By Tim Leeds
The Class of 2001 graduated from Montana State University-Northern Saturday, May 5 in cap and gown barely.
Due to a problem from the vendor shipping the caps and gowns, they were a little late arriving.
"10:57 a.m. Friday how's that for stressful," Northern Bookstore Director Cathy Jamruszka said.
Jamruszka said the vendor still hasn't told them why the gowns were so late getting there, but she's still looking into it. She said the students were great about the problem.
Jamruszka said many didn't pick up their caps and gowns until Saturday morning, and store employees had irons and ironing boards set up for the graduates to use before the graduation ceremony.
"I never heard one complaint," Jamruszka said. "They're a great bunch."
The university conferred degrees on 411 students in the ceremony held in the Northern gymnasium. Thirty-eight students received associate of applied science degrees, 83 received associate of science degrees, one received a bachelor degree in applied science, 36 received bachelor of arts degrees, 140 received bachelor of science degrees, 56 received bachelor of science in education degrees, 41 received master of education degrees and 16 received master of science in education degrees.
Lynn Hamilton of the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education addressed the graduates following the processional and Chancellor Alex Capdeville's welcome. Capdeville presented the 50-year reunion class of 1951, then made his remarks to the graduates.
Oregon Institute of Technology President Martha Anne Dow gave the commencement address. Dow, a Northern graduate, was also a member of Northern's faculty and administration before moving to OIT. Positions she held at Northern included dean of the math and science department and vice-chancellor of academic affairs.
Northern Alumni Director Judy Bricker addressed the audience following the conferring of degrees.
The Class of 1941, along with members of the classes from 1939-1943, were at the ceremony for their 60th reunion. The Class of 1951 received its anniversary diplomas at the start of the conferring of degrees.
The ceremony was followed by a brunch in the SUB (Student Union Building.)
