rocky now - december 2007

Vol. 1 Issue 7 Fresh news every day at www.rocky.edu December 2007

Rocky Now: Keeping our friends and supporters informed aboutwhat’s new and exciting at Rocky Mountain College

It’s all about our studentsEdith Gronhovd died Nov. 21, 2007, at the

age of 93, just a few days after the RockyMountain College Institute for Peace Studiesheld its annual “In Praise of Peace Concert,”which announcesthe winners ofthe essay contestEdith sponsored.She took greatpride in theaccomplishmentsof the high schooland college essay-ists, whoaddressed a five-letter topic dearto her heart:peace. This year,Edith would havebeen particularlypleased with oneof the winningessayists, an RMC student from Kenya. Withher love of travel and knowledge of the world,Edith would appreciate the remarkable insightsof this committed and involved member of theRMC family. When this student smiles, shelights up the darkest corners of a room, and sheshares her radiant smile in plenty of placesaround campus. “I have found that finding anarea of focus and giving my heart and talents tothat area allows me to move forward and tohopefully make a difference; as for me, thatfocus is education,” she wrote in her essay. Herfocus on education explains why she has servedas a volunteer, work study and intern with theInstitute for Peace Studies. She was co-coordi-nator of the African Area at the annual RMCFestival of Cultures. She also served as a coun-selor for the annual Peace Village Day Campfor children. She pitched in to prepare culinarydelicacies from her native land at the RMCInternational Food Festival. And she is workingto secure a Masters in Accountancy at RMC.Meet another remarkable RMC student, FaridaMohamed, who has as much to teach us as shedoes to learn from us.

The College pays homage to the great generosity

of the late Dr. Charles Morledge and his wife, Patricia

Philanthropists 2007

Rocky Mountain Collegehonored the late Dr. CharlesC. Morledge, and his wife,Patricia A. Morledge, withthe College Philanthropistof the Year Award, Dec. 14,2007.

We n d y ’s of MontanaPresident Sam E.McDonald, Jr., and RMCPresident Michael Mace,presented the award at areception in the Great Roomof Prescott Hall. McDonaldand his wife, Judith C., werehonored with the award lastyear.

A couple known for theirphilanthropy and communi-ty spirit, Dr. Morledge, whodied July 19, 2007, andPatricia, have been steadfastsupporters of the College.

“Rocky Mountain Collegeis proud and grateful to haveCharlie and Patti Morledge as friendsand supporters of the College and this isa small way to show our appreciation,”said President Mace.

Dr. Morledge began his formal associ-ation with RMC in 1993 as an originalmember of the National A d v i s o r yCouncil. In 1995 he became a Rockytrustee, serving on both its building &grounds and education committees. Forhis many efforts in support of RockyMountain College, he was awarded anhonorary doctorate in humane letters.

Patricia Morledge's involvement withRMC began in 1941, when her father,Cloyd Conner, came to Billings assuperintendent of CongregationalChurches in Montana, and became an

active trustee of Billings PolytechnicInstitute. Her mother, Pearl, once servedas RMC’s sole admissions representa-tive.

She has been an active member ofRMC’s National Advisory Council andserving on the building & grounds com-mittee. She is the unseen entity behindthe seasonal decorations and holidaywreaths that adorn the campus. T h eMorledges have been dedicated advo-cates for the beautification of the cam-pus and the restoration of the historicbuildings.

They were also the first couple toserve as Honorary Chairs of the annualscholarship benefit, Black Tie BlueJeans, and they received the RMCLifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

R O C K Y N O W

Dave Shumway, RMCFarida beams her famous smilefrom behind a bowl of food sheprepared from her native Kenyaat the RMC International FoodFestival in November.

Dave Shumway, RMC

Patricia and Dr. Charles Morledge have been two of theCollege’s most ardent supporters.

Rocky Mountain College ■ 1511 Poly Drive ■ Billings, Montana 59102Ph: 1.800.877.6259

Find out more about what’s new and exciting at Rocky online at:

www.rocky.edu

IN MEMORIAMDr. Arthur H. DeRosier, Jr. had ap resence in the life of RockyMountain College that few othershave had. He saved the College whenits vital signs were faint. He grew theCollege with a nurturing hand thatextended to alumni, friends, facultyand staff, but always with the stu -dents in mind and heart. Dr.DeRosier died Nov. 15, 2007, sur -rounded by his loving wife, RMC pro -f e s s o r, Dr. Linda Scott DeRosier,their children and other family mem -bers. The College’s seventh presi -dent, he will not be forgotten for allhis good works. A statue of him,which was placed near the libraryonly months before he died, willalways remind us of his devotion tothe College beneath the Rims.

Last year, Dr. Steven Hart, Rocky Mountain College music professorand choir director, was a guest conductor at an international conductorworkshop in Bulgaria. This year, when he returns he will have withhim 25 members of the RMC Choir.

“It will be a fantastic experience for the choir,” Dr. Hart said. Notonly will they work with different conductors, they will perform withBulgarian choirs during the nine-day event before traveling to the “seatof music,” Vienna, home of Mozart and Beethoven.

The choir, which just completed standing-room-only performances ofits annual Christmas concert, “Lessons and Carols,” needs some assistance,however, according to Bob FitzGerald, RMC Director of MajorGifts. While the choir, representing RMC, pays half the total expense ofthe trip, the other half -- $37,500 -- needs to be raised. Anyone wishingto help, please send your contribution to RMC Development.

Bulgaria-bound: Choir represents

RMC, if they can find way to fest

Dave Shumway, RMCThe RMC Choir, directed by Dr. Steven Hart, performed theannual holiday concert, “Lessons and Carols,” to two standing-room-only crowds.

Few have enjoyed as distinguished a career as Dr.Lawrence F. Small. Coming to Rocky Mountain College in1959 to teach, he had little idea he would some day becomeDean, Acting President and then the College's fifth presidentfrom 1966 to 1975. He also served as Executive Director ofthe Montana Association of Churches from 1984-1990. Hereturned to teaching until his retirement in 1990. His retire-ment was short lived, because he was soon active with RMCagain as one of the founding fathers, and first chairman ofthe board of the Institute for Peace Studies. With such anactive career you might think Dr. Small would write an auto-biography. He certainly has a wonderful personal story totell of his adventures from growing up in his beloved Maine

to his making a home in his beloved Montana. Instead Dr.Small devoted his energies to writing a history of the collegethat just wouldn't quit. His two-volume history is a remark-able achievement, tracing the origins of Montana's first insti-

tution of higher learning in “Courageous Journey” from 1878 to 1947 when it becameRocky Mountain College; and then from that time to the present in “Pathways to thePresent.”

“One lesson would abide through the years, that nothing of value is easily won,” hewrites in his preface to “Pathways to the Present.” The examples of that statement areredolent in both volumes, and even if you are not an alumnus of RMC, or any of itspredecessors, these volumes are worth reading. They are told in the context of the devel-opment of Billings and the state of Montana. They depict people who had a hand inenriching the lives of thousands. They resonate with those who know the value of small,private liberal arts institutions.

Now, both volumes are available in the Treasured Legacy package. Sold separately for$24.95, together the two autographed copies are being sold for a limited time for $36.95.Proceeds from the book sales go to Rocky Mountain College, one more devoted gesturefrom one of its most treasured people. To purchase either book or the set of two, contactMargia Pretlow, RMC Marketing, 657-1105 or the RMC Bookstore, 657-1091.

Dave Shumway, RMCDr. Small signs copies of“Pathways to the Present.”

‘Treasured Legacy’ sales go to RMC