BOZEMAN – Chris Murray, president and CEO of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation, will retire on Feb. 28.   

Since Murray’s arrival in August 2014, the Alumni Foundation has raised over $630 million to fuel MSU’s people, places and programs. He was responsible for cultivating relationships with alumni and donors and securing private support to advance MSU. 

“Though retiring is bittersweet, the best time to leave is on a high note,” said Murray. “I’d say a $208 million record-breaking year is just that.” 

During fiscal year 2022, MSU announced a philanthropic gift of $101 million, the largest donation to any college of nursing in the U.S. at the time. Six months later, in February 2022, a $50 million gift from the Gianforte Family Foundation was announced that would support a building for MSU’s Gianforte School of Computing. 

Murray was also at the helm of the Alumni Foundation when it launched the public phase of its first comprehensive capital campaign in 2015, seeking to raise $300 million in private support. That campaign, “What It Takes,” ultimately raised $413 million from 41,000 donors, the largest fundraising effort in the state of Montana at the time. 

“Under Chris Murray’s leadership, the MSU Alumni Foundation team helped provide significant opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, as well as academic and research programs through philanthropy,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “We’re grateful for his dedication to the university's mission of serving our students and the people of Montana." 

Murray came to Montana State after stints at the University of Idaho and the University of Oregon, where he built fundraising programs and led two significant fundraising campaigns. During Murray’s tenure at the Alumni Foundation, annual fundraising totals have grown from $27.6 million to more than $75 million, and gifts to the endowment increased by $92 million, which nearly doubled endowed gifts, from $98 million to $191 million.  

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the incredible team at the Alumni Foundation and to have worked with some truly wonderful administrators, staff and faculty at MSU,” Murray said. “The Alumni Foundation team and the Board of Governors are unparalleled and will assure that the tremendous success we have achieved will continue long into the future.” 

“Chris has done an extraordinary job building an organization that is the envy of our peers,” said Greg Collins, chair of the Board of Governors. “His expertise, tenacity and tireless energy have been instrumental in our success and the very real impact on the university, the students, faculty and communities we support.”  

The Board of Governors will work with MSU to conduct a national search for Murray’s replacement. 

Patricia Batts appears in Gallatin County District Court on March 24. Courtesy ABC FOX Montana

Audrey Cromwell, Gallatin County Attorney, filed a Withdrawal of Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty today in the Patricia Batts case. See the full filing here.

Batts is charged with deliberate homicide, aggravated kidnapping, criminal child endangerment and strangulation of partner or family member, all felonies, related to the death of her 12-year-old grandson, James Alex Hurley, in West Yellowstone in 2020.

“After consultation with law enforcement, with the victim’s mother, and with the Attorney General Prosecution Services Bureau, we have decided the best way to proceed in this case is to withdraw the death penalty designation. The victim’s mother is in agreement with this decision,” Cromwell said.

“My heart goes out to Alex’s mom and brother. As a parent, I cannot think of anything worse in life than losing your child in the manner inflicted on Alex. There’s nothing worse that could have happened to him. It is critical that we move this case forward to seek justice for Alex in a way that will put an end to this years-long litigation and will provide closure to the family and law enforcement,” Cromwell said.

Montana is one of 24 states that allows capital punishment — 23 states have abolished the death penalty and three others have a governor-imposed moratorium on death as punishment, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The last execution in Montana happened in 2006 and two people are now on death row in the state, according to DPIC.  However, a 2015 injunction by District Court Judge Jeffrey Sherlock has put a moratorium on executions in Montana indefinitely.

The average death penalty case takes 12 years, including appeals for post-conviction relief. The costs of these highly litigious cases – including the time of judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and court reporters, and the high costs of briefs – are mostly borne by the taxpayer. Death penalty cases in Montana cost taxpayers approximately $2.2 million per case.

“Death penalty factors increase the time and cost of administering justice. We can secure justice for Alex through a sentence that includes life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. And the millions in taxpayer dollars that would have been used on the death penalty case can be redirected toward crime prevention and response so that what happened to Alex never happens to another child in our county,” Cromwell said.

Two other people were charged and pled guilty in connection with Alex’s death. James Sasser Jr., 49, pled guilty to felony deliberate homicide, felony child endangerment and felony tampering with a witness in August 2021. Judge John Brown sentenced him to serve 100 years for the homicide charge and 10 years each for the child endangerment and tampering charges.  James Sasser III pled guilty to felony deliberate homicide and, in October 2020, was sentenced to the Montana Department of Corrections until he is 18 years old.

Batts’ jury trial is currently scheduled for July 10 through Aug. 4, 2023.

BOZEMAN—The Museum of the Rockies will celebrate the opening of two new exhibitions, “Under the Arctic: Digging into Permafrost” and “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross,” with an event Saturday, Jan. 28. 

The celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees are invited to wear their favorite Marvel superhero costume, sketch their own superhero at a comic book drop-in drawing program, and shop for classic comic books. The events are free with museum admission. 

Opening this Saturday, “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross” showcases the original multimedia art from Ross’s most recent book. Considered one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books, Ross has revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art. Attendees will learn about how he developed into an illustrator through his childhood drawings, preliminary sketches, paintings, video and 3-D busts of Marvel Comics characters. The exhibit was developed by the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County. 

The other new exhibit, “Under the Arctic: Digging into Permafrost,” examines climate change through the lens of a thawing Arctic. Visitors are transported to the Arctic through the sights and smells of the nation’s only permafrost research tunnel and experience engineering challenges posed by thawing permafrost. The exhibit also includes Ice Age fossils, ancient ice cores and interactive games. Produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, this immersive exhibit was developed in collaboration with the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks and made possible by a National Science Foundation grant. 

The exhibitions will be at the Museum of the Rockies from Jan. 28 through May 7. Museum members can access the exhibitions early at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Admission is free for members and children under age 5. Ticket prices range from $12 to $18 for youth, adults and seniors. 

To learn about each exhibition and its specialty programming, visit museumoftherockies.org/exhibitions. 

Gallatin County, MT- On January 20th, One Valley Community Foundation launched the initial convening of the Regional Housing Coalition at the Bozeman Public Safety Center.

The Regional Housing Coalition (RHC) will begin as a three-year initiative of One Valley Community Foundation, convening diverse partners and interests to coordinate and accelerate solutions to address housing affordability and availability needs in Gallatin County.

“One Valley Community Foundation understands that we need both shovels in the ground building homes and the collective impact of the Regional Housing Coalition to address upstream issues affecting housing,” said Bridget Wilkinson, President and CEO of One Valley Community Foundation. “A county-wide coordination of partners, funding, and solutions is crucial to addressing the complex set of issues around community housing needs. This need creates the opportunity for One Valley Community Foundation to marshal resources, convene partners, and provide accountability and structure for collective action.”

Local governments, nonprofits, employers, philanthropists, and private industry partners like realtors and home builders are each organizing resources to address housing needs in Gallatin County. One Valley Community Foundation has intentionally crafted the Regional Housing Coalition to support and coordinate those efforts by acting as the ongoing forum for developing partnerships and facilitating collaborative action on housing solution strategies. Additionally, One Valley will support these strategies by acting as a conduit for communication and education that crosses sectors.

The first meeting of the RHC welcomed the participation of 16 members, representing 15 organizations and agencies from communities across Gallatin County. Represented organizations included nonprofits, government agencies, chambers of commerce, employers, private housing partners, and foundations. As the Coalition evolves, the membership will do so as well.

The first RHC meeting was convened in Bozeman. Subsequent 2023 quarterly meetings will be held in West Yellowstone, Three Forks, and Belgrade in an effort to include and understand the particular housing challenges in rural communities and unincorporated areas of Gallatin County.
For more information on the Regional Housing Coalition, please go to www.onevalley/regionalhousing.

About One Valley Community Foundation

One Valley Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Southwest Montana that connects people who care to the issues that matter most to them in order to address the priorities and concerns of residents and businesses in Gallatin County.

One Valley does this by matching donors with causes they believe in, focusing financial resources to facilitate change, offering tools and opportunities to support other nonprofits, and acting as a community facilitator. One Valley hosts multiple community- wide initiatives, including Give Big Gallatin Valley, a 24-hour giving day that has raised over $11.4 million for local nonprofits, and the Gallatin County Regional Housing Coalition, a convening of diverse partners working to address local housing challenges.
For more information, visit www.onevalley.org.

Hunters and Outfitters Unite at ‘Elk Camp at the Capitol’ as they roll out a legislative agreement to improve relationships and wildlife management.

More than one hundred hunters and outfitters participated in “Elk Camp at the Capitol’ on Tuesday at the Helena Capitol building.

The event was hosted by the Montana Citizens Elk Management Coalition to facilitate conversations between hunters and lawmakers active in the 68th Montana Legislature.

Speakers at the event, including Governor Greg Gianforte, reinforced the need for unity and collaboration between hunters, landowners, and outfitters to help resolve contentious wildlife policy debates.

“Hunting and our outdoor heritage are part of who we are as Montanans,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “Coming to the table together, the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association and the Montana Citizens Elk Management Coalition have found common ground and built broad consensus among hunters, landowners, and outfitters. We look forward to working with them closely this session.”

“This is about working together to set the stage for new directions and further the conversation about elk and wildlife management in Montana,” said George Bettas, of the Montana Citizens Elk Management Coalition, who emceed the event.

During the event, the Montana Citizens Elk Management Coalition and the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association shared a consensus package of legislation they say represents the first legislative agreement to bring the outfitting and hunting community together since the 2007 Legislature.

The legislative package includes reforms to landowner preferences and the 454 program, strengthens trespass and hunter harassment rules, provides some limits to non-resident hunting tags to reduce pressure on public lands, improves hunter education, and doubles Block Management payments.

They say the agreements are part of ongoing conversations to find common ground and improve relationships between hunters, landowners, and outfitters.

“Managing Montana’s elk population is a complex challenge,” said Mac Minard, Executive Director, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, “Realistic solutions require diverse interests working together to identify areas of consensus and advocating for policies that will shape the future of elk management. We are honored to be working with the Coalition and leading conservation groups in the state on these policy agreements.”

Participants at Elk Camp also discussed the need to establish a permanent trust account that would dramatically expand the pace and scale of stewardship and restoration treatments across the State.

Although the idea has not yet been introduced as legislation, Senator Jeff Wellborn, R-Dillon, says the proposed ‘Montana Legacy Trust’ deserves a fair shot at a hearing because it’s an investment in rural Montana.

“At the end of the 2021 session, I asked for people to bring solutions forward that unite, rather than divide,” said Wellborn. “The elk coalition has spent the better part of a year bringing the affected interests together. I’ll help whoever it is that carries this legislation.”

City aims to install a new water feature at Story Mill Park this year
 
BOZEMAN — The City of Bozeman and Trust for Public Land are collaborating once again on Story Mill Park. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, Bozeman City Commissioners signed an MOU for the Trust for Public Land to provide $155,000 towards the construction of a new splash pad. The City anticipates providing $350,000 towards construction and aims to break ground on the project in the spring and wrap up by the fall.

 
“The creation of a splash pad has been in the master plan for Story Mill Park for years but was not able to be built due to funding,” Addi Jadin, Park Planning and Development Manager, stated. “We’re excited to be able to partner with the Trust for Public Land again and implement this fun feature of the park.”

 
The splash pad will be built near the restrooms and will include a river scene with sun-bleached trees and reed water sprayers, similar to what residents may see at the edges of Quake Lake, the Madison or the East Gallatin River. Tactile features allow kids to control the water flow of jets and bubblers. A beaver den shade feature is planned for the lawn nearby, and a mural will be mounted on the restroom building to further enhance the scene.

A parking lot is also being built this year on the property as staff expects the splash pad to attract more visitors.
 
"Story Mill Park is the culmination of the ideas and passion of hundreds of Bozeman residents, bringing miles of trails, climbing features, space for outdoor learning, and now a new splash pad close to home for so many," said Dick Dolan, Associate Vice President, Northern Rockies Director for Trust for Public Land. "Trust for Public Land is thrilled to have partnered with the City of Bozeman to bring the community this unique feature and hopes to see it create more opportunities for the next generation to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors."


Those seeking more information on the project can contact Addi Jadin at ajadin@Bozeman.net.

Whether you want a higher salary, more responsibilities, or a new opportunity, there are definite steps that you can take to move up in your chosen profession. With these five tips, you can begin putting yourself on the path toward success and building an exciting future for yourself.

1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives

It is important to have clear, achievable goals that will help guide you along your career path. Start by taking time to assess where you are currently and what kind of progress you would like to make within a certain time frame. Once these goals have been identified, break them down into smaller, achievable objectives and create actionable steps to help you reach them. This plan should be reviewed regularly to evolve with your changing needs and goals.

Mentors can provide support, advice, and guidance as you navigate the unique challenges associated with corporate work. They have experience, knowledge, and insight on how to streamline processes or strategies to advance your career that you may not have access to otherwise. Taking advantage of this rich resource will have positive implications for both your long-term and short-term career goals. Asking peers or trusted supervisors is a great place to start when seeking a potential mentor who can assist you as you continue developing professionally.

Continuous learning is an important part of career advancement, and it's essential to take the time to improve on existing skills or learn new ones. This could be as simple as staying up-to-date with industry trends and technologies, taking a course, or earning a certification. Such investments in personal growth can demonstrate one's commitment and willingness to go the extra mile for success.

 
For example, nursing professionals should consider programs and certifications that offer more advanced roles, such as APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) or FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner). When researching family nurse practitioner programs available online in Montana, it pays to focus on your needs and determine what best suits you in terms of educational requirements, workloads, cost-effectiveness, and duration. Most importantly, target reputable online programs matching your career aspirations.

Taking risks and daring to be different are admirable qualities that can benefit a person's life, although it takes courage to put yourself out there and see what life has to offer beyond your comfort zone. Career advancement often means adapting, working hours outside the norm, or taking on a new role. It may even require traveling for work or relocating, but these adventures could pay off in career growth.

Networking with other professionals in your field is a great way to expand your knowledge base, exchange ideas, and increase job opportunities. Take advantage of social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with industry leaders who can provide valuable insights into the industry and offer helpful advice on advancing your career. You can also attend professional conferences or join industry associations related to your profession. These organizations often host meetings, workshops, and seminars where members can network with each other and gain valuable information about their field.

 
There are a variety of different ways that you can use to advance your career. From getting a mentor to embracing continuous learning, networking, and setting goals, these tips will help you on your journey toward success.
 
 

BOZEMAN — William Wyckoff, emeritus professor of earth sciences at Montana State University, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Honor by the American Association of Geographers, or AAG, for his leading role in research on the historical evolution of interactions among people and places in the American West.

As a professor of cultural geography in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Letters and Science from 1986 until his retirement in 2020, Wyckoff conducted a continually evolving set of research projects focusing on important segments of the American West and its diverse population – work that he continues today.

“It’s been a busy and fun retirement,” said Wyckoff, explaining that he still conducts research and writes books, one of which is slated for publication in the fall. He also stays involved in goings-on in the earth sciences department by serving on its advisory board.

Wyckoff said he didn’t know he had been nominated for the AAG honor until being notified he had won.

“It’s nice to get the honor – it provides encouragement to keep producing and writing books that people will enjoy,” Wyckoff said.

In announcing the award, the AAG stated that Wyckoff was selected because of his innovative research, effective dissemination of new insights to both scholarly and popular audiences, superior teaching in the classroom and in the field, and contributions to building a broader and more diverse set of scholars in geography.

His former colleagues at MSU agree that Wyckoff provided an exceptional educational experience to his students. At one time or another during his years at MSU, he taught nearly all the human geography courses offered in the department and introductory courses in cultural-historical and world regional geography, inspiring many students to pursue a degree in the field.

“I have lost count of the number of students who attributed their decision to major in geography to Bill’s dynamic and engaging lectures in World Regional Geography, a course he taught for over 25 years, and for which he authored one of the leading English-language textbooks,” said geographer Julia Haggerty, associate professor of earth sciences. “He inspired his students to take places seriously — with all of their complexities.”

Cathy Whitlock, MSU Regents professor emerita of earth sciences, credits Wyckoff’s leadership for helping develop the faculty and programs that benefit students in the department today.

“Geography continues to thrive at MSU as a result of the extraordinary new faculty that Bill was instrumental in recruiting,” she wrote in a letter supporting his nomination for the lifetime achievement honor.

Among those faculty were Haggerty and Jamie McEvoy, associate professor of earth sciences, who say Wyckoff supported and guided them as they became established in the department.

“He mentored me through my early days of teaching a large lecture course. He was always happy to answer questions about the course he had taught for decades but also empowered me to make it my own, teach to my strengths and have fun with it,” said McEvoy.

Yves Idzerda, dean of the College of Letters and Science, notes that Wycoff has also worked within MSU’s Ivan Doig Center for the Study of the Lands and Peoples of the North American West, named for the author and novelist whose books celebrated the landscape and people of Montana.  

“It’s amazing how much Bill’s work echoes that of Ivan Doig. His work is so impactful because of how he fosters and supports interdisciplinary scholarship on the American West,” Idzerda said.

In addition to academic texts that are still in use, Wyckoff also wrote books for broader audiences. In some cases, he employed historical photographs and contemporary images taken at the same locales to show changes over time. “How to Read the American West: A Field Guide,” provides visual and textual interpretations of landscape features and explains their significance.

His soon-to-be released book is about the historical and cultural geography of the African American Five Points community in northeast Denver, Colorado, as seen through the images of photographer Burnis McCloud, who recorded tens of thousands of images there between 1938 and 1975. Among the events McCloud documented were visits by Martin Luther King Jr. and jazz great Duke Ellington.

Wyckoff is currently writing a book about the National Old Trails Highway, a road designed in 1915 to traverse the United States from New York to Los Angeles. In the past two years, Wyckoff has driven the entirety of the old highway between downtown Manhattan and L.A., including long stretches that today are nothing more than undeveloped dirt roads.

“It’s a great way to understand how the landscape has changed and what else has changed since the road was laid out,” he said. “Sometimes it’s very little, sometimes an entirely new landscape. I write about landscape change, and there will be lots of photographs.”

Despite tackling such ambitious projects, Wyckoff says retirement has afforded him the luxury of working at a more leisurely pace while staying connected to MSU and watching developments in the earth sciences department, whose graduates forge careers in such fields as geography, geology, GIS and planning, paleontology, snow science and water resources.

“In terms of looking back across my years in the department, one thing I’ve taken great pride in is its growth. There have been so many great hires in the last 10 years,” he said. “Both the geography and geology sides of the department are at their strongest I can remember. It was a fun time for me to retire because the department was doing so well.

“It was thriving, and it is thriving,” he added. “I enjoy seeing that.”