Alumni Stories

One thing that holds true for every South Dakota Mines graduate is knowing that your degree can take you anywhere and open doors you never thought possible. From government and military engineering contracts to exploring the depths of the Earth, anything is possible for South Dakota Mines graduates – even becoming a National Football League (NFL) referee.

Andrea Brickey (MinE 99) has been connected to South Dakota Mines for over 30 years, and in those 30 years has received countless awards and recognitions, but she humbly accredits all of that back to the school, rather than her own accomplishments.

“When dinosaurs ruled the Earth” is something kids grew up hearing from the wildly popular Jurassic Park series. For many, the Jurassic Park franchise became a staple in households with kids and quickly became many children’s favorite movies. For others, like Kelsey Mills (PALEO 2023) and Kayleigh Johnson (GEOL 2017 and PALEO 2018), it became their career and their passion. 

The experiences that students get while attending South Dakota Mines often transcend well beyond the classroom, past the quad, across the stage at graduation, and into their careers and daily adult lives. Those experiences connect them in a unique way and instills a sense of pride in being alumni of South Dakota Mines.

Like many in-state students, Gary Christman (ChE 73.5) came from a farming background. He quickly discovered that many of the skills he acquired on the farm were applicable to his studies and beyond.

Many students who attend South Dakota Mines leave behind a family legacy of attending the school. Generations of family members often walk across campus, all with their own story and legacy.

Take a stroll across campus and it is very clear the impact that former President Jim Rankin (EE 78) had on South Dakota Mines. The footprint of the campus alone is different thanks to his six years of leadership in the head office.

Terry Mudder (CHEM 74) saved the fish in Whitewood Creek, but that is only one of his impressive accomplishments in his career. He has received many awards, started his own business with his wife, wrote a handful of books and published articles, and was even the first inductee for the International Mining Technology Hall of Fame. However, he says he’s most proud of having his band inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.