Bobbi Strange, Senior, Westminster, Colorado
GEOLE '17, MINE '18

Bobbi Strange is not afraid of hard work. The first-generation college student knew coming to South Dakota Mines was going to be a financial and academical challenge and still decided to pursue two degreees. The senior from Westminster, Colorado, finished her bachelor's degree in mining engineering and management in the spring of 2018.

She conducted research on glacial geology in both Minnesota and Brazil, in addition to underground mining internship experiences with Barrick Gold and Freeport-McMoRan. Bobbi still finds time to be active on campus as president and founder of the Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Theta Nu chapter, captain of the Hardrocker dance team, a fourth-year resident assistant, a peer mentor, and a student ambassador.

Bobbi takes pride in paving the way for her younger sister who enrolled as an South Dakota Mines freshman this fall. She is looking forward to giving back to the university and community that has helped her prosper in all her endeavors and hopes to help future Mines leaders achieve their goals as many donors have helped her.

Tyler Kleinsasser - Senior, Huron, South Dakota
CEE '18

Tyler Kleinsasser is passionate about giving back. Whether he is acclimating new freshman to campus as a resident assistant, or serving as a member of the Professional Development Institute, Tyler enjoys spending time helping others.

The senior from Huron, SD, originally planned to play football and seek a business degree. However, a chance encounter at his high school with a South Dakota Mines admissions counselor changed his mind. Instead he found himself enrolling at Mines, studying civil engineering, and hasn't looked back.

Tyler was one of the top recipients of South Dakota Well Drillers Association's Scholarships for the 2017-2018 school year. Tyler appreciates the opportunities he has had throughout his education experience at Mines, including receiving scholarships. As the recipient of the Frank Family International Fund Scholarship he was able to volunteer in Lima, Peru, for four weeks. He feels the scholarships push him to work harder, "To be the best, you have to be trained by the best, and I feel that I have that opportunity at Mines."

Tyler is active on campus in several organizations including: Chi Epsilon Civil engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, Phi Eta Sigma national honor society, Engineers and Scientists Abroad, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Joree Sandin - Senior, Greeley, Colorado
ME '18

Joree originally wanted to study aerospace engineering, but her sister encouraged her to explore mechanical engineering at South Dakota Mines. It was a perfect fit for the senior from Greeley, Colorado.

As a freshman, Joree discovered her passion for robotics. She is now the president and team lead of the Moonrockers robotics team. She also serves as a resident assistant and a Women in Science and Engineering mentor.

Knowing finances were going to be an issue, Joree looked for scholarship opportunities and applied for the Culture & Attitude program. The program aims to attract, retain, and graduate more women and underrepresented students in engineering through scholarships, industry mentors, professional development, and new curriculum that engages diverse learning styles.

Joree is grateful for the scholarship opportunity. "Receiving a Culture & Attitude scholarship means encouragement, and that someone out there believes in me to support me in achieving my dreams."

Joree graduated in May 2018 and plans to pursue a graduate degree in an engineering field that supports her interest in mechanics of materials and passion for research and development. Her ideal future career would include either helpng protect space flight crews in both their aerial vehicles and uniforms, or help those who are not fully-able-bodied in a field of bionics and prosthetics.