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.
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
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.
All Alumni Stories
Following the opportunities, and making history along the way
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.
From rocks to policy: leveraging research for meaningful change
Erin McCullough (MinE 14) was a self-described rock collection kid. “While out exploring, I would pick up interesting rocks, put them in my pocket, and eventually they would end up in the washing machine.”
Grads share love story rooted in campus traditions
Most alumni agree that one of the best things – maybe THE best thing – about South Dakota Mines is the traditions and campus experiences that form strong connections.
Jared Long-Fox receives prestigious NASA research award
NASA has a rich history in developing technologies that benefit space travel and exploration but that also contribute value back to life on Earth. For example, Velcro was a NASA-developed technology created to resist vibrations during launch and flight. Of course, now it is used on Earth for everything from hanging pictures to kids’ shoes.
Nothin’ but net: Mitchell Sueker’s a winner both on and off the court
When Mitchell Sueker was a first-year student-athlete at Mines in 2017, he was asked why he was proud to be a part of the Hardrocker Men’s Basketball Program. His response was, “I’m proud to be a part of a family that challenges themselves in the classroom as well as on the court. We strive to be great in many areas of life, in addition to basketball.”
Leaving a mark
One of Bruce Bad Moccasin’s (CE 72) memories from growing up in Pierre is of watching his dad work.
“My dad worked a lot. He worked outside. I watched him all the time. He was a strong man.”
Hani Shafai isn’t afraid to dream big
Even when all of the cards were stacked against him – when most people probably would have thrown in the towel – Hani Shafai (CE 87) never gave up on his dream to become an engineer. Never.
Mining career led alumna all around the world and back to Mines
If you would have told Andrea Brickey (MinE 99) as an undergraduate that she would one day return to South Dakota Mines as a professor, she probably would have laughed.
“Being a professor was not on my list of things to do,” she said.
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.