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RAPID CITY, S.D. (Feb. 5, 2013) – A new Conference Services Department at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology will play a proactive role in soliciting and managing professional meetings and conferences for faculty and staff and assist in securing opportunities for campus outreach to professional organizations across the country.
Gretchen Kirchmann, previously public relations officer at the School of Mines, will manage the new department, which falls under the Office of University Relations. Kirchmann has an extensive background in event planning and management.
Conference Services will be responsible for planning, promotion, coordination and logistical support, and execution of educational, cultural and programmatic science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related meetings, conferences and events to increase exposure of the School of Mines and its faculty and staff to a broader regional and national audience.
Conference Services will maintain offices in the University Relations studio, corner of University Loop and Technology Court, and work collaboratively with Mines departments, Surbeck Center, athletics, Downtown Campus, Aramark staff and area convention and visitor bureaus.
“The School of Mines is a tremendous resource for hosting professional conferences and symposiums. I am very excited for the opportunity to work with the Rapid City business community and my colleagues across the region to bring exposure to the gem that is the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and the high level of STEM education we offer, which is helping our graduates attract top dollar in the marketplace,” said Kirchmann.