September 14, 2007

Article Body: Dear Friends,

The fall semester is well underway at the School of Mines, and we are pleased to welcome our new and returning students to campus. This year marks the second year for our freshmen to participate in our tablet pc program. The program is an overwhelming success; however, with that success, also comes new challenges. An unanticipated increase in the number of upper-class students interested in participating in the program generated a shortage in tablets. Our IT department quickly located additional tablets and placed an emergency order. By the end of the day, we should have everyone ready to “log on”.

I am pleased to announce that the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc. has extended accreditation status to our Environmental Engineering Bachelor of Science program, and that the accreditation is retroactive to October 1, 2004. ABET, Inc., formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology.

This week the campus had the honor of hosting Senator John Thune, Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, representatives from Senator Tim Johnson’s office, Dr. Tony Chan, Assistant Director of NSF, his associates, members of the SD Board of Regents, and dozens of regional community leaders to discuss plans for the NSF Deep Underground Science and Engineering Lab (DUSEL) and Sanford Underground Engineering and Science Lab (SUSEL) at Homestake. The proposed laboratory presents countless new research opportunities for engineers and scientists as well as technology based economic development opportunities for our state.

The campus was delighted to learn that Dr. Dana Medlin, Associate Professor, Metallurgical Engineering has been selected as an ASM Fellow. Dr. Medlin is recognized for his work in innovative design and development of medical devices. More information on this prestigious award can be found at: http://www.asminternational.org/CommunityImages/Awards/ASM_Fellows2007.pdf.

We welcome to campus Dr. Hayk L. Khachatryan, a Fulbright scholar from the Yerevan State University in Armenia. Dr. Khachatryan will stay at the School of Mines for six months working with Professor Jan Puszynksi from the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department.

The work of Deborah Mitchell, Associate Professor Humanities and Director of the APEX Gallery is featured in Unexpected Ways the current exhibit at the Dahl Arts Center. The exhibit honors the work of Professor Mitchell and three other Black Hills area artists who received South Dakota Arts Council artist grants in 2006. Professor Mitchell’s work was inspired by a printmaking workshop in Greece, Greek art and architecture, and the Aegean waters. The exhibit continues through October 6th with an artists’ reception scheduled for Friday, September 21st from 5-7 pm in the Ruth Brennan Gallery.

For the third year, the Rocky Mountain Unconventional Gas Conference will be held on the School of Mines campus. This year’s conference, to be held October 10-12, 2007, is an opportunity to hear from professionals on topics such as the exploration and production of unconventional gases, including coalbed methane, shale gas reservoirs and unconventional shallow gases. Participants have the opportunity to attend a short course, Appraising Coalbed and Shale Gas Reservoirs, on Wednesday, October 10th. To register, or for more information on this and other conferences, please visit www.sdsmt.edu/learn/professional or call (605) 394-2693.

The School of Mines 92nd annual M-Week will begin on Sunday, September 23rd, and the campus will be a-buzz with students wearing senior hats and frosh beanies. I invite you to join me in celebrating the School of Mines’ past, present, and future at the M-Week events. This year’s “pirate” themed week will be celebrated with many activities, culminating with the coronation and bonfire on Thursday night; picnic and M-Hill climb on Friday; and parade and football game on Saturday. For a complete listing of events and schedules you can visit http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/studentorganizations/m-week. The Student Alumni Connection is hosting a golf tournament and picnic for alumni, students and friends on Sunday, September 30th at Noon at the Executive Golf Course. For registration and more information contact the Alumni Association office at alumni@sdsmt.edu or (605) 394-2347.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments. I can be reached at charles.ruch@sdsmt.edu.

Charles Ruch

Posted by Vickie Bender on 9/14/2007 3:45:00 PM

September 14, 2007

September 14, 2007

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