Northern alumni return to campus after 70 years

More than fifty Montana State University Northern Alumni who graduated in the '50s, '60s and '70s returned to campus Friday to kick off a weekend of homecoming celebration with a luncheon with Chancellor Greg Kegel.

The luncheon, held in Northern's Student Union Building, gave older graduates a chance to reunite with friends, see what's new on campus and share their memories of Northern Montana College, which it was called before becoming a Montana State University campus in 1993.

Kegel addressed the group, thanking them all for coming, some of them traveling hundreds of miles.

He said the campus has come a long way recently with the construction of their Diesel Technology Center, which has allowed Northern to host arguably the best diesel tech program in the U.S.

He said Northern has used facilities like this and research labs in its Applied Technology Center to develop advanced biodiesel, as well as the world's first 100 percent organic jet fuel, which will one day advance technology in the U.S. and bring royalties to the campus which he hopes he'll live to see.

Kegel also said the construction of the campus's football stadium, Tilleman Field, has allowed for games to become massive events that everyone, including those present, can enjoy.

"It was not (just) about the football game, it was about the event, and the community and brining people in, bringing you guys in," he said.

He said it's often said that educational institutions have a certain expectation of their students, but it is also true that students have an expectation of their schools, particularly universities.

Kegel said all this is part of Northern's effort to create a serious university environment for students, whether that's strong educational programs, advanced facilities or proper residential halls.

He said Northern is preparing students for the job market and he's proud of the industry partnerships the university has built.

He said there's a reason the Northern's job fairs are as big as they are; because employers want their graduates.

Class of 1971 graduate and former Northern Alumni Foundation Chair Roger Pugh, a philanthropist and long-time donor to Northern now living in Fort Benton, also spoke at the event.

Pugh urged those present to consider giving back to the campus if they can, lamenting the tough financial situations so many potential students face in the modern day.

"I used to say, maybe 20 years ago, if you really wanted to go to college you can figure it out, you can get a job and do it, I'm not sure that's true anymore," he said.

He said giving back can help potential students who now face rising tuition rates as they search for higher education opportunities that Northern can provide in spades.

"We've got everything here, except enough students," he said.

The lunch also featured prizes for attendees including Northern-themed socks that are now available at Cavaliers in Havre.

Northern Alumni Foundation Executive Director Shantel Cronk said a portion of the sales on these socks go back to the foundation as well as some of the proceeds from drinks at many local bars during the weekend.

Prizes were also given to the those who came back after the longest time since their graduation and the person who traveled the furthest to come.

The event also featured displays of photos from back in the days the graduates were there, and many shared memories of their time back in the '50s, '60s, and '70s.

They were also given gold-colored Northern hats to commemorate their time there.

Cronk asked that they wear them over the weekend so people can recognize them and welcome them home as the participate the weekends events.

She said the weekend would host sporting events, campus tours, live music, food, drinks and more.

She thanked everyone in attendance as well as everyone who helped put the event on.