University of Montana in the News...

This article was originally published in the Missoulian (September 9, 2003)

New VP says 'Welcome' with hot dogs, live band
By Jessie Piedfort for the Montana Kaimin

Vice President of Student Affairs Teresa Branch believes in a balanced approach to college living, but the menu at the first-ever WelcomeFEAST didnt offer much in the way of a balanced diet.

An estimated 3,000 people attended the lunchtime feed, where they were treated to snacks, drinks, music and the choice between beef and vegetable-based hot dogs on the University of Montana Oval Friday.

Branch organized the meal and said it was meant to provide students with access to the support they need from services and activities outside the classroom.

Its all part of what Branch, who is in her first year as vice president of Student Affairs, believes is a different way of looking at college.

Students do best when they approach their academic life from a balanced perspective, Branch said, implying that students shouldnt spend all their time studying or working in the classroom.

More than 30 student groups and academic departments had representatives at 47 tables lining the Oval during the event.

ASUM was one of the groups with a table. Several dozen people stopped by to get information and several expressed interest in committee assignments and ASUM transportation programs, said ASUM President Aaron Flint.

Its something that Vice President Branch deserves a lot of credit for, to have the vision to start it up, Flint said of the event.

Although 6,000 hot dogs and buns were provided for the event, only about 3,100 were consumed, said Sara Drake, assistant director of Dining Services. The rest were marked for sale at campus concessions, including UM football games.

Unconsumed bags of chips and ice cream sandwiches were returned to the vendor to save money, Drake said.

Music was provided by Missoulas Sleeman Gulch Blues Band and the UM Marching Band. The UM Cheer Squad also made an appearance.

The total cost of WelcomeFEAST was over $15,000, Branch said.

Branch, who received her doctorate in psychology from the University of Washington, said her new job wont allow her to work one-on-one with students as much as shes accustomed to, but she enjoys the opportunity to work more on solving administrative problems that effect a large number of students.

The opportunity to work with students and to further their opportunities in life is something I really enjoy doing, Branch said.

Branch joined UM in late May after former Vice President Barbara Hollmann retired. Previously, Branch worked in student-related positions at Iowa State University, Arizona State University and the University of Washington.