Imparting time, talent and knowledge
The value of a Mines degree is measured in alumni successes. Graduates leave Mines with their silver diplomas in hand, prepared to launch exciting careers and put their newfound skills to work. No matter where their path leads them, each alumnus or alumna gains unique experiences and often becomes a key player in their industry. But those experiences are even more valuable when alumni return to their alma mater to share their successes—or lessons learned—and inspire and encourage their fellow Orediggers.
The time, talents and knowledge alumni share at Mines inspires and empowers the next generation of graduates to address society’s grand challenges and to carry on the Oredigger legacy of making the world a better place. And the opportunities to give back are seemingly endless. A few alumni share the ways in which they volunteer with Mines.
I personally think Mines still has a lot more to offer the community outside of the school. I want to do more to connect Mines to new communities and new opportunities for outreach. Mines should be even more well-known than it is today, because it is such a great place for excellence. I think the greatest gift to a Mines alum is the Mines alumni network. We have a great history of alumni who have done so much in industry, communities and more. I think when you volunteer and are involved with the alumni office, you give yourself opportunities to learn from and network with Mines’ great alumni.
I was approached with an excellent opportunity to be part of the alumni board. As an alumna in California, I was feeling detached from Mines and that my value as an alum was the money I could donate to the school. I wanted being a Mines alumna to mean more. I wanted to be able to lean on the alumni and the university throughout my entire career and life—a never-ending cycle of give and take based on what’s needed at the time—and I wanted to be a part of making that possible.
Plus, being on the board allows me to be physically on campus a few times a year. There’s no replacement for being on campus and feeling close to the university—the nostalgia, the student energy and the beauty of Golden.
My favorite part about being an M Club leader is when we get to spend personal time to get to know other alumni and hear about their Mines and life experiences. Everyone has something to share about their Mines experience. We can encourage others in that way. Getting to meet new or reconnected alumni is great—there’s just something about the Mines bond that makes that connection special.
*Puls also started the Houston Golf Tournament and chaired the committee for eight years.
As a volunteer for the admissions department, I attend college and career fairs. I like answering key questions for students to help guide their decision-making toward a degree and institution. The passion and excitement I find in accepted Mines students (or even those applying) inspires me to help them make good decisions.
The Mines impact on my life and career was so dramatic and broad-reaching that I welcome the opportunity to give back to the school.
You want volunteer opportunities? We got ’em!
Is there a way you’d like to give back but can’t quite figure out how? Let the alumni office help get you connected with the best opportunity for you. Visit minesalumni.com/volunteer or contact us at [email protected].
Enhance the classroom experience
- Sponsor, consult or judge a Capstone Design@Mines project to help students learn about new industries, topics and technologies to solve real-world design challenges.
- Sit on an academic department panel and share your unique professional and life experience.
Partner with a student services department
- Partner with the Mines Admissions team by attending college and career fairs to help prospective students learn about the opportunities at Mines and explore majors and careers.
- Join the Mines Career Center to share career advice and help other Orediggers find a job after graduation.
Participate in alumni programming
- Find your local M Club to stay connected to your fellow Orediggers long after graduation and continue to build a valuable network of support. Don’t see one in your city? Start one!
- Join a golf tournament planning committee to help increase scholarship support for current and future Mines students.
- If you have a particular passion, join an existing interest group to connect with fellow enthusiasts and stay up-to-date on what’s happening with that particular subject at Mines.