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."