Recognition of “Outstanding Recent Graduates”Luncheon
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch - $9.00 (Lunch only) For reservations call (605) 394-2451 or 394-2256, by Tuesday, Feb. 20, no later than 4 p.m. MDT.
Students who graduated from School of Mines in the past ten years will be honored for their professional and civic performance since graduation. Each will tell about their experiences at the School of Mines and in their life at the luncheon. This year’s honorees are:
Michael E. Connell
2007 Outstanding Recent Graduate Award
in
Metallurgical Engineering
Michael Connell graduated from SDSM&T with a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering in 1997 and his master’s degree in materials engineering and science in 1998. Throughout his career, Mike has consistently been a top performer in his areas of responsibility. This is evidenced with Mike’s saving his employer millions of dollars through resolution of global production and product issues through minimizing lost product and customer returns. Throughout his career Mike has remained a scholar, and has been directly involved with 18 patents and 13 publications/presentations. Most importantly, Mike has maintained a work-life-community balance. He is a “superstar” in both personal and professional arenas.
Jason E. Green
2007 Outstanding Recent Graduate Award
in
Interdisciplinary Sciences
Jason Green graduated from SDSM&T with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary sciences in 1996 and from the University of South Dakota School of Law with a JD in 2000. Jason is presently City Attorney for the City of Rapid City, with responsibility for providing and overseeing all legal services to the City. In this position Jason has represented the City in a number of matters before the South Dakota Supreme Court. Jason has also been appointed Adjunct Professor at the University of South DakotaGraduateSchool, WestRiver Higher EducationCenter. In his accomplishments, Jason has demonstrated his strong commitment to work for the public good and to improve the quality of life for the citizens of his community.
Corey L. Haeder, P.E.
2007 Outstanding Recent Graduate Award
in
Civil Engineering
Corey Haeder graduated from SDSM&T with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1996 and his master’s degree in civil engineering in 1997. He is Chief Engineer for Cretex West, Inc., managing a staff of nine, serving seven pre-casting facilities. He has researched concrete and culvert designs, has designed numerous improvements in pre-cast concrete products and manufacturing processes (winning a Corporate Innovation Award), and taught university mathematics courses. Corey is active in the SDES, was the 2000 young engineer, and was elected state vice president in 2006. He is active in ASCE and was Black Hills Branch vice president 2003-2006. He is active in technical associations, serving on several associated technical committees. Corey serves several civic organizations and is a notary public.
Troy A. McVay
2007 Outstanding Recent Graduate Award
in
Mathematics
Troy McVay graduated from SDSM&T with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1996 and his master’s degree in computer science in 2002. He has already had an exciting and varied career in the mathematically intensive specialty areas of computer science. From defense systems, to voice-over internet protocols, to satellite systems, Troy has worked on cutting-edge technologies throughout his career, and he has applied his mathematics background to solve complex problems of national importance. Troy’s professional accomplishments, and his commitment to his community, exemplify the best qualities of our mathematics graduates. The department is proud to recognize Troy McVay as an Outstanding Recent Graduate in Mathematics.
Jennifer J. Richmond
2007 Outstanding Recent Graduate Award
in
Electrical Engineering
Jennifer Richmond came to SDSM&T from Box Elder, South Dakota and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1996. She has worked for Rockwell Collins for the past ten years and is currently an engineering manager in the Software Communications Architecture Technologies Department. Jennifer’s main responsibilities are to manage and coordinate new software technologies and communications applications from bid and proposal, detail planning, development through implementation, and support to product integration on the platform. She also works on mentoring new project engineers and developing standardized processes for the department. Jennifer is very active in church and community organizations.