The South Dakota Mines virtual commencement
for Spring 2020 features a unique retro video game theme, fitting for many STEM
majors, that intends to have a little fun while recognizing graduates.
The Class of 2020 at South
Dakota School of Mines & Technology is unable to celebrate commencement
in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But their hard work and achievements
will not go unrecognized.
Members of the South Dakota Mines
commencement committee have planned a virtual commencement video that will
premiere on the university’s commencement
webpage at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 9. Spring 2020 graduates are also invited to
join any future commencement ceremony to receive their degree in person.
“The Class of 2020 deserves high
praise for finishing their degrees in these difficult circumstances. These
engineers and scientists represent the very best of us all. They have overcome
unique challenges to attain success. They are the problem solvers of tomorrow,
and their achievements are a great reminder that there is a bright future
ahead,” says South Dakota Mines President Jim Rankin, Ph.D., P.E.
The virtual
commencement features a unique retro video game theme, fitting for many STEM
majors, that intends to have a little fun while recognizing graduates. A teaser
previewing the full commencement video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wMSO0Mh6J4.
“We all wanted to do something both heartfelt and fun. Something
that acknowledges the challenge of the pandemic, but does not dwell on it. Something
that celebrates the achievements of our Hardrocker students and acknowledges
our collective essential nerdiness. Hopefully this will bring a smile to the
face of our graduates and give them a commencement that is both unique and
memorable,” says Travis Kowalski, Ph.D., interim head of the mathematics
department and chair of the commencement committee.
During the spring commencement, 357 graduates were honored.
The fall 2020 commencement is
planned as an in-person event at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theatre at 9
a.m. on Saturday, December 19.