March 21-22, 2002

 

ITEM 114-1602-R0302��������������� Authorization to Name the Rural Education Technology Center the Charles G. Swysgood Technology Center; The University of Montana-Western

 

THAT:�������������������������������������� Consistent with Board of Regents� Policy 1004.1, Naming of Buildings, the Board of Regents of the Montana University System authorizes The University of Montana-Western to name the Rural Education Technology Center the �Charles G. Swysgood Technology Center.�

 

EXPLANATION:����������������������� The University of Montana-Western proposes this action in recognition of Charles G. Swysgood and his service to Beaverhead County, to the City of Dillon and to the University.� Charles Swysgood represented the people of House District 34 and Senate District 17 for a combined period of 13 years before leaving office in December 2000.

 

����������������������������������������������� From 1987-1992, Mr. Swysgood served in the Montana State House of Representatives, and in the Montana Senate from 1993-2000.� While in the House, he served on the Appropriations Committee.� In the Senate, he served on the Senate Finance and Claims Committee, which he chaired during the 1997 and 1999 Legislative Sessions.� Since leaving the Legislative Assembly in 2000, Mr. Swysgood has served as the Budget Director in the Administration of Governor Judy Martz.

 

����������������������������������������������� Throughout his service in the Legislative Assembly, Charles Swysgood worked closely with The University of Montana-Western, especially its need for academic facilities and technology-driven instruction and support service.� He played a significant part in the development of the Rural Education Technology Center.� The Center�s opening for instructional use on 16 January 2002 reflects Mr. Swysgood�s strong leadership and support.

 

����������������������������������������������� Mr. Swysgood also played a leadership role in bringing the Montana Youth Challenge Program to Western.� The Challenge Program serves as the first residential project for disadvantaged youth of its kind in Montana.� The fact that the program came to fruition and continues to receive broad University and community support resulted from the leadership of Charles Swysgood.

 

����������������������������������������������� Charles G. Swysgood�s commitment to public service and to the good of the people and institutions he served gained him the admiration and respect of The University of Montana-Western community, as well as that of his peers in the Legislative Assembly and the people of Senate District 17.� To recognize his service and contributions made to The University of Montana-Western and the State of Montana, the University requests authorization to name the Rural Education Technology Center the �Charles G. Swysgood Technology Center.�