Carroll College Student Newspaper

Helena, Montana

Volume 97 Edition 7

April 21,2011

TheProspectorTHE PROSPECTOR IS

N 0W 0 N L IN E W W W .

CARROLL.EDU/STUDENTS/INDEX.CC

PHOTO BY NATHAN SCHEIDECKERGetting an amazing job offer right

out of college is a feeling like no other. Finally, the past four years of intense studying are going to pay off. Ryan Orth, a senior computer science major at Carroll College, is experiencing just this.

Growing up in Kennewick, Wash., Orth was not really a ‘‘tech junkie” like the stereotypical computer science major may be. Orth graduated high school and started as a business major his freshman year at Carroll. He was unsure of what he truly wanted to study, but he knew he did not want to study math as his father, a chemical engineer, encouraged.

Regardless of this slight rebellion, “When it comes down to it my family has given me a solid foundation. They back me up and support me no matter what happens,” Orth said.

Orth took a required tech class his sophomore year and found he enjoyed the engaging, hands on work. He then declared himself a computer science major.

“He is basically ‘unflappable’, very calm and easy going. This is particularly evident to me when he was my lab assistant,” said Philip Rose, professor of mathematics at Carroll. “He is always patient with the students and took his time to explain ideas and procedures carefully and completely.”

Up until his senior year, he was really unsure of what he was getting himself into or what he was going to do with his degree. Then, he started looking into areas of work in his field.

Orth interviewed for a job with Hewlett Packard (HP) in Fort Collins, Colo. A few weeks later he unexpectedly got a call from HP in Houston offering him ajob. Shortly afterwards, he decided to take the job. Orth will be starting out as a software engineer working in the enterprise services department this June.

“It is a great opportunity for him. Rose said. “But I told him I’d call him in August and ask him how he likes the heat and humidity in Houston then!”

Orth sees it as an opportunity' to meet new people and gain more experience in his field outside of his other jobs at Blue Cross Blue Shield as a web designer and his summer job. working with the Montana Geographic Information Systems.

“It’s a big change in a new place- an experience that’s for sure-1 will be the youngest employee by about 20 years.” Orth explained.

Even though Orth has earned a prestigious job right out of college, he still sees himself eventually making it to grad school, possibly on the east coast or in Europe, to earn a master's

More Orth, page 7

>Mary CurrinS ta ff Writer

2011 Commencement264 students to graduate this May

Matthew Hartman

S taff Writer

PHOTO BY NED SCHEIDECKER

the average student loan debt in 2008 among graduating seniors nationwide was $23,186.

“Our average indebtedness is very comparable to other colleges because we graduate more students in four years,” said Janet Riis, director of financial aid at Carroll College.

Traditionally, Carroll students have a zero percent default rate on their student loans.

“Carroll graduates are extremely responsible students, get good jobs and repay their loans,” said Riis. “I’m always

More Graduation, page 3

As the academic year comes to a close, 264 seniors will walk across the graduation stage to receive their diplomas. The Commencement Ceremony for the class of 2011 will be held on Saturday, May 7 in the Carroll Physical Education Center.

This year's graduation speaker will be Matt Sewell, who is a communications and public relations major from Deer Lodge, Mont.

This year’s graduates come from Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Washington,Wyoming, and Montana.Additionally, oneinternational student will be representing China at the ceremony.

The most popular majors chosen by the graduating scholars are biology, nursing, business administration, psychology and elementary education.As of fall 2010, the average cumulative GPA of the graduating class stood at an

impressive 3.37.Degrees don’t come

cheap. Financial information about the class of 2011 was not yet available, but statistics from the previous graduating class are very indicative of what this year’s graduates can expect to pay back.

In 2010, the average class indebtedness for graduating seniors, according to Janet Riis, the director of financial aid at Carroll, was $21,676 including federal and private loans. While this amount seems high, according to finaid.org,

"Carroll graduates are extremely

responsible students, get goodjobsand repay their loans."

-Janet Riis

Lynn Etchart Retiring^^^^^rittan^Goltr^

Lead Writer

After 18 years at Carroll, Lynn Etchart resigned from her position as vice president for finance and administration and treasurer on Tuesday, March 15, in order to take on her new responsibilities at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana.

“I did accomplish my goals I was set out to do,” Etchart said with a smile. “Health care will be my new challenge.”

Over the years, Etchart has seen the college transform into a very different place. When she first came to Carroll, technology was not as predominant as it is today and the Carroll Web page did not exist. In prior years, she was also responsible for facilities, conferencing and the bookstore.

“When I arrived, the president of the school at the time, Dr. Matthew Quinn, gave me three priorities: balance the budget,fix cash flow and make the campus look better,” Etchart said.

Prior to leaving, Etchart was wished the best of luck in her new vocation with a send-off in which the community gathered to thank her for all that she has done.

“ft is not about what I did, it is about what the Carroll team did by working together. We go as far as we can for the students,” Etchart humbly expressed.

Lori Peterson, the college controller, has assumed the role of interim vice president for finance and administration and

treasurer until June 2012, at which time the position will be permanently filled. Peterson explained that Etchart was in charge of finances, risk management, the business office, CCIT and human resources, among other things. Her role in administrative services also included overseeing mail and copy services.

“She was very involved in strategic planning and integral in budget management,” said Peterson.

Etchart’s presence on campus is already missed by Peterson and all of those who were fortunate enough to work with her. Though Peterson has big shoes to fill and many tasks to juggle right now, she says the transition is going well and she is enjoying her new position.

“Lynn is perhaps the kindest, most gracious person you will ever meet,” Peterson said. “She served as my mentor, friend, and confidant for the last 16 'A years and will truly be missed.”

Etchart possesses a deep passion for both the Carroll and Helena communities. She resolves to continue supporting Carroll and plans to attend school games and activities. Though Carroll is a tough place to leave, Etchart admits that it is “time for a new adventure.”

“I will always be a part of this community; it is why I came to Montana,” Etchart said. “We help people start their lives.. .Carroll is such a different place; it is truly poised for greatness.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCIE MCCARVEL

INSIDEStudent Opinion on Carroll Debt p. 15The true cost of a diploma.

Junior Senior p.8Despite being a dry event, Junior Senior is still a good time for upperclassmen.

Softball weekend BackPageSWEJ wins the tournament.