What began as two students finding their way at Mines grew into a marriage, a family and a shared commitment to give other students the chance to find their own path.
Alumni Stories
Hardrockers transforming the world they live in.Where Hardrocker Journeys Continue
Our alumni carry the Hardrocker spirit into industries, communities, and corners of the world where Mines’ influence continues to grow. Here, we celebrate their achievements, their leadership, and the ways they give back—lifting up students, strengthening the university, and embodying the grit and curiosity that define our community. Explore the stories that showcase what it truly means to be a Hardrocker for life.
Latest Story
First Came Mines. Then Came Marriage. Now They’re Giving Back.
What began as two students finding their way at Mines grew into a marriage, a family and a shared commitment to give other students the chance to find their own path.
All Alumni Stories
Giving Early. Giving Steadily. The Pikes’ 40-Year Commitment to South Dakota Mines Students
When Tim and Laura Pike talk about giving back, they are not focused on a single moment. Instead, they describe it as a habit, one that started early on in their careers and quietly grew alongside their family, their professions and their connections to their alma mater.
From Skyscrapers to Community Roots: Civil Engineering Alum Jeremy Feist Returns to South Dakota
When Jeremy Feist (CE 2017) packed his bags for Seattle after graduation, he was eager to test himself on some of the biggest structural engineering projects in the country.
Still at Home at Mines: A Lifetime of Memories and Transitions
At 96 years old, Lowery Smith (GeolE 51) has lived through nearly a century of change, but some things remain constant. When he returned to South Dakota Mines for the all-school reunion this summer, he was reminded that while buildings may shift and faces come and go, Mines still feels like home.
Dan Carlson: A Lifelong Connection, A Lasting Impact
When Dan Carlson (ChE 77) pulled into Rapid City for this year’s All-School Reunion, it marked a special milestone—50 years since attending his very first.
From Blacksmithing to the Battlefield: Mines Alum Finds Purpose in Leadership, Service, and Grit
When Cody Marshall (MetE 2023) arrived at South Dakota Mines in spring 2019, he already knew how to forge steel—but he was about to learn how to forge something even stronger: leadership.
From Slide Rules to Silicone Valley: Donn Lobdell’s Journey from Mines to Medical Innovation
The slide rule came with bragging rights—and a story Donn Lobdell (ME 58) would never forget.
Alumni Duo Rekindles the Art of Debate at South Dakota Mines
When Randy Parcel (MineE 67) and Marv Truhe (ME 67) met at South Dakota Mines over 60 years ago, they couldn’t have imagined that their bond—first forged in a debate team meeting and strengthened through lifelong friendship—would one day rekindle a tradition that could shape generations of engineers and scientists to come.
Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Linda Rausch Reflects on 50 Years Since Mines
When Linda Rausch (ChemE 75) arrived on the South Dakota Mines campus, she didn’t know anyone—but that didn’t last long. Like so many others, she quickly found her footing in the close-knit community of students who shared not just classes but aspirations.
The Hardrock
Want even more alumni news, features, and campus updates? Explore The Hardrock, our alumni magazine, for in-depth stories that highlight the people, progress, and pride that shape the Mines community. Dive in and stay connected with fellow Hardrockers around the world.