Natural Resources Building: The First Academic Addition to Tech Since 1989
Last Wednesday, September 22nd, Montana Tech’s alumni, students, faculty, and various supporters joined together in celebration of the newest building on our campus: the Natural Resources Building.
“Natural resources…are the challenge of our future,” said Regent Stephen Barrett, of the Board of Regents of Higher Education. It is because of that challenge that this building is not only a good investment, but a stepping stone for petroleum engineering students, and a contribution to society as a whole. Without some of the great minds in petroleum engineering, our future, everyone’s future in natural resources would likely be very bleak.
“This Natural Resources Building came about because of the vision and the drive of you, Frank Gilmore,” said Lieutenant Governor John J. Bohlinger. It was clear that every person who spoke at this event was very thankful for the drive and determination that Chancellor Frank Gilmore had and used to make this building possible. Lieutenant Governor Bohlinger also made everyone aware of the amount of funds that were raised from various resources. $1.2million was raised from Montana Tech itself, $2million was raised from Tech alumni, and $14.2million was provided by the Montana Legislature, a total of $17.4million. According to Lieutenant Governor Bohlinger, these funds went not only toward the new building, but toward other improvements on Tech’s campus as well. Montana Tech already has one of the greatest job placement statistics in the country, and they’re still striving to make our campus and learning opportunities even better. Representing the Montana Tech Foundation was Mel Brekhus, the Chair of the Board of Directors; during his speech, he said “we’re all proud of this building and everything it represents…we can accomplish anything.”
Other speakers giving their thanks included Senator Steve Gallus, Representative Jon Sesso, President (of the University of Montana) George Dennison, Project Superintendent (of the Natural Resources Building) Casey Austin, State Geologist Edmond Deal (also the Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology), and Department Head Leo Heath (Petroleum Engineering Department). Participants in the Ribbon Cutting included Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, Chair of the Board of Regents Clay Christian, Chief Executive of Butte-Silver Bow Paul Babb, Representative Jon Sesso, Senator Steve Gallus, Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns, and Chancellor Frank Gilmore.
The Natural Resources Building is open for classes and studying so, if you haven’t already, check it out and take advantage of this new resource.
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