50-Year Graduate Golden Reunion

The countdown is on! We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 1977 back to campus for your 50-Year Graduate Golden Reunion—a milestone worth celebrating.

Join us for a memorable weekend filled with reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating the lifelong friendships and experiences that began at South Dakota Mines. Whether it’s your first visit back in years or you return often, you’ll enjoy time with classmates, current students, faculty, and staff while seeing how your alma mater has grown.

Why wait until reunion weekend to reconnect? Join Hardrocker Connections today to connect with fellow members of the Class of 1977, share photos and memories, catch up with classmates, and start making plans for an unforgettable reunion.

We look forward to welcoming you home to South Dakota Mines and celebrating 50 years of Hardrocker history together!

Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 6

4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Welcome Reception
Kick off reunion weekend by reconnecting with classmates over appetizers and refreshments at The Rushmore Hotel & Suites.

Friday, May 8

8:00 a.m. – Golden Reunion Breakfast (Beck Ballroom – Surbeck Center)
Start the day together while catching up with friends and hearing a welcome from university leadership.

9:00 a.m. – Department Open Houses & Tours
Visit your academic department, meet faculty, and see how your program has evolved over the past 50 years with your classmates.

10:00 a.m. – Campus Walking Tour
Explore campus, visit new facilities, and revisit the places that helped shape your Hardrocker experience.

Afternoon – M Hill Visit (Optional, weather permitting)
Take a ride to the iconic M Hill, find your class name on the class plaque, capture photos with classmates, and enjoy one of the best views overlooking Rapid City.

5:00 p.m. – Class of 1977 Social Hour (The Rushmore Hotel & Suites)
Reconnect, reminisce, and raise a glass with classmates before dinner.

6:00 p.m. – 50-Year Golden Reunion Banquet (The Rushmore Hotel & Suites)
Celebrate this milestone with an evening of great food, memories, and recognition of the Class of 1977.

Saturday, May 9

8:00 a.m. – President’s Golden Reunion Breakfast (Location TBD)
Enjoy breakfast with President Tande and fellow Golden Reunion graduates before commencement.

9:00 a.m. – Commencement Ceremony (Location TBD)
Celebrate the newest generation of Hardrockers and be recognized as members of the 50-Year Graduate Golden Reunion.

Additional details, locations, and event information will be shared with registered attendees as reunion weekend approaches.

Please register by April 1, 2027, to be recognized in the printed commencement program.

*More details will be provided by email as we get closer to the event.
**Must register by April 1, 2026 to be included in the printed commencement program.