When Dr. Michael Koch (MinE 80) established his first endowed scholarship at South Dakota Mines, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Giving at that level felt like a leap.
Impact Stories
Hardrocker lives transformed through support and opportunityCelebrating the Heart of Giving
Every act of generosity strengthens the Hardrocker community. In these Stories of Impact, you’ll meet alumni, donors, and friends whose gifts—whether financial support, volunteer service, or shared expertise—are creating opportunities and shaping futures at South Dakota Mines. Their commitment fuels possibility, inspires others, and shows the many ways Hardrockers make a lasting difference.
Latest Story
Giving Back with Heart: Dr. Michael Koch’s Impact at Mines
When Dr. Michael Koch (MinE 80) established his first endowed scholarship at South Dakota Mines, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Giving at that level felt like a leap.
All Impact Stories
A Legacy of Love and Loyalty: Belden Family Helps Preserve M Hill Tradition
When Bill Belden returned to South Dakota Mines this spring for his 50-year class reunion, it wasn’t just a trip down memory lane—it was a celebration of enduring legacies.
Building the Future: A Collaborative Effort to Inspire the Next Generation of Mining Engineers
In the heart of South Dakota, a group of passionate mining professionals has come together with a shared vision: to create a space within the new state-of-the-art Nucor Mineral Industries Building that will not only support the next generation of engineers but also inspire them to excel in an industry critical to the world’s future.
Raising for Rockers Sees Another Successful Year for Student Support
The third annual Raising for Rockers giving day at South Dakota Mines saw another year of incredible generosity.
Strong Roots Lead to Strong Connections: Jim (ME 74) and Connie Green
Strong, hearty roots are often what lead to large, prosperous trees with expansive branches reaching in every direction. The same can be said for people and the lives they lead. By laying down good roots, sometimes it’s impossible to stop the reach that a person can have. This is true for Jim (ME 74) and Connie Green.
Physicist Turned Philanthropic Gardener: Lance Sloan (PHYS 69)
One thing that all alumni can agree on is that the education they received at South Dakota Mines can take them just about anywhere and open many doors of opportunity they never saw possible. The same can be said for Lance Sloan (PHYS 69), a physicist turned philanthropic gardener.
Supporting the Growth of Community
Receiving a quality education goes well beyond the classroom and the textbooks. It includes having access to necessary resources; it includes having a strong support system; it includes community.
Giving back to the next generation of STEM leaders
It’s no secret that the coursework at South Dakota Mines is challenging. But Mines students are nothing if not tenacious and dedicated, which is what makes them such great engineers. That dedication and drive is what alumnus Theodore (Jim) Smolik (MetE 63) said is what makes Mines students some of the best to support the society and economy we’re in right now.
Alumnus hopes to provide relief to music students
Attending a school like South Dakota Mines is no easy feat, especially when finances stand in the way. But Mines students are nothing if not tenacious, hard-working, and believe where there’s a will, there’s a way to an education. So when Jerry DesJarlais (CE 57) needed to find a way to get through school, he did, and now he works to help guarantee that finances don’t stand in the way of other students achieving their dreams.
The Arch
Stories of Impact
Want a deeper look at the impact philanthropy makes at Mines? The Arch, our annual report, highlights the year’s most meaningful stories, milestones, and generosity in action. Dive in to see how donors like you are shaping possibilities for our students and campus.