RAPID CITY, S.D. - M.R. Hansen of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology's Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, has been honored for his role advising students throughout his career.
Hansen, Ph.D., has received the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Certificate of Commendation for outstanding activities as faculty advisor. He was nominated by students in the Mines ASCE chapter. Hansen has served as faculty advisor for more than 20 years. He is retiring this year after 28 years at the university. Prior to coming to Mines, Hansen worked for nine years as an engineer achieving his P.E., S.E. and L.S. registrations in four states and also taught for six years at other places.
"Even after 34 years of teaching and nine years of working in industry, his enthusiasm for civil engineering, ASCE, and teaching continue unfettered," students wrote in their nomination form.
Hansen has been a part of the SDSM&T family since 1985; teaching and leading students toward their engineering goals. He became an ASCE fellow in 2005. Under his guidance and leadership the student chapter consistently brings home numerous awards from competitions. Last year, the Mines chapter received the Award for Academic Excellence from the South Dakota Board of Regents and was among the top five national outstanding student chapters, out of 228.
Among the group's many community service projects he has helped to spearhead: last year's restoration of Willy the Whale for Storybook Island.
Hansen also organized and accompanied students to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, N.M., and this year took eight students to the National ASCE Conference. Three of his students presented their views about being an engineer in a technology-based world.
Mayor Sam Kooiker recently proclaimed April 25, 2013, as M.R. Hansen Day.