certification opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys running and hanging out with her husband and three boys.
Open Looks
John Saker, class of 1979 and former basketball player for the Saints, has written a book detailing his lifelong love affair with basketball. The soon-to-be-published “Open Looks” features a cover photo of Saker and his fellow Saints after they won the Frontier Conference tournament in 1977.
Saker is a New Zealander who played basketball under coach Jim Trudnowski from 1975-77. After Carroll, he played in Europe and for the New Zealand national team for many years, for which he also served as captain. He has been a career journalist and his book is a collection of basketball pieces he has written over the years. His time at Carroll is covered quite extensively in the book.
Visit Awa Press learn more about the book or to purchase a copy.
My Favorite Movie
“My Favorite Movie,” the first film made by the creators of “Crimson Winter,” makes its world premiere March 27 at the Myrna Loy Center. The cast features many Carroll College alumni and a number of local Helenans.
Bryan Ferriter ’10 and his former Carroll roommate Martin Rogers ‘10 are the engines behind the production having been written and directed by Rogers with Ferriter as the lead actor.
“Every actor who ever went to Carroll is in it,” said Ferriter. “There’s probably 50-plus people in it.”
Can’t get to Helena this weekend for the premiere, no worries, the fun, family comedy is being released on DVD and iTunes, Amazon and Google Play as well.
More information can be found at www.runningbearmedia.com/my-favorite-movie.
Career Moves
Mark McQuirk '79 - ERA Lambros - read announcement here.
Jack Casey '67 - Administrator of Shodair Children's Hospital - read announcement here.
IN MEMORIAM
Judge John M. Lyden '60 - read more about his life here.
Donald "Red" O'Connell - class of 1963 - read more about his life here.
Faculty/Staff News
A Piece in the Post
Do voter registration deadlines impact election results? Dr. Alex Street, assistant professor of political science, had his research on this subject recently featured on the Washington Post website: Google searches show that millions of people wanted to vote but couldn't.
While some scholars believe that early registration deadlines do indeed impact the ability of those wanting to vote, others debate that those who fail to register by the deadlines “have little real interest in voting.”
Dr. Street’s research found that there is indeed a significant amount of last-minute interest in registering to vote, which, had election day registration been allowed in 2012, it would have resulted in 3-4 million more Americans being able to cast their ballot.
Read the full Washington Post article here.
Congratulations on this prominent media exposure of your enlightening research Dr. Street.
Photo courtesy of Thom Bridge, Helena IR
Upcoming Events
Shamrock Soiree, Annual Fundraising Event for Carroll's Engineers Without Borders, Mar. 27, 6:30-11:30 p.m., Great Northern Hotel Ballroom, 835 Great Northern Boulevard, Helena
Come join Carroll's EWB and celebrate St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Engineers, as they dance the night away in honor of St. Patrick's Day. The Soiree will feature hors d'oeuvres, live and silent auctions, live music, dancing, and a cash bar.
Proceeds will be used to support the Engineers Without Borders-USA Carroll College Student Chapter and their service projects in Mexico, Guatemala and St. Lucia. Tickets are $25 each and $15 for Carroll students. Contact Morgan Spear at mspear@carroll.edu for more information.
Merit Badge University, Mar. 27-28, campus-wide, Carroll College
Carroll College will be hosting the 3rd annual Merit Badge University for over 400 Boy Scouts from across the state. Over thirty classes will be held at Carroll and several other locations around town in which Boy Scouts will be able to earn merit badges in a variety of disciplines. Classes are held from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sat., Mar. 28. In addition, over 300 scouts will be spending the night of Mar. 27 in the PE Center. For more information on the event, visit meritbadgeu.wordpress.com.
Donuts for Diapers Drive, Mar. 28, 10-1 p.m., Albertson's on Montana Ave., Helena
The Carroll College Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society is collecting diapers and/or baby wipes in exchange for a donut to help the YWCA and Friendship Center in Helena. The donuts have been graciously donated by Albertson's. Please drop off your donations at the Carroll table inside the doors of the store.
Sex Trafficking Panel, Mar. 30, 7 p.m., Sage Room, Corette Library, Carroll College
Come join panelists from both Indonesia and Montana for a discussion on sex trafficking in Montana and related social justice issues in Indonesia. Sex trafficking is not only a serious concern abroad but also locally. With the increased traffic in the Bakken region, Helena is situated in the crossroads of traffic through the state. Bryan Lockerby, administrator for the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, will provide the keynote. The panel will include the director of a local refuge house, international visitors from Indonesia, including the director of a women's health care service for female prostitutes, a representative from the Helena Police Department, and Carroll faculty. This event is sponsored by World Montana.
This event is free and open to the public.
Business Department Lecture Series - The Entrepreneurial Journey with Matt Ehrlichman, CEO, Porch, Apr. 10, 6 p.m., 101/202 Simperman Hall/Wiegand Amphitheatre, Carroll College
Sponsored by the Fiehrer Endowed Lectureship in Business, the Business Department is hosting guest lecturer Matt Ehrlichman, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for Porch.com. Matt is a life-long entrepreneur who has spent his entire career starting and building companies, most recenly the home improvement network, Porch.com. In his talk, Matt will explain some of the challenges and opportunities he's faced in his journey of building businesses, raising money, and managing the uncertainty involved in starting up.
Prior to founding Porch.com, Matt was co-founder and CEO at Thriva, which was acquired by Active Network in March 2007 for $60 million. Matt built Thriva out of his dorm room at Stanford University where he received his bachelor of science degree in entrepreneurial engineering and master of science degree in management science and engineering. While serving as the Chief Strategy Officer at Active Network, Matt helped grow company revenues from $65 million to $420 million and assisted with the company's 2011 initial public offering. In 2014, Matt was named USA TODAY's Inaugural Entrepreneur of the Year.
This event is free and open to the public.
Saints Athletic Association Annual Auction, Apr. 10, 6 p.m., Carroll College PE Center
Join us for the 33rd annual Carroll College SAA Auction. Over 50 live and 300 silent auction items up for bid including trips, Thomasville furniture, Lane Ventura outdoor patio sets, jewelry, unique experiences, sports memorabilia, event tickets and much more.
The auction is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the live auction beginning at 7 p.m. Call 406-447-4480 for more information.
Astronomy Lecture Series: Dr. Kelly Cline presents "Rosetta: Landing on a Comet," Apr. 16, 7 p.m., 101/202 Simperman/Wiegand Amphitheatre, Carroll College
On November 12, 2014, the world watched in amazement as a probe from the Rosetta spacecraft successfully landed on a comet. What did Rosetta discover? What did we learn from this unprecedented landing? What is a comet anyway and why do we care? Join Dr. Kelly Cline for an introduction to the exciting new science of comets!
This event is free and the Helena community is invited to attend.
Carroll College Culture & Language Exchange, Apr. 17, 6-8 p.m., fourOsix, 320 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs, Carroll is hosting their 2nd annual Language & Cultural Exchange which is an opportunity for people to practice a foreign language and expand their global and cultural understanding. Food and coffee will be generously provided by the Fire Tower Coffee House, The Hub, Emilianos, The Mediterranean Grille, Karmadillos, Cafe Zydeco, Toi's Thai and Great Harvest. There will also be door prizes and onsite childcare provided. The Helena community is encouraged to participate. For questions, contact Emi at egajowski@carroll.edu or Brianna at beaton@carroll.edu.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pacific Northwest Student Conference, Apr. 17-18, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
Carroll College engineering students will be attending the conference and competing in the Steel Bridge Competition, which involves the design, assembly and load testing of a small truss bridge, and the Technical Paper Competition.
Annual Student Art Exhibit, Open through May 1, Carroll Art Gallery, St. Charles Hall, Carroll College
The exhibit features paintings, drawings, and ceramics produced by Carroll students in recent art classes.
The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and is closed weekends and college holidays. For more information, visit the Visual Arts Current Gallery webpage or call 447-4302.
Mark your calendars – Upcoming Alumni Events:
Purple and Gold Jubilee Reunion: May 15-16
Make plans to join your classmates - classes of 1945, 1955 and 1965 - and be part of Carroll's 2015 commencement weekend festivities in May.
Alumni & Friends Marian Shrines of France Tour: May 21-June 2
Join President Evans and his wife Lisa on a tour of the Marian Shrines of France.
Highlights include: Paris, a dinner cruise on the Seine River, Notre Dame, Versaille, Giverny – the house and gardens of Monet, the home of St. Terese of Lisieux, the beaches of Normandy, St. Michael Abbey, Contreau Distillery, an overnight in a chateau, Lourdes and much more.
View the complete itinerary here or contach Kathy Ramirez, 406-461-3214 or kramirez@carroll.edu.
Alumni & Friends Gathering at New Glarus Brewery, New Glarus, Wisconsin: August 15
Homecoming 2015: September 18-19
Mark your calendars and plan to return to campus this fall for Homecoming. All alumni, parents and friends are invited to attend. Special reunions will be held for all former ASCC members and the classes of 2005, 1995, 1985, and 1975. Stay tuned for more details.
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Find a complete list of campus activities and events online.
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