At their June meeting, held June 26-27 in Brookings, the South Dakota Board of Regents honored former president Dr. Charles Ruch with a resolution awarding him the title "President Emeritus." This resolution recognized Ruch's commitment to fostering a culture of academic rigor; the number of doctoral programs doubling and awards for research-related grants and contracts increasing by 35 percent under his leadership; his vision resulting in a new business incubator on the Rapid City campus; advocated for more rigorous admissions standards at the School of Mines to ensure that students studying to be scientists and engineers were well prepared for college work when they arrived on campus; and his enthusiasm, insight, creativity, rigor and persistence.
"Chuck Ruch has done a tremendous job at the School of Mines, raising the profile and reputation of a premiere science and engineering institution to even higher levels," Dr. Robert T. Tad Perry, executive director of the Board of Regents, said. "We are sorry to see he and Sally leave South Dakota, but wish them the very best in a well-deserved retirement."
Ruch retired from the School of Mines June 30, 2008, after five years as president.