1960s

Pat Connors ’65, Butte, is the second person in the history of D.A. Davidson to celebrate 50 years with the firm. Connors served as branch manager from 1977 to 2005, on the board of directors and is now senior vice president and financial adviser. The Patrick J. Connors Production Achievement Award was created in his honor. A former U.S. Army National Guard volunteer and supporter of UM and Montana Technological University in Butte, Connors earned UM’s Community Service Award in 2008.

Raymond Dominick ’66, Bigfork, is one of around 150 men in the country to take vows with the Lay Contemplative Associates, Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Besides writing the Bigfork Knights of Columbus and LCA quarterly newsletter, Dominick stays busy as part-time COO of the small investment software program he sold.       

Jim Schaefer ’66, Schenectady, NY, was named historian for the town of Rotterdam. He taught on applied anthropology and North American Indians at Union College, various classes at UM, and the University of Minnesota, in India as a Senior Fulbright lecturer. He holds a master’s degree and doctorate in cultural anthropology from SUNY-Buffalo.  

Robert Spears ’68, Midland, MI, was promoted to vice chair for the Eagle Village Foundation Board. The organization serves victims of abuse and neglect, children and teens with risky behavior, and adoption and foster care kids and their families.

Martin Melosi ’69, M.A. ’71, Houston, published his latest book, “Fresh Kills: A History of Consuming and Discarding in New York City,” in January with Columbia University Press. He retired in 2018 as the Cullen Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Houston.   

 The New Big Sky Singers 

Don MacDonald ’69, J.D. ’74, Missoula, produced a new compact disc featuring the “New Big Sky Singers,” a group he formed with Gary Funk ’68, Florence; Don Collins ’65, Seattle and Rob Quist, Creston; at UM in 1967. Titled “Fifty Years Ago Today,” the album celebrates their musical heritage, honors songwriters they have admired through the years and features 15 songs from multiple genres – all performed with their unique arrangements and outstanding vocal style. As members of “Montana’s Finest Voices,” the UM Jubileers, the singers toured internationally as goodwill ambassadors for the University. “We had a great experience at the University. This is our way of saying thank you to our classmates and the teachers who guided us along the way,” MacDonald says. “This album represents our finest work.” To sample or digitally purchase the album, visit https://newbigskysingers.bandcamp.com. CDs are available through Rockin Rudy’s (www.rockinrudys.com), the M Store and the University Bookstore. (Pictured left to right: Quist, Collins, MacDonald and Funk). 

C. Bruce Loble ’69, J.D., ’72, Bozeman, retired in 2013 and has been padding his obituary with scuba diving trips to Cozumel, Tulum, the California Channel Islands and off the coasts of Hawaii and the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. This photo was taken in “Shark Alley” in the Exuma Cays in March. Loble returned to Bozeman five days before the coronavirus virus pandemic was declared and has been happily locked down with Sally ’69 for the duration of the virus quarantine. They celebrate their 49th anniversary in June.