Skip to main content

Update Your Info

Who We Are

South Dakota Mines

Directory

Give Now

Celebrating Our Champions

Spotlighting Hardrockers who define success and inspire the next generation
Past Award RecipientsNominate

Recognizing Remarkable Hardrockers

Each year, the Center for Alumni Relations & Advancement proudly celebrates Hardrockers who exemplify excellence, leadership, and impact. From recent graduates making bold strides in their fields, to distinguished alumni with decades of achievement, to the singular honor of the Guy E. March Medal, these awards highlight the remarkable legacy of our community. Explore the stories of past and present honorees, learn about our annual Hardrocker Heritage Alumni Awards Gala, and discover how you can take part in recognizing the next generation of award winners.

Nominate

Guy E. March Medal

The Guy E. March Medal may be presented to a Mines graduate in recognition of the individual’s positive interaction with students, the university and the alumni of South Dakota Mines. Graduates who receive the March Medal exemplify the caring spirit of Dr. Guy March.

Jeff Allen

Jeff Allen, a 1977 chemical engineering graduate, has demonstrated lifelong dedication to South Dakota Mines through service, mentorship, and leadership. A retired Caterpillar executive, Jeff recruits, mentors, and speaks to students, strengthens alumni engagement, and lead a two phase $955,000 financial campaign doubling Triangle active scholarships. He has served as Black Hills Chapter Chair, Alumni Association Secretary, CARA Executive Committee member, and the first Honorary Alumni President. A constant presence at SD Mines Reunions (attended all since 1975), M-Hill Climbs, and Alumni Hardrocker Tailgates, Jeff embodies the caring spirit for students and alumni exemplified by Dr. Guy E. March and the true heart of the Mines community.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who make outstanding contributions to their careers, their communities, and to Mines.

Eric Broughton

EE '97

Dave Bushong

ChemE '80

Clark Moseley

MinE '75

Allen Sehn

CE '81

Outstanding Recent Graduates

The Outstanding Recent Graduate award honors graduates who have achieved exemplary career progress and recognition within ten years of their graduation. The individuals selected for this award serve as excellent role models to showcase the importance of continued personal growth in a rapidly changing world.

Grant Nelson

ME ‘19

Dakotah Simpson

EE ‘17

David Langerman

Ceng ‘17

Lauren Keene

CSc ‘16

Therese Frels

Phys ‘17

Charissa Hickson

MetE ‘16

Harrison (Chance) Costello

GeolE ‘16

Mohammed Bafaqeeh

IE ‘17

Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Braasch-Turi

Chem ‘16

Cori Rainwater

Geol ‘16

Kathleen Tew

MinE ‘16

Jeremy Fiest

CE ‘17

2026 Hardrocker Heritage Awards Gala

Alumni and guests are invited to attend the 5th Annual Hardrocker Heritage Gala at the Surbeck Center Beck Ballroom. Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m., followed by a plated dinner at 7 p.m.

Friday, sept. 25, 2026
6 P.M.

More Information Coming Soon

Award Nominations

Before submitting a nomination, please review the criteria listed below for each award. Nominations are due by Jan. 31. Awards will be presented at the Hardrocker Heritage Alumni Awards Gala during Rocker Days (M Week). We encourage you to nominate someone whose personal and professional achievements reflect the values of South Dakota Mines.

Guy E. March Medal
The Guy E. March Medal may be presented to an alum in recognition of the individual’s positive interaction with students, the institution and the alumni of South Dakota Mines. Graduates who receive the March Medal exemplify the caring spirit of Dr. Guy March, a hallmark of South Dakota Mines that has been handed down over the decades and continues to benefit current students.
Distinguished Alumni Award
South Dakota Mines alumni are known for pursuing excellence in their careers and communities. In doing so, these graduates make outstanding contributions to their professional and public pursuits. Their accomplishments bestow honor and recognition upon themselves and our institution.

Candidates for the Distinguished Alumni Award must have received an academic degree from South Dakota Mines. They must have established a professional career of more than ten years that includes at least five years in a responsible capacity. Additionally, Distinguished Alumni must have contributed in an outstanding manner to the furtherance of her or his profession and to South Dakota Mines. Deadline to nomination is January 31st.

Outstanding Recent Graduate Award
The Outstanding Recent Graduate Award was established at South Dakota Mines in 1984 to honor graduates who have achieved exemplary career progress and recognition within ten years of their graduation. The individuals selected for this award serve as excellent role models to showcase the importance of continued personal growth in a rapidly changing world.

Criteria for selection includes level of responsibility and entrepreneurial effort, advancement, responsibility in research and authorship or patents and other evidence of creative activity, professional or business organization involvement, balance of technical and entrepreneurial accomplishments with community service and involvement, and company or community awards or recognition.