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.
“I was initially hesitant with the financial commitment,” he admits, “but the personal returns on this investment have been greater than I ever anticipated.”
Those “returns” don’t show up in a bank account—they show up as student stories, handwritten thank-you letters, and the joy of watching the next generation succeed. Today, Dr. Koch generously gives back to Mines through his time, talent, and treasure, ensuring future Hardrockers receive the same meaningful opportunities that shaped his own life trajectory.
A Hardrocker at Heart
Dr. Koch first set foot on campus in 1968 when visiting his cousin, then an electrical engineering student. Growing up outside Brookings, most of his high school classmates chose SDSU—but something about Mines captured his imagination. He enrolled as a Mining Engineer, played football, and was part of the 1974 and 1976 teams recently inducted into the Hardrocker Hall of Fame.
Like many students, his path wasn’t linear. He stepped away from school for several semesters to figure out his future. That time of reflection steered him toward medicine—an unexpected direction that built on the grit, discipline, and problem-solving skills he gained at Mines.
“My time here prepared me very well for my career in medicine,” he said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities and education I got.”
After completing medical school at USD on an Air Force scholarship, Dr. Koch served five years in the military, including a deployment as a flight surgeon during the Gulf War. As a flight surgeon he cared for aircrews, air traffic controllers, missileers and their families. After his Air Force career, he returned home to complete a residency in Pathology. His pathology career included practices in Fergus Falls MN, Fargo, ND and in Sioux Falls, where he was a partner in LCM Pathologists and Chair of the Department of Pathology at the USD Sanford School of Medicine until his retirement in 2022.
During his 20 years of teaching the USD School of Medicine Pathology course, he proudly watched Mines graduates stand out. “The discipline they had really showed. It was always nice to see the Mines students come through medical school and do well. It proves that Mines is a good place to get yourself set up for any future endeavor”.
Time & Talent: Staying Connected to Mines
Retirement didn’t slow his engagement with Mines—it amplified it. Today, he plays a significant role in strengthening the student and alumni experience. He serves as the Honorary Alumni President, sits on the Center for Alumni Relations & Advancement (CARA) Board of Directors, and lends his expertise to the CARA Finance and Audit Committee and the Student Engagement Committee, which he chairs.
He also gives his time directly to students, mentoring those interested in medicine—just as others supported him decades ago.
“I just enjoy seeing their enthusiasm and being able to help them achieve their goals and dreams,” he shared. “I had some great mentors when I was here. If I could follow in their footsteps, that would be great.”
In addition, he partners with campus on pre-medical student support and recruitment efforts alongside admissions. His own children have continued the Mines legacy: two are graduates, including one who followed his path into medicine.
Treasure: Opening Doors for Students
For Michael, giving financially is deeply personal. Together with his wife, Mary, he established an endowed football scholarship that supports local student-athletes—an intentional nod to the opportunity he once received to play the sport he loves.
They’ve also donated to help launch the cheerleading and soccer programs and contributed to facility enhancements like the new gym.
Now, he is working toward a second scholarship—one close to his heart: helping Mines students explore the pathway to medical school.
“I felt well prepared for medical school—learning time management, study habits, and handling stress while a Mines student,” he said. “This scholarship would help Mines students who are interested in medicine explore that opportunity, just like I did.”
While the details are still being finalized, his goal is clear: to open doors for future physicians who start their journey at Mines.
One of the greatest joys of giving, he says, is receiving the annual letters from scholarship recipients. “They tell us about themselves, and we find that immensely rewarding. That’s such a big bonus—to be able to see what you can do to help.”
Why He Gives Back
For Mike, giving back is a natural expression of gratitude.
“It means a lot of things—my gratitude for the education I got, the satisfaction of being able to help others achieve their goals, and doggone it, I’m just a nice guy,” he laughed. “Giving back and helping students achieve their goals just feels right.”
Although he values every part of giving, it’s the time he invests that he finds most personally rewarding. “When I do that, I get to meet students and alumni. They are an incredible group of people, and it’s nice to get to know them and hear their stories.”
Looking ahead, Mike hopes to continue making a positive impact on student and alumni engagement, and to help strengthen the Mines community.
His advice to today’s students is simple: stick with it. “Those stressful and pressured times will pass, and you’ve got a great future ahead of you. In the end it is truly worth it.”
And to fellow alumni considering giving back?
Mike’s experience says it best: it’s like the old credit card commercial, the return on investing in Mines students is priceless!
