Richard Hugo is an iconic figure in Montana poetry. He is a people’s poet, a man’s poet, who wrote of drinking and fishing and war. His work is renowned for its descriptions of place, the profound silence of prairies and constant talk talk talk of river’s babble.
Hugo was at his most prolific in the 1970’s, living in Missoula with his wife Ripley and her two children while directing the University of Montana’s creative writing program. It was then he wrote – and recited - many of the poems considered today an epitome of Montana writing.
Though Hugo died of leukemia in 1982, his work is now reaching forward to another generation through a newly-released 2-cd set of his readings, compiled by Missoula author Mark Ratledge. Ratledge first moved to Montana a year after Hugo’s death, when the poet’s words were still fresh in the air. "Everywhere I went, people were talking about Hugo's poetry," he said. The impact on Ratledge lasted.
As an adjunct professor of literature from 1999-2001, Ratledge was trying to inspire his mostly non-English major students, so he assigned Richard Hugo’s poetry to them. Ratledge believed the tales of drinking, fishing and driving Montana’s long, grey roads would be “familiar” to students not previously exposed to literature.
Ratledge searched for sound-recordings of Hugo’s poems to use in his classes, knowing that “students can tell more about (Hugo) and his works through hearing the poems,” than they could by merely reading them in silence. Ripley Hugo, the poet’s widow, heartily agrees. “Dick’s words really should be heard,” she said. “When you hear (his poems) you hear a man who is so aware … of the music in the words.”
Indeed, a universal humanity comes through in Hugo’s introductions to many of his poems. He tells stories that preface the poems not only with context, but a larger feeling for the poet’s mind.
The idea of compiling Hugo’s recited poems for a greater audience came to Ratledge while he was teaching. Asked to collaborate on the project, Ripley Hugo was thrilled with the prospect of returning her husband’s voice to Montana. “I was eager for it,” she said. “He was such a good reader.”
Through Ripley, Ratledge received legal permission to access the copyrighted works. In addition, he needed approval from the original sound producers. Tracking down the paper trail was difficult.
“One recording,” Ratledge said, “was made in 1962. This was before the internet. There was little record-keeping done.”
It took Ratledge a full year to access one tape, but he eventually succeeded in finding every available known recording.
Much of what Ratledge found was in bad shape: old audio cassettes and scratchy sound recordings haphazardly stored in basements and living-room desk drawers. Nonetheless, Ratledge viewed them as treasure, and hit pay dirt when he located a reel-to-reel recording archived at the Library of Congress.
That tape provided most of the source material for the new two-disc set. All in all, Ratledge sifted through 150 recorded poems, many on audio cassettes, to glean the 38 poems and introductions that make up the new 1 ½ hour digital recording.
Using audio-editing software and his laptop, Ratledge worked over three years removing scratches, flubbed words and background noise to produce the master discs for the project. Just a week after they were shipped to Portland for reproduction, his i-book died.
Early into the project, Ratledge recognized it would be a labor of love. Because of various copyright issues, the discs cannot be sold. Instead, Ratledge received a grant from the Montana Committee for the Humanities to distribute the finished sets to every public library and high-school within in Montana.
“I’ve gotten a lot of nice, hand-written notes from librarians across Montana,” he said. “Every week, I run into someone who really appreciates them.”
And that, after all, is the point.
“Everywhere else in the world,” Ratledge said, “literature and poetry are an integral part of society. In Ireland, people stand up and recite poetry in the pubs. In China, they sing opera in the parks. In this country, it’s losing footage.”
And that is something that needs to be remedied. Hugo’s poetry, said Ratledge, speaks to today’s world. “Look at the poems about Hugo’s bombing missions, and look at what’s going on in the world today,” Ratledge said. “His poetry is political. He wrote about war, Native Americans, environmental issues. They’re perfectly contemporary.”
And now they are available for every Montanan, for free. The two-CD set, “Eat Stone and Go On,” can be found in the English Dept., as well as the Mansfield and Missoula Public Libraries. The companion website, www.eatstone.org, has lesson plans, a Hugo biography, and links to related sites.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
KUFM wants your money - but they’re willing to give you manure, music, and news in return.
UM’s public radio station relies on its listeners to supply 65 percent of its operating budget. Last year, that amounted to $439,000, all gathered during a one-week pledge drive that makes KUFM different from other public broadcasting stations across the nation.
Other National Public Radio affiliates run two to four pledge drives during the fiscal year to ensure they meet operating expenses. KUFM runs just one.
According to Linda Talbot, Fundraising Director for the station, operating costs are not going to go down. “(Our) total operating budget for the year is close to $1 million,” she said, adding that inflation pushes that budget higher every year. “Public radio has seen a flattening of federal funding,“ Talbot said. “Congress has been challenging continued budgeting of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” The CPB, which is perhaps best known as the funding source behind the well-loved children’s show “Sesame Street,” supplies a little more than 17 percent of the station’s annual budget. Another 17.5 percent comes from the University, though KUFM receives no student fees.
KUFM broadcasts to all of western and central Montana and offers listeners jazz, classical, and “free form” shows, Talbot said. But their biggest draw might be the news. KUFM provides Montanans with National Public Radio News and the British Broadcasting Corporation’s World News. Talbot says NPR offers “a great alternative to commercial media, which has become shallow.” In contrast, NPR’s news is “far-reaching and in-depth,” she said. Talbot said that depth is important in a post 9-11 world. “Younger people are more interested in in-depth news,” since that pivotal event, she said, noting KUFM’s 18-25 year old listenership has increased since 9-11. Students download podcasts of news they miss due to class schedules from the KUFM website, Talbot said. “We (also) archive the Montana Evening News.” Regulatory constraints currently disallow streaming of the station’s shows, although the cost is within reach. Streaming is “actively under consideration,” Talbot noted.
This year’s fundraising theme, “Public: of the people, for everyone, available to all” was chosen to reflect the service that public radio provides, Talbot stated. Over 2700 premiums are expected to be donated by listeners as thank you gifts to other listeners who pledge monetary support for the station. That involvement, and the concept of listener-donated premiums, is fairly unique to Missoula, Talbot acknowledged. She said radio representatives from outside Montana have inquired how to model their own pledge drives on Missoula’s successful format. While other stations script their pledge drive, KUFM is entirely ad-libbed, Talbot remarked. All program hosts participate, along with 250-300 volunteers who answer phones in the hectic control room during the fundraising week. The station tries to make it fun, providing beverages and noise-makers for on-air celebrations of landmarks en route to the funding goal. This years goal has not yet been finalized, partly due to the earlier date of this year’s pledge drive. Steam tunnel work slated for April is disrupting the typical pledge week, Talbot said.
That has not stopped listeners from donating the premiums that make KUFM’s pledge drive so unique. Live goats, llama manure, a trip to band golden eagles, and “a homemade pie each month” are all available by donating to the station. Home grown vegies, sailing on Flathead Lake and lots of cds also stock the premium coffers. Lower-valued premiums (a dozen home-raised eggs, for instance) tend to be snapped up early in the week, while larger ticket items (a bear discovery outing with Chuck Jonkel, say) tend to be re-advertised throughout the “week of celebration,” Talbot said. Listeners may donate premiums, pledge funds, or volunteer time to the station by calling KUFM at 243-6400, or through the station’s website www.mtpr.org. Pledge week begins Monday, February 12, and runs through Sunday February 18.
UM’s public radio station relies on its listeners to supply 65 percent of its operating budget. Last year, that amounted to $439,000, all gathered during a one-week pledge drive that makes KUFM different from other public broadcasting stations across the nation.
Other National Public Radio affiliates run two to four pledge drives during the fiscal year to ensure they meet operating expenses. KUFM runs just one.
According to Linda Talbot, Fundraising Director for the station, operating costs are not going to go down. “(Our) total operating budget for the year is close to $1 million,” she said, adding that inflation pushes that budget higher every year. “Public radio has seen a flattening of federal funding,“ Talbot said. “Congress has been challenging continued budgeting of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” The CPB, which is perhaps best known as the funding source behind the well-loved children’s show “Sesame Street,” supplies a little more than 17 percent of the station’s annual budget. Another 17.5 percent comes from the University, though KUFM receives no student fees.
KUFM broadcasts to all of western and central Montana and offers listeners jazz, classical, and “free form” shows, Talbot said. But their biggest draw might be the news. KUFM provides Montanans with National Public Radio News and the British Broadcasting Corporation’s World News. Talbot says NPR offers “a great alternative to commercial media, which has become shallow.” In contrast, NPR’s news is “far-reaching and in-depth,” she said. Talbot said that depth is important in a post 9-11 world. “Younger people are more interested in in-depth news,” since that pivotal event, she said, noting KUFM’s 18-25 year old listenership has increased since 9-11. Students download podcasts of news they miss due to class schedules from the KUFM website, Talbot said. “We (also) archive the Montana Evening News.” Regulatory constraints currently disallow streaming of the station’s shows, although the cost is within reach. Streaming is “actively under consideration,” Talbot noted.
This year’s fundraising theme, “Public: of the people, for everyone, available to all” was chosen to reflect the service that public radio provides, Talbot stated. Over 2700 premiums are expected to be donated by listeners as thank you gifts to other listeners who pledge monetary support for the station. That involvement, and the concept of listener-donated premiums, is fairly unique to Missoula, Talbot acknowledged. She said radio representatives from outside Montana have inquired how to model their own pledge drives on Missoula’s successful format. While other stations script their pledge drive, KUFM is entirely ad-libbed, Talbot remarked. All program hosts participate, along with 250-300 volunteers who answer phones in the hectic control room during the fundraising week. The station tries to make it fun, providing beverages and noise-makers for on-air celebrations of landmarks en route to the funding goal. This years goal has not yet been finalized, partly due to the earlier date of this year’s pledge drive. Steam tunnel work slated for April is disrupting the typical pledge week, Talbot said.
That has not stopped listeners from donating the premiums that make KUFM’s pledge drive so unique. Live goats, llama manure, a trip to band golden eagles, and “a homemade pie each month” are all available by donating to the station. Home grown vegies, sailing on Flathead Lake and lots of cds also stock the premium coffers. Lower-valued premiums (a dozen home-raised eggs, for instance) tend to be snapped up early in the week, while larger ticket items (a bear discovery outing with Chuck Jonkel, say) tend to be re-advertised throughout the “week of celebration,” Talbot said. Listeners may donate premiums, pledge funds, or volunteer time to the station by calling KUFM at 243-6400, or through the station’s website www.mtpr.org. Pledge week begins Monday, February 12, and runs through Sunday February 18.
Cynthia Enloe is a research professor of women’s studies and militarism, and as the next speaker in UM’s President's Lecture Series will give a talk on "Women and the Iraq War," Monday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. in the Montana Theatre.
“I'll be talking about both us and Iraqi women as they relate to this war -- and why we need to
look at both together,” Enloe said. “I've been trying to make sense of women's diverse but important relationships to both war and to peacetime militarism since about the early 80s ,” she continued.
Enloe is a research professor at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. She is this year’s
Maxine Van de Wetering "Women Making History" Lecturer at UM, and studied and wrote about militaries and racism before turning to women’s issues. Enloe says, “I had not realized I could learn a LOT about militaries and wars and the cultures of militarism by taking women's lives seriously - it was my women students at Clark University who first nudged me to ask these questions.”
For the past twenty years, Enloe has been taking the topic seriously, and has authored the book "Maneuvers: The International Politics of Militarizing Women's Lives," which focuses on that work.
On Iraq, Enloe says, “Iraqi women had very mixed experiences under the 1980s and 1990s Baathist party regime. In the 1980s when the Baathists were dedicated to secular politics and to modernizing the economy, many - not all - women gained access to education and to professional jobs -- at the same time many women were arrested for alleged dissent and suffered in prison.”
She noted that while many Iraqi women today are very critical of the recent Saddam Hussein regime, they look at the war, and its impacts on their country, in a complex manner that doesn’t always translate through the media.
Enloe’s talk Monday night will be preceded by a seminar on "Women and the Globalization of Factories," in the Gallagher Business Building, Room 123 from 3:10 to 4:30 p.m. Both events, presented in conjunction with UM's Women's Studies Program, are free and open to the public.
“I'll be talking about both us and Iraqi women as they relate to this war -- and why we need to
look at both together,” Enloe said. “I've been trying to make sense of women's diverse but important relationships to both war and to peacetime militarism since about the early 80s ,” she continued.
Enloe is a research professor at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. She is this year’s
Maxine Van de Wetering "Women Making History" Lecturer at UM, and studied and wrote about militaries and racism before turning to women’s issues. Enloe says, “I had not realized I could learn a LOT about militaries and wars and the cultures of militarism by taking women's lives seriously - it was my women students at Clark University who first nudged me to ask these questions.”
For the past twenty years, Enloe has been taking the topic seriously, and has authored the book "Maneuvers: The International Politics of Militarizing Women's Lives," which focuses on that work.
On Iraq, Enloe says, “Iraqi women had very mixed experiences under the 1980s and 1990s Baathist party regime. In the 1980s when the Baathists were dedicated to secular politics and to modernizing the economy, many - not all - women gained access to education and to professional jobs -- at the same time many women were arrested for alleged dissent and suffered in prison.”
She noted that while many Iraqi women today are very critical of the recent Saddam Hussein regime, they look at the war, and its impacts on their country, in a complex manner that doesn’t always translate through the media.
Enloe’s talk Monday night will be preceded by a seminar on "Women and the Globalization of Factories," in the Gallagher Business Building, Room 123 from 3:10 to 4:30 p.m. Both events, presented in conjunction with UM's Women's Studies Program, are free and open to the public.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Rick Graetz and the Mountain Institute
Rick Graetz is not your ordinary adjunct. He's a world-class mountaineer, renowned landscape photographer, ambassador for Big Sky, MT, and a respected, successful publisher. And now he wants to help UM forge a "Mountain Institute," to offer degrees and study of the topography he knows and loves best.
"UM is becoming more a presence in my life, "he said. "I'm involved here with some of the best and brightest people." Graetz and his colleagues hope to get the Mountain Institute and a corresponding PhD program up and running soon. "It makes such common sense to have a mountain program here," Graetz added.
The Mountain Institute already has support from some key players, including Jerry Fetz, Dean of the College of Arts and Science, and President George Dennison. "There's no road block in the way of good ideas," said Graetz, adding Dennison has been especially supportive in a time "when Montana has been de-investing in education."
The department has already sent investigative teams out to proffer the institute idea, and is strengthening ties with like-minded programs, such as the Glacier Institute. From Fort Peck to Tajikistan , university officials have been working to establish UM's expertise in mountain and ecosystem tourism. Fetz, Dennison, and Director of International Programs Mehrdad Kia went to Tajikistan last year to establish ties with universities there. Gratez and fellow professor Artie Kia followed this year. "Tajikistan," Graetz said, "is this little gem. It was the nerve center of the Silk Road. It's undiscovered territory, with the greatest concentration of ice fields in a temperate zone."
Graetz said "most of the world's mountains are tough, harsh places to live in. There are lots of cultures being disrupted (by global tourism)." One goal of the Mountains Institute will be to "help these people help themselves, to see what they can do with sustainable tourism that doesn't destroy the culture of the country, but works with it." The philosophy of cooperation is integral to Graetz. "If you stand up alone, a strong wind can blow you down," he reflects.
Graetz hopes to apply the same principle to eastern Montana, as well. The Geography department, along with the Foundation for Community Vitality, will hold two symposiums in the fall of 2007 discussing possibilities for sustainable tourism and sustainable agriculture in the eastern two-thirds of our state.
Another visible face of the Institute will be a mountain geography text currently under development by Graetz and Ullie Kamp, a UM geography professor and earthquake consultant to Pakistan.
"I feel a geography degree is perhaps one of the most useful degrees a student can earn, especially if they emphasize the human/cultural aspect" Graetz said.
"UM is becoming more a presence in my life, "he said. "I'm involved here with some of the best and brightest people." Graetz and his colleagues hope to get the Mountain Institute and a corresponding PhD program up and running soon. "It makes such common sense to have a mountain program here," Graetz added.
The Mountain Institute already has support from some key players, including Jerry Fetz, Dean of the College of Arts and Science, and President George Dennison. "There's no road block in the way of good ideas," said Graetz, adding Dennison has been especially supportive in a time "when Montana has been de-investing in education."
The department has already sent investigative teams out to proffer the institute idea, and is strengthening ties with like-minded programs, such as the Glacier Institute. From Fort Peck to Tajikistan , university officials have been working to establish UM's expertise in mountain and ecosystem tourism. Fetz, Dennison, and Director of International Programs Mehrdad Kia went to Tajikistan last year to establish ties with universities there. Gratez and fellow professor Artie Kia followed this year. "Tajikistan," Graetz said, "is this little gem. It was the nerve center of the Silk Road. It's undiscovered territory, with the greatest concentration of ice fields in a temperate zone."
Graetz said "most of the world's mountains are tough, harsh places to live in. There are lots of cultures being disrupted (by global tourism)." One goal of the Mountains Institute will be to "help these people help themselves, to see what they can do with sustainable tourism that doesn't destroy the culture of the country, but works with it." The philosophy of cooperation is integral to Graetz. "If you stand up alone, a strong wind can blow you down," he reflects.
Graetz hopes to apply the same principle to eastern Montana, as well. The Geography department, along with the Foundation for Community Vitality, will hold two symposiums in the fall of 2007 discussing possibilities for sustainable tourism and sustainable agriculture in the eastern two-thirds of our state.
Another visible face of the Institute will be a mountain geography text currently under development by Graetz and Ullie Kamp, a UM geography professor and earthquake consultant to Pakistan.
"I feel a geography degree is perhaps one of the most useful degrees a student can earn, especially if they emphasize the human/cultural aspect" Graetz said.
A Place of Their Own
UM is home to tribal students form 22 states across the country, but they don't have a place on campus to call their own.
In an effort to right that wrong, the University plans to erect a Native American Studies Center. Unlike other academic buildings, the new structure will be a comprehensive cultural center/academic building/gathering place for native students, a home away from home.
"I think it's a great idea," said Adrian Bear Don't Walk, a Crow business student. On campus two years now, Bear Don't Walk said of his initial encounters with UM, "I didn't see enough Crow. I (still) miss hearing the language."
That sense of being out of place drastically affects Indian student retention, said Salena Hill, a counselor for American Indian Students Services. "It's very important that our students have a place to go," she noted. The AISS offices are currently housed in the Lommasson Center, but "we have no confidentiality," Hill added. The three small rooms open onto each other, disallowing the privacy necessary to council students in crisis, she said. Hill said her organization serves over 250 students per semester.
Right now, Native Student organizations have no set meeting place, either, despite the fact most clubs meet weekly, said Hill. Kiyiyo has organized a growing Northwest Powwow for thirty six years now, she said, but cannot get a meeting room from ASUM.
The new building, designed by Little Shell architect LA Olsen, should change all that. UM Foundation's Julie Horn is coordinating the capital campaign to fund construction. She said the center will be the first of its kind.
"It will be a one-stop shop," she said, with rooms for classes, meeting spaces, counseling services, and cultural activities such as dances and ceremonies. The building, which will be located just east of the Lommasson ceneter, will be a 20,000 square foot wedge, with a unique glass-enclosed circular front designed as a performance/gathering space. A miniature amphitheater, designated the "story-telling place" will be located outside of the building.
The building comes with a price tag of $6 million. Only $1 million has been raised so far, in an effort that began in 2003. Identifying and garnering access to large donors is the hardest part of the process, Horn said. "Buildings are one of the hardest things to raise money for."
States generally don't fund construction of academic buildings. The money has to come from private sources. Most new academic buildings rely on alumni or those with a vested interest in their programs to succeed in their funding goals. Without that base, "we have to find people with money who are willing to part with that money," said Horn.
In an effort to drum up support, both Horn and University Tribal Liaison Linda Juneau visited Montana's seven reservations in December. "They were all very enthusiastic," said Horn, but noted Montana tribes do not have large coffers. Still, all the tribes pledged support, with some offering in-kind donations such as a bison hunt on the Fort Peck Reservation to be auctioned to the highest bidder. Horn said the University needs $5 million in hand before groundbreaking can occur.
Horn hopes to expand fundraising outreach to out-of-state tribes with large gaming revenues, as the center will serve students from all over the country. Even so, "identifying prospects is probably the hardest part of this job," she said.
In an effort to right that wrong, the University plans to erect a Native American Studies Center. Unlike other academic buildings, the new structure will be a comprehensive cultural center/academic building/gathering place for native students, a home away from home.
"I think it's a great idea," said Adrian Bear Don't Walk, a Crow business student. On campus two years now, Bear Don't Walk said of his initial encounters with UM, "I didn't see enough Crow. I (still) miss hearing the language."
That sense of being out of place drastically affects Indian student retention, said Salena Hill, a counselor for American Indian Students Services. "It's very important that our students have a place to go," she noted. The AISS offices are currently housed in the Lommasson Center, but "we have no confidentiality," Hill added. The three small rooms open onto each other, disallowing the privacy necessary to council students in crisis, she said. Hill said her organization serves over 250 students per semester.
Right now, Native Student organizations have no set meeting place, either, despite the fact most clubs meet weekly, said Hill. Kiyiyo has organized a growing Northwest Powwow for thirty six years now, she said, but cannot get a meeting room from ASUM.
The new building, designed by Little Shell architect LA Olsen, should change all that. UM Foundation's Julie Horn is coordinating the capital campaign to fund construction. She said the center will be the first of its kind.
"It will be a one-stop shop," she said, with rooms for classes, meeting spaces, counseling services, and cultural activities such as dances and ceremonies. The building, which will be located just east of the Lommasson ceneter, will be a 20,000 square foot wedge, with a unique glass-enclosed circular front designed as a performance/gathering space. A miniature amphitheater, designated the "story-telling place" will be located outside of the building.
The building comes with a price tag of $6 million. Only $1 million has been raised so far, in an effort that began in 2003. Identifying and garnering access to large donors is the hardest part of the process, Horn said. "Buildings are one of the hardest things to raise money for."
States generally don't fund construction of academic buildings. The money has to come from private sources. Most new academic buildings rely on alumni or those with a vested interest in their programs to succeed in their funding goals. Without that base, "we have to find people with money who are willing to part with that money," said Horn.
In an effort to drum up support, both Horn and University Tribal Liaison Linda Juneau visited Montana's seven reservations in December. "They were all very enthusiastic," said Horn, but noted Montana tribes do not have large coffers. Still, all the tribes pledged support, with some offering in-kind donations such as a bison hunt on the Fort Peck Reservation to be auctioned to the highest bidder. Horn said the University needs $5 million in hand before groundbreaking can occur.
Horn hopes to expand fundraising outreach to out-of-state tribes with large gaming revenues, as the center will serve students from all over the country. Even so, "identifying prospects is probably the hardest part of this job," she said.
UM Press Comes to Life
Ready for Press
Montanans wishing to publish books about the state won't need to look far for a press anymore. The University is reviving its imprint, University of Montana Press, for selected works by Montanans about the state, its people, cultures and art.
The goals of the University Press will be threefold. Jim Foley, UM's Executive Vice President, said the press will have a forward-thinking strategy to put UM on the map, make a little money and bring forth visionary thinking about the future. "It matters how this works," Foley remarked, explaining the careful tack the University is taking in the press's revival.
Rick Graetz, founder of "Montana Magazine" is deeply involved in the press's resurgence. "We're trying to get books out that should be published," he said. "We will hit the ground running." The UM Press's first publication is due out this spring.
"Last Tango in Melrose, Montana" is a collection of humorous columns written for regional magazines by the late journalist and UM alum Dan Vichorek. All royalties from the book will go to a scholarship fund for the school of journalism. "Our focus is to get into the fabric of the state," said Graetz, "not just to entertain, but to educate people about Montana."
"We're going to publish things that pay for themselves or make us some money," added Foley. "This isn't going to be a losing proposition."
A seven-member committee decides the direction of the press, and what to print. Three books have been agreed upon thus far. After "Tango," a book by historian Rafael Chacon about Montana architect AJ Gibson will be released in conjunction with the anniversary of certain Gibson buildings. Last is a book of photography by Helena's Richard Buswell.
Dr. Buswell will self-fund publication and marketing of his book, providing the University Press free publicity.
The first three books were chosen for their potential to reach diverse audiences, expanding knowledge of the University Press. "So few people even know there is a University of Montana Press," said Foley, adding "we get a couple proposals every month." With the new press up and running, Foley anticipates interest to surge. "Everybody's excited about this," Graetz concurred.
The press will be a full-service shop, the men explained. "We'll be doing everything," said Foley.
"All design, pre-press work, etc., is going to be done here," Graetz added. Even the proofreading contracts are with Montanans - former UM alums, Graetz pointed out. Graetz believes there will be opportunities to employ more Montanans, and to involve University departments and programs as the press expands.
Actual printing will be done in-house, too. The University Printing and Graphics department is now computer-to-print ready, and has a recently purchased four-color press, allowing for faster, better color printing. Ken Price, Director of Printing and Graphics, is credited with bringing the department into the modern world.
Before Price took over two and a half years ago, the print shop relied on an old two color press, and everything had to be run through twice to get full color. Price is now testing chemical free printing. "We are one of the first, if not the first, University trying this system," he revealed. "There are still a few bugs to work out," he said, but there is excitement for the new process. "We're trying to push the limits on our quality," said Price.
The 2002 four color press (purchased used by the cost-conscious Price) uses "some of the latest automation" to ensure color accuracy. "For a college," Price said, "we're on the cutting edge of some of our printing technology." That technology will work to the advantage of the University Press, Foley believes. "Momentum will build, and people will say "Wow."
Montanans wishing to publish books about the state won't need to look far for a press anymore. The University is reviving its imprint, University of Montana Press, for selected works by Montanans about the state, its people, cultures and art.
The goals of the University Press will be threefold. Jim Foley, UM's Executive Vice President, said the press will have a forward-thinking strategy to put UM on the map, make a little money and bring forth visionary thinking about the future. "It matters how this works," Foley remarked, explaining the careful tack the University is taking in the press's revival.
Rick Graetz, founder of "Montana Magazine" is deeply involved in the press's resurgence. "We're trying to get books out that should be published," he said. "We will hit the ground running." The UM Press's first publication is due out this spring.
"Last Tango in Melrose, Montana" is a collection of humorous columns written for regional magazines by the late journalist and UM alum Dan Vichorek. All royalties from the book will go to a scholarship fund for the school of journalism. "Our focus is to get into the fabric of the state," said Graetz, "not just to entertain, but to educate people about Montana."
"We're going to publish things that pay for themselves or make us some money," added Foley. "This isn't going to be a losing proposition."
A seven-member committee decides the direction of the press, and what to print. Three books have been agreed upon thus far. After "Tango," a book by historian Rafael Chacon about Montana architect AJ Gibson will be released in conjunction with the anniversary of certain Gibson buildings. Last is a book of photography by Helena's Richard Buswell.
Dr. Buswell will self-fund publication and marketing of his book, providing the University Press free publicity.
The first three books were chosen for their potential to reach diverse audiences, expanding knowledge of the University Press. "So few people even know there is a University of Montana Press," said Foley, adding "we get a couple proposals every month." With the new press up and running, Foley anticipates interest to surge. "Everybody's excited about this," Graetz concurred.
The press will be a full-service shop, the men explained. "We'll be doing everything," said Foley.
"All design, pre-press work, etc., is going to be done here," Graetz added. Even the proofreading contracts are with Montanans - former UM alums, Graetz pointed out. Graetz believes there will be opportunities to employ more Montanans, and to involve University departments and programs as the press expands.
Actual printing will be done in-house, too. The University Printing and Graphics department is now computer-to-print ready, and has a recently purchased four-color press, allowing for faster, better color printing. Ken Price, Director of Printing and Graphics, is credited with bringing the department into the modern world.
Before Price took over two and a half years ago, the print shop relied on an old two color press, and everything had to be run through twice to get full color. Price is now testing chemical free printing. "We are one of the first, if not the first, University trying this system," he revealed. "There are still a few bugs to work out," he said, but there is excitement for the new process. "We're trying to push the limits on our quality," said Price.
The 2002 four color press (purchased used by the cost-conscious Price) uses "some of the latest automation" to ensure color accuracy. "For a college," Price said, "we're on the cutting edge of some of our printing technology." That technology will work to the advantage of the University Press, Foley believes. "Momentum will build, and people will say "Wow."
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