Republished from the Missoulian | Originally Posted: By KIM BRIGGEMAN of the Missoulian on Wednesday, December 2, 2009

It’s been 30 years since a student group at the University of Montana donated money raised by the annual Aber Day Benefit Kegger to the UM library.

Now it’s happening again. In a brief ceremony Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library on campus, the folks behind the making of a recent documentary of the 1970s Missoula phenomenon will present a $2,000 check to Bonnie Allen, dean of the library.

“We’ll give more in the future. We just have to see what happens,” said Bob McCue, executive director of the film.

Allen will use the opportunity to present a plaque from the university that acknowledges the work of the students who put on the benefit keggers from 1972 to 1979. It was initially presented at the October screening, and will hang in the library.

The film premiered to two large crowds in the University Theater in early October. McCue said some 500 DVDs have been sold at $20 a pop since then. They as well as Kegger T-shirts are still available at Rockin Rudy’s, the University Center Bookstore and online at www.aberdaykegger.com.

The eight keggers raised $55,000 for the library. McCue estimated between 60 and 70 students served on University Liquid Assets Corp. boards and worked on the keggers, and he’s inviting those he can find to attend Thursday’s presentation.

“We have received many positive comments on what a wonderful memory the film brought back for so many people,” McCue said. “We are grateful for such a positive response as well as for the many people who purchased the Kegger DVD since the film premiere.”

Reporter Kim Briggeman can be reached at 523-5266 or at kbriggeman@missoulian.com.