media and events information center

For additional information or questions, call or e-mail Roxanne Engellant, Foundation director, at (406) 683-7305.

Information for the media is available via e-mail or by calling David Nolt, Montana Western director of media relations, at (406) 683-7201.


Former Montana Western professor dies at 83

Terrance Cypher, former math professor and department head at Western Montana College (the University of Montana Western), died at the Parkview Acres Care Center in Helena, Mont. on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Born on April 1,1926 to Fern (Edwards) and Ralph Cypher. Cypher attended elementary and secondary schools in the Custer, South Dakota area. He served with the U.S. Navy in Guam in World War II from 1944 to 1946.

Cypher received his B.S. from Montana State University (MSU) in 1950, his M.S. In mathematics in 1958 and his doctorate in 1977. He taught math in Circle, Bridger and at MSU before joining the Western Montana College staff in 1958. He had a long and distinguished career as the head of the WMC mathematics department for 29 years, culminating in an academic exchange program to China in 1983. He chaired the Mathematics-Science divisions, represented the faculty on the WMC Foundation Board of Directors and was appointed acting Vice President of Academic Affairs in 1985.

Terry married Carol Severson in 1948 in Powell, Wyoming. To this 60 year union three sons were born, Dave, Jere and Dan. The family enjoyed being together in the great outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking and snowmobiling. Terry also enjoyed tennis, golf, woodworking, leatherwork, ceramics, bridge and lapidary. He volunteered at Bannack State Park for over 25 years. His service at Grace United Methodist Church over the years was gratifying and meaningful to him.

He is survived by his wife Carol; sons and their wives, Dave and Bonnie, and Dan and Marty of Dillon, Mont., and Jere and Molly of Bozeman, Mont.