Dear Colleagues and Friends,
This past week we welcomed the School of Mines Academic Advisory Board to campus. Many board members have held senior leadership positions in prestigious organizations. Others are founders and presidents of local companies. All give generously of their time and talents to the School of Mines, and we want to acknowledge our appreciation of their on-going guidance.
The first National Leadership Summit for our capital campaign, Building the Dream, was held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 on campus. The National Leadership is comprised of outstanding individuals and businesses that share a common concern for the School of Mines and have committed to advancing our goals through their financial support. Foundation Trustees and National Leaders who have committed $30,000 or more to the campaign were invited to the summit.
Melanie Vedvei, 2008 industrial engineering graduate has been named one of five 2008 Tau Beta Pi Laureates in recognition of gifted engineering students who have excelled in areas beyond their technical majors. This prestigious award acknowledges Melanie for her athletic abilities as does her 2008 LeRoy Walker champions of character award, considered one of the most prestigious accolades in the NAIA. Melanie holds most of the women’s basketball records and is the all-time leader for career steals in the NAIA. Melanie has taken a position as a manufacturing engineer with Daktronics in Brookings.
Recently, the School of Mines hosted the South Dakota Board of Regents. It is always a pleasure to have leaders from across the state see firsthand the many wonderful things that are happening on campus. Our guests were particularly impressed with the activities at the Black Hills Business Development Center. The Center is home to technology-based businesses that are being built by our alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Special thanks to those who were involved in the activities associated with the Board meeting.
During the meeting, the Board granted the School of Mines authorization to offer a new masters of science degree in construction management. The degree offers students career preparation for leadership positions in the construction industry. Funding for the program has been made possible through a million dollar gift from alumnus Dick Millard (CE 51) who passed away in 2007.
At the meeting the Board of Regents also recognized three student organizations for their outstanding academic, community, and organizational work.
- Engineers and Scientists Abroad (ESA) received the Award for Academic Excellence. ESA promotes the welfare of underdeveloped communities through practical applications of engineering and science. ESA members applied their knowledge to assess water quality, concrete strength, and alternative energy sources as well as helped with site surveys. Nine students traveled to Chile this past year to help construct a vocational school for orphans and the group is working on a second partnership in Suriname.
- The Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) received the Community Service Award. IIE supports the industrial engineering profession with an emphasis on improving quality and productivity. The organization has grown through community outreach, fundraising events, membership, and social events. IIE participated in two new events this year—the Kids’ Science Series and Spring Career Fair, which provided opportunities for more community involvement.
- SAE received the Award for Organizational Leadership. SAE is dedicated to advancing mobility engineering worldwide. The purpose of Baja SAE is to develop a vehicle for the Baja SAE competition, promote positive off-road activities, and support outreach programs to schools and civic groups. SAE’s activities allow students from all academic backgrounds to compete internationally, and provide an outlet for students to use their technological expertise in real-world settings. The School of Mines team hosted the Baja SAE South Dakota competition in May 2007.
Congratulations to all of the students who have participated in these outstanding organizations. I would also like to acknowledge the faculty and staff involved in supporting our student organizations.
The October 16 issue of Nature featured Dr. Gerald Grellet-Tinner, Assistant Professor / Assistant Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology for his summer field work on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Dr. Grellet-Tinner and students from the School of Mines worked closely with tribal members to excavate specimens which are now housed at Sitting Bull College.
As we move into November we are reminded that is a very important month for our country. Tomorrow we will be selecting the next president of the United States. Many of our students will be voting for the first time and I encourage all of you who are eligible to do so. In recognition of service to our country, we honor our Veterans this month. Please join me in the Surbeck Center from 2 to 4 pm on Friday, November 7 to honor current students who have served our country.
For more information on these and other activities and news, please visit our website at: www.sdsmt.edu.
I invite your comments and questions. You can reach me at: robert.wharton@sdsmt.edu.
Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D.
President
