Historically Mines magazine has not asked alumni for donations to support the magazine. The combination of advertising sales, a subsidy from the school and dues from active CSMAA members has enabled us to produce and print an engaging and thoughtful publication without asking for direct support. However, a steep decline in advertising sales this year and membership revenue that is lagging well behind 2008 levels prompts us to make this exceptional appeal.

We have already cut costs: You may notice that the print version of this issue is a little shorter than previous ones. At 48 pages instead of 56, we’ve harnessed some significant savings on paper, printing and postage. We’ve also economized internally by hiring students to help with production, while cutting back on our photography budget. Nevertheless, there remains a significant shortfall. Given these exceptional circumstances, we would like to ask for your support. Donations of any size are much appreciated; if everyone who receives the magazine would donate $4, we could easily meet our goal. You can send a gift to Mines magazine by going online to www.minesonline.net and clicking on “Mines magazine” to the left. You can also send a check made out to CSMAA, mailing it to CSM Alumni Association, Dept 1947, Denver, CO 80291-1947. Please write, “Mines magazine appeal” on the check. Your support is much appreciated, and it will be put to good use.

While we are working hard to economize, we haven’t compromised on this issue; it’s both engaging and varied. “Outside the Bell Curve” recounts the personal story of Dylan Jones, Mines’ youngest ever graduate. He earned his BS at the age of 16 and is now in medical school studying to be a neurosurgeon. At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll also find a profile in Class Notes of Mines’ oldest graduate, E. Walter Adams ’32, who turned 100 in March. We’ve done our best to chronicle his long life in the limited space available. An unusual curriculum development project is outlined in “Native American Energy Education.” Mines worked with two Native American technical colleges on this project, which after a false start lead to some very positive outcomes. A geophysics professor is using more than just sound waves for subsurface imaging these days; read about his growing branch of science in "André Revil Goes Beyond Sound Science." And don’t miss the Jackie Barnes profile in Spotlight. A civil engineering major who has been blind since the age of 13, Jackie brought a gold medal home from the Beijing Paralympics last summer. There’s plenty more besides these few highlights. And if you like or disagree with what you read, write and share your thoughts: magazine@mines.edu. 

Once again, thanks for considering a gift to support the magazine; the most modest donation will make a difference. We appreciate your interest and support during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Nick Sutcliffe
Editor and Director of Communications, CSMAA