South Dakota School of Mines and Technology recently celebrated the first group of 22 Tiospaye in Engineering Scholars at an Honoring Ceremony. Beau White, the master of ceremonies, introduced three speakers for the event: Dr. Duane Hrncir, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, represented the university; Jacqueline DeMent spoke on behalf of the students; and Stacy Phelps delivered the primary address. Phelps also sang an honoring song for the scholars while attendees congratulated the scholars in a receiving line.
Tiospaye is a Lakota work meaning extended family. The Tiospaye program provided financial, academic, professional, and social support structures to Native American students. The extended family of engineering mindset fosters a sense of community and cooperation among scholarship recipients, other students, staff, and faculty members, administrators, alumni, employers, community leaders, student family members, tribal members, and tribal college partners. This multi-faceted approach significantly increases the students' success rate. For more information about the program, go to http://tiospaye.sdsmt.edu.
The Fall 2009 Tiospaye Scholars:
- Derek Bankston, mechanical engineering, Aberdeen
- Aarika Begay, mechanical engineering, Phoenix, Arizona
- Natasha Begay, industrial engineering, Page, Arizona
- Clarita Begishe, mining engineering, Rapid City
- Kimberlynn Cameron, geological engineering, Wakpala
- Jessica Chretien, industrial engineering, Rapid City
- Jacqueline DeMent, civil engineering, Rapid City
- Josh Huston, engineering, Porcupine
- Joshua Knock, civil engineering, Rapid City
- Nathan Koch, environmental engineering, Box Elder
- Sean Long Fox, metallurgical engineering, Rapid City
- Ryan McLaughlin, electrical engineering, Oglala
- Taylor Molash, civil engineering, Fort Yates, North Dakota
- Tully O'Leary, mechanical engineering, Eagle Butte
- Jon Ramsey, mining engineering, Spearfish
- Ryley Rapp, civil engineering, Rapid City
- Vanessa Sevier, civil engineering, Pierre
- Jessica Tsingine, industrial engineering, Tuba City, Arizona
- Casey Volk, computer engineering, Fort Yates, North Dakota
- John Watters, engineering, Rapid City
- Beau White, mechanical engineering, Pine Ridge
- Kevyn Zephier, mining engineering, Rapid City
