Final exams begin next week; I want to remind students there are many resources available to help them succeed. Our Student Success Center put together some fun activities this week to de-stress and study (see the graphic below). The pet therapy session starting at noon tomorrow is very popular each semester. Remember that Student Success is always available for free tutoring help. Our Counseling Center is also free to all students who might need help managing stress this time of year. Faculty and staff will volunteer to serve the traditional late night study breakfast on Sunday evening, May 1, from 9 to 10:30 p.m. to give students a boost before finals begin.
We’re honored to host Olympic gold medal winner Billy Mills, an Oglala Lakota from Pine Ridge, as our spring commencement speaker on May 7. Billy will also receive an honorary doctorate from Mines. He ran his first race on a track in O’Harra Stadium while he was in grade school, and we’re very happy to have him come back to South Dakota Mines. He will attend our annual Honoring Ceremony for Native graduates on Friday, May 6, and meet with Tiospaye Scholars and alumni here on campus during his visit.
Last week, we celebrated student success at the annual Honors Convocation. Congratulations to all the students who were recognized. A photo album featuring this year’s honorees is here.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who made the announcement of the Nucor Mineral Industries Building such a success last week. We’re looking forward to breaking ground for the new building once fundraising is complete.
