Enough with the honors

It is my wish that friends clearly understand, "George O did not seek nor did he ask for the wonderful things that happened to him last week in Missoula." That said! Please let me share one of the proudest times of my 78 years of life.

Checked into the Doubletree Hotel Thursday afternoon and Susan Cuff, Associate Director of the University of Montana Alumni Association picked me up at 5:15 for the President's Club Dinner in the beautiful Students Center. Hundreds of well dressed University officials and alums were there to hear President George Dennison report on the education business. It was amazing to hear alumni tell of millions of dollars being raised from private funds to keep U of M the highly rated school it has become.

We also had entertainment by talented students from the English and music departments. I was introduced along with two other alums being honored for life achievements. We were announced as the 2006 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, "One of the highest honors bestowed here."

Friday morning, toured the campus with its hallowed buildings such as Main Hall, and all the big state of the art buildings, the new Business school, new Journalism school, and many other awesome places to study and learn. 11:30 was time for gourmet luncheon at the President home where I gave a short talk to assembled Administrators, Professors, and Alumni officers.

Told of young George Dennison coming to school at the Flathead Mine several years behind me. Our dads were hard rock miners during the depression and times were tough. Mentioned there was not much talk or thought about any of us kids in our patched overalls and hand-me-down shirts ever going to college.

"Skip forward almost half a century. Right before noon one day at radio station, KOFI, there was no time to scan and edit the latest AP news from Helena as I ripped it off the teletype. Barely had time to sit down at the mike and go on the air. The second or third story began, 'Today in Helena, the State Board of Regents gave a one hundred percent go-ahead for Doctor George Dennison to assume the responsibilities as President of the University of Montana at Missoula.'

"Couldn't help thinking back to those sparse Flathead Mine days, and as I continued reading the news that great day, a lump formed in my throat, eyes watered up. Had a tough time continuing to read for several minutes. Ladies and Gentlemen, it did not seem humanely possible that I was an owner of Montana's most powerful radio station…and 'little Georgie Dennison' was President of the University. The emotion I felt that day was triggered by overwhelming pride."

When the short luncheon speech was concluded, the tables were a buzz about my saying "Georgie." Apparently at the University of Montana, he is never called Georgie. Sorry about that President Dennison!

Friday was busy, 2 p.m. Professor Ray Ekness took me to a large humanities class made up of junior Journalism students. Had fun speaking to them until 4 p.m. when there was a reception at the old Journalism School where alums, teachers, and students could come and visit with me over a glass of wine and finger food. Saw many old friends and made new ones. My Broadcasters "Hall of Fame Plaque" was displayed on an easel. It was sort of embarrassing.

5:50 p.m.- "Assemble for Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony presentations at the University Center Ballroom. Family pictures and seating arrangements." (My sister Dode Wolf and her daughter Teri were there also.)

6 p.m.- Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony and Reception immediately following. Suggested dress: jacket tie/suit.

That was the biggy! Was given a large gold colored honors medal mounted on a red velvet background in a hardwood frame. Was asked for a brief acceptance speech, where-in I jokingly admitted to not studying as hard as I could have and spending three of the "most wonderful years of my life as a U of M sophomore." Gave credit to a Whitefish railroader's good lookin' daughter for straightening me out. (Iris stood up to well deserved applause)

9:15 a.m.- Saturday, Ray took us downtown where we got on "the Trolley Float" which led "Montana's largest" parade up Higgins Avenue and out to the University. It was exciting … far bigger that I had dreamed.

11:30 a.m.- "Lunch in the Gallagher Business Building, a magnificent "state-of-the-arts" architectural accomplishment. Gianchetta Piazza-Honored recipient, spouse and invited guests." The main course was roast pig. Yum yum.

12:30 p.m.- Taken by golf cart through thousands of people holding tailgate parties to the KYSS broadcast center for pre-game interview. (Broadcast over KOFI)

1:00 p.m.- Kickoff!!! Grizzlies vs. Northern Arizona- President's Sky Box. Food and refreshments served during the game. I spent the last of the first quarter and most of the second talking to Governor Schweitzer who was also invited to the Presidential Box. At half time we three honorees were dragged on to the field where and announcer said nice things about us and we shook Georgie's hand for photographers.

There were all sorts of celebrations and parties after the game but Iris and I had and early dinner with daughter Heidi, her husband Scott and their friends at our hotel, then at 8 p.m. I went to bed and didn't get up until 7 a.m. Sunday.

Told Iris "These have been three wonderfully flattering days, but I sincerely hope the University doesn't honor me again… for quite awhile."