[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 197 (Monday, December 21, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S13697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I recognize the South Dakota 
School of Mines and Technology, which will celebrate their 125th 
anniversary in 2010.
  Located in Rapid City, the South Dakota School of Mines and 
Technology has been a national leader in preparing world-class 
engineers and scientists since 1885. Graduates design, construct, and 
operate the most modern technology to meet complex challenges such as 
climate change, bioenergy, mineral extraction and processing, advanced 
materials, environmental quality, and national defense. School of Mines 
alumni are held in the highest regard by their fellow leaders in 
industry, consulting, government, health, research, and education.
  The School of Mines is proud to be a leading partner in bringing the 
Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory, DUSEL, from an 
extraordinary vision to a phenomenal reality. The longstanding 
connections between the School of Mines and the Homestake Mine began in 
1885 when the university was established to meet the growing research 
needs of the mining industry, led by Homestake. These connections 
continued when nearly a decade ago, the School of Mines helped champion 
the conversion of the mine into a national laboratory. Today, as we 
continue to prepare leaders in engineering and science, we are 
collaborating with our colleagues to transform Homestake into a world-
class laboratory to further exceptional research and discoveries not 
yet imagined.
  Rugged individuals and pioneers in engineering and science founded 
the School of Mines' intellectual environment more than a century ago. 
The university's faculty, staff, students, and alumni carry on that 
tradition today. In 2010, the School of Mines celebrates 125 years of 
award-winning faculty, staff, and students collaborating to solve 
issues of critical importance to South Dakota, the nation, and the 
world. Please join me as we celebrate their legacy of educating the 
leaders of tomorrow.

                          ____________________