Alumni Spotlight - Scott (ME 96) and Abbie (IE 96) Wickersham

A Life Shaped by South Dakota Mines: From Students to Lifelong Supporters

For Scott (ME 96) and Abbie (IE 96) Wickersham, South Dakota Mines isn’t just an alma mater—it’s the foundation of their personal and professional lives. Originally from Gettysburg, South Dakota, Scott was strongly influenced by his older brother to attend Mines. The couple met while attending the university, where they not only earned engineering degrees but also laid the groundwork for lasting friendships, successful careers, and a lifelong connection to the institution. They now live in Brandon, South Dakota, and have four children—Taylor, Alex, Luke, and Josey. Luke and Josey are currently attending Mines, continuing the family’s connection to the school.

“Our family is, without a doubt, the most important thing we got from Mines,” Scott comments. “We’ve built a wonderful life together, and the circle of friends we made there are still some of our closest. It’s a special place that means a lot to us.”

They’ve remained connected to Mines, coming back for sporting events and continuing to champion the school’s growth and student success. Scott, who played football at Mines, still carries a passion for the Hardrockers. “Many of our lasting relationships were built in the dorms, through my fraternity, and as teammates on the Hardrocker football team,” he shares. “When I look at today’s student-athletes, I’m incredibly impressed by their commitment and the challenges they overcome. That experience will pay dividends for the rest of their lives—not just in sports, but in everything they do.”

For Abbie, the connection to Mines runs deep. After stepping away from her career to focus more on family and raising their children, she launched AJ SpiritWear, an apparel printing business that gave her the flexibility to stay involved and connected through her kids’ activities and the Brandon Valley School District.

“It’s always been important to us to be engaged in our children’s lives and to support their schools and activities however we can,” Abbie says. “Over the years, we’ve built so many meaningful relationships through those experiences. And it’s extra special when some of the kids we’ve known along the way end up attending South Dakota Mines.”

Meanwhile, Scott transitioned to Raven Industries in 2010 and became President and CEO of Viaflex in 2022. Over the course of his career, he’s learned a great deal—but he credits South Dakota Mines with giving him the foundation to grow both personally and professionally.

For the couple, supporting Mines is about addressing the practical realities student-athletes face. “The time commitment required to be part of an athletic program is enormous,” Scott says. “It’s just not practical for many of these athletes to also hold a job to earn the money they need during school. We hope that our financial support helps close that gap and allows more student-athletes to compete for wins at the highest level. Their coaches understand the challenges, but the expectations are high—and that’s what makes it such a great training ground for life.”

Their support for Mines goes beyond financial contributions—it’s about being part of a lasting community. “With Luke involved in Hardrocker Football and Josey in Volleyball, it’s been incredibly meaningful for us to stay connected,” Abbie says. “It’s been so rewarding to spend time with the coaches, players, and other parents. We love coming back to Rapid City, spending time with the students, and reconnecting with alumni and friends—it really feels like coming home.”

For them, the value of supporting Mines student-athletes is clear. “Athletes at Mines are constantly balancing a full academic load with the demands of their sport,” Scott says. “All the students will face adversity and challenges along the way, but those experiences build perseverance and determination that carry forward long after college.”

The impact of South Dakota Mines’ athletic programs has left a lasting impression on the couple, particularly in how they help foster a sense of family and pride. Scott recalls how much fun it was to attend basketball games during his college years. “We had some really good teams, and the atmosphere—especially when we played Black Hills State—was unforgettable,” he says. “I’ve been reminded of those days recently, watching the Hardrocker student section at volleyball playoff games and the BH football games the last couple of years. School spirit is always at its best when our teams are competitive.”

Abbie adds, “These years go by so quickly. You have just the right amount of responsibility, and there’s still room to have fun. They really can be some of the best years of your life—so soak it up and enjoy every part of the journey.”

For the couple, South Dakota Mines is more than just a place to earn a degree—it’s a gateway to opportunity, a tight-knit community, and a lasting bond. “The emphasis at South Dakota Mines is unique compared to other schools,” Scott says. “We have a small-school atmosphere, but we’re preparing students to take on some of the world’s greatest challenges. That kind of focus requires a deeper investment—both from the students and from those who support them.”

Their support for South Dakota Mines is important to them, driven by a desire to see students succeed and build lasting relationships. “The academic expectations are intense, and it takes strong backing from businesses, alumni, and regional leaders to continue delivering at that level,” Scott says. “That support helps create the next generation of technology and business leaders—and keeps Mines thriving for years to come.”