It is once again that reflective time of year when we ask you to help us identify outstanding alumni for their service to the alumni association and the school, special individuals who have served the broader Mines community through work they have done, or young professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to do so in the future.
Professor Emeritus Robert (Bob) Weimer is one such individual who was honored with the Melville F. Coolbaugh Memorial Award in 1995. We share with you here his observations on receiving the award.
What did being awarded the CSMAA Coolbaugh Memorial Award mean to you?
Mines awards have always had a deep meaning to me because I was judged and selected by those who knew me best. I was especially grateful to receive the Coolbaugh Memorial Award because it recognizes individuals who have contributed to improving the image and enhancing the reputation of Mines, an institution for which I have great respect and admiration. Mines’ reputation is primarily due to the performance of its graduates throughout the world in natural resource fields, but I am proud to have been recognized for my small contribution as a professor to those graduates and the school.
What words of wisdom would you have for alumni, especially those who admire the school from a distance but for one reason or another don’t get involved?
Much has been written about the benefits and rewards of volunteering for organizations with whose missions you agree. My volunteer work for Mines and other organizations has been personally gratifying. I am confident any alumnus or alumna would likely have similar feelings. Involvement could include nominating a fellow Mines graduate for an award, attending or helping to organize local section meetings, serving on committees, financially supporting the school and departments, or encouraging prospective students to attend Mines.
What drives your passion to remain involved with faculty, students and alumni?
My career as an educator was extremely satisfying because of contact with these many stakeholders and their activities. It has provided a lasting learning experience. A wise man once said, “Every day you don’t learn something new, you die a little faster.” I believe that sentiment to be true.
To help us honor alumni or other special members of the Mines community, please visit the Hall of Fame section of minesonline.net, where you can fill out a short nomination form for the awards listed below. Your help in identifying candidates for further consideration is greatly appreciated. If you wish to nominate a candidate by mail, simply write a letter to CSMAA Award Nominations, P.O. Box 1410, Golden, CO 80402. Include the nominee’s name and briefly explain why you would like to honor the individual. Be sure to include your name and contact information.
Outstanding Alumnus Award
Awarded to an alumnus/a who is a member of the alumni association and has contributed meritorious service on behalf of CSMAA.
Young Alumnus Award
Conferred within 15 years of earning a degree from Mines, this award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their loyalty to the school and a commitment to serving Mines and the alumni association in the future. Nominees must be no more than 40 years old.
Melville F. Coolbaugh Award
This award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution toward improving the image and enhancing the reputation of the Colorado School of Mines. It is not given posthumously.
Nominate someone you know and respect by going to the Hall of Fame at minesonline.net.
