From Alumni Association Director Dear Alumni and Friends, This issue of the Collegian celebrates excellence. We enjoyed a wonderful Awards for Excellence evening where students were recognized for their academic achievements and service to campus and community. Faculty were recognized for the inspiration and encouragement they give students. The powerful relationships between those outstanding students and faculty members made a clear statement about Montana State University. It is a place of choice for students who seek challenge and excellence, and they are met by faculty members who motivate, inspire and have high expectations for the classroom and the lab. The Alumni Association works every day to involve alumni in the life of Montana State University. Throughout these pages you'll see a variety of events and activities planned for you and your friends. Start planning now to come "home"for Homecoming or attend an event in your area. Contact your friends from college and agree to attend something together. You know how much fun you would have; make a commitment to do it. The more you get involved with Montana State, the more opportunities for involvement you will seek. You are very important to your university. Alumni support is critical to maintaining excellence at Montana State University. Financial support from the state is much less than it was in the past. Many of us who graduated from Montana State left the campus without realizing our responsibility to give back; to assist someone who comes behind us. Thank you for getting involved, learning more about the challenges that face higher education and realizing the excellence that is a common thread throughout Montana State University. We can't do it without you. Please come, participate, join, celebrate and tell others about Montana State University. Fondly, Jaynee Drange Groseth, '73, '91 Executive Director, Montana State University Alumni Association P.S. Remember when I reflected earlier this year on my son Anders enrolling at Montana State? What fun it has been to experience MSU through the eyes of a parent. He loves his classes (although he has missed a few, much to my chagrin), is fascinated by the challenging discussions in the classroom, has joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, was selected to be an Orientation leader, likes "dorm food," has met friends from both Montana as well as out of state, is passionate about skiing at Bridger Bowl and proudly wears Blue and Gold. He is happy with his choice and of course, so am I. Go Cats!