[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S4483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. CHARLES RUCH

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I recognize Dr. Charles Ruch, 
outgoing president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 
in Rapid City who is retiring after 5 years of service to the 
university.
  The School of Mines was established in 1885 and enjoys a nationwide 
reputation for excellence in engineering, the sciences, and computer 
technology. President Ruch has received praise from the South Dakota 
Board of Regents for his keen focus on the academic, research and 
public service missions at the university. Since his arrival in 2003, 
the number of doctoral programs has doubled and the awards for 
research-related grants and contracts have increased 35 percent in the 
last 4 years to $17.2 million. Under his tenure, a new business 
incubator on campus has created important links between higher 
education, economic development and the Black Hills region. 
Additionally, under his visionary leadership, the School of Mines has 
conducted ``cutting edge'' defense research projects on pressing 
current day issues such as detecting and defeating improvised explosive 
devices and developing new technologies to inexpensively repair combat 
vehicles. He has been recognized by faculty, students and alumni as a 
strong advocate for the institution.
  His leadership and dedication to the School of Mines will be greatly 
missed. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Dr. Ruch on a 
successful career in higher education and wish him the best on his 
retirement.

                          ____________________