Reunion 2009 had by far the largest turnout seen in recent years, with a total of 450 attendees. Along with an exciting lineup of events, the strong showing was the result of an energetic volunteer committee that wrote letters, sent emails and organized phone trees to encourage classmates to attend.


Celebrating their 50th reunion, members of the Class of 1959 enjoyed a reception in the Ben H. Parker Student Center on Wednesday evening.

This was followed the next morning by the 50th Reunion Breakfast hosted by President Bill Scoggins and his wife Karen. In an address, Scoggins honored the class’ collective accomplishments, saying,

“You, the Class of 1959, are an important part of Mines’ legacy of excellence. As you have put your expertise to work to make the world a better place for all to live, you have demonstrated the power of a Mines education.” The event also included a retrospective slideshow of images dating back to the late-fifties.

The most popular events among returning alumni included the National Earthquake Center tour, the guided Geology Trail walk, tours of campus, the Fuel Cell Center, a lively renewable energy symposium and class dinners.

New this year, the alumni association launched its first department reunion. The Petroleum Engineering Department was the first in a rotating schedule that will feature different departments each year. A total of 125 alumni registered for the focal event – a dinner held on Saturday evening. Industry veteran Harold Korell ’68 delivered the keynote address, surprising everyone by announcing a $2.5 million gift toward construction of the Petroleum Engineering Department’s future home – Marquez Hall (details in Investing in Mines).

50th Reunion Class Names listed left to right: 1st Row: Jack Bowler, George Lawrence, Ron Cox, Maurice Chaffee, Wes Rehrig, Doug Ross. 2nd Row: Jim Swaisgood, Paul Shaw, Steve Bank, John Insung Myung, Sam Miller, Don Matchett, Dave Dunn, Fred Greenberg, Dan King. 3rd Row: Lowell Thomas, Bob Lame, Jim Link, William “Bill” Mills, Bill Engel, Gene Burrell, Howard Earnest, Joseph Anzman, King Robertson, Wolfgang Kyllmann, Ron Koehler. 4th Row: Steve Milne, Paul J. Ellis, Michael D. McGuire, Ronald C. Schutz, Lary G. Cahill, Walt Case, William E. Bruce, Richard Whittington, Ed Fernau, Les Bond, Darol Crays, Dick Lea, Chuck McKinnis, Ed Shackelford. 5th Row: Dick Swerdfeger, Dewitt Moss, Mike Blackwell, William Bauer, Gerald Keen, Duane Graham, Jim Payne, Gordon Steele. 6th Row: Karl Nielsen, George Krauss, Warren Hildebrandt, Bob Pearson, George Dunham, C. O. Smith, Byron G. Walker.

Alumni Association Awards 2009

Each year Colorado School of Mines Alumni Association recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the success of the school and the alumni association. We are proud to list the 2009 recipients, who received their awards at recent events.


Alumnus of the Future: Recognizing a student for his or her efforts to strengthen CSMAA or one who embodies the spirit of CSMAA.

Recipient: Zach Aman ’09 (left, receiving award from Joe Mahoney, CSMAA president)


Young Alumnus: Acknowledging outstanding accomplishments by recent graduates. Recipient: Randall Phelps ’96

Outstanding Alumnus: Recognizing members of the Colorado School of Mines Alumni Association for meritorious service to the organization.
Recipient: Artemas “Judge” Holmes ’60.

Melville F. Coolbaugh Memorial Award: In recognition of outstanding contributions to the reputation and competitive profile of Colorado School of Mines.
Recipient: Jerome Gamba ’58

Alumni Teaching Award: This award recognizes superior teaching at the undergraduate level over a period of several years and provides encouragement and incentive for teaching achievement.
Recipients:  James McNeil, professor of physics; and Ravel Ammerman ’81, PhD ’08, senior lecturer – engineering.

Coolbaugh Senior Awards: By rewarding academic success with need-based financial support for rising seniors, the Coolbaugh Senior Awards reinforce academic excellence.
Recipients: 1st place: Peter Trask; 2nd place tie: Andrea Casias and Richard Vidal

Read more about this year's recipients in Web Extras.