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
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 Logue Legacy
If you ask Richard (Dick) Logue (CE 66) who influenced him to attend South Dakota Mines, he would probably say it was his brother, John (EE 65). And if you ask John, he’d say his ability to attend was because of Dick.
Alumni pheasant-hunting event supports scholarships
Left: Alumni and friends gather at Gunbarrel Ranch in December 2022 for the 4th annual pheasant-hunting fundraiser. Gunbarrel Ranch is not just another good place to go pheasant hunting in South Dakota. The 2200-acre private ranch sits in a narrow sweet spot...
Giving Profile – Rich (ChemE 82) & Trudy (ChemE 84) Wells
The world needs more engineers - and Rich & Trudy Wells are dedicated to helping Mines produce the very best If you ask Trudy (ChE 84) and Rich Wells (ChE 82) what this world needs more of, their answer would be: engineers. “We need more problem solvers,”...
Giving Profile – Abby Hart (IE/Math 12)
Abby Hart started giving back because she could - now, she's creating a legacy at Mines Most students don’t start giving back to their alma mater immediately following graduation. But Abby Hart (IE/Math 12) of Sidney, MT isn’t most students. Right after starting her...
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.