RAPID CITY, SD (Sept. 23, 2024) – South Dakota Mines, in partnership with the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA), announced on Friday a record setting $6 million individual contribution from Mines alumnus Leslie A. Rose to go towards the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Once approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents, the donation will also dedicate the department as the Leslie A. Rose Department of Mechanical Engineering.
This gift is the largest individual donation in South Dakota Mines’ nearly 140-year history.
“The generosity of our alumni community is unparalleled,” Marc Vaillancourt, CEO of the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement, said. “Our mission is to support the university in meeting the needs of its students and deliver on its commitment to educate the next generation of STEM leaders for our nation. Thanks to Les’ generous contribution, we are now better positioned to realize this vision.”
Rose’s gift was announced on Friday night, at the Hardrocker Heritage Gala, which is held each year to honor the outstanding contributions and achievements of Mines alumni. Rose was also honored at the event as a Distinguished Alumni.
Rose is a 1970 Metallurgical Engineering graduate. He is the current CEO of Titan Technologies and brings decades of experience to his role. He has previously served as the president of L-3 National Security Solutions and L-3 STRATIS, one of the largest divisions of global defense leaders. He has grown his company, Titan Technologies, from $20M to $140M over six years, and expanded to 800+ employees. Rose is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“I started here as an 18-year-old high school kid, didn’t know what he wanted to do, and ended up with a mechanical engineering degree,” Les said. “It set me on a good course. Most of all, I’m happy for the ability to give back to the School of Mines, in some small way to help the mechanical engineering department.”
CARA is currently in the midst of a comprehensive campaign, New Heights: The Campaign for South Dakota Mines, to fund scholarships, buildings, and programs.
The Board of Regents with discuss the naming of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at their October board meeting.