South Dakota Mines Celebrates 188th Commencement

South Dakota Mines 188th commencement ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in the Fine Arts Theatre at The Monument in Rapid City. Those who wish to view the ceremony online can find information here. 

The event includes a total of 108 graduates. This includes three associate, 58 baccalaureates, 39 master's, and eight doctoral degrees. The names of all graduates and more detailed biographies for our honored guests can be found in the commencement program. 

This year's senior class representative speaker is Morgan Else, who came to South Dakota Mines after graduating from Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, SD. 

Else has been involved in various clubs and activities while at South Dakota Mines. She served on the Student Association Senate, as president and Greek Council representative of Beta Delta Mu, president of the Order of Omega, vice president of Circle K International, a member of Alpha Pi Mu, and a mentor for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE). She was inducted into the South Dakota Mines Leadership Hall of Fame in 2023. 

After graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering and engineering management, Else will be working at Nucor Fastener in St. Joe, Indiana. 

Mines will also award two honorary doctorates during the ceremony to Renita Mollman and keynote speaker Linn Evans. 

Renita Mollman 

Renita Mollman received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from South Dakota Mines in 1988. She is the chief administrative officer and senior vice president for Burns & McDonnell, a $6.9 billion global engineering and construction firm. In her role, she oversees corporate services including human resources, marketing, communications, security, travel, fleet and facilities. She formed the company's Professional Women's Exchange and serves on its board of directors, as well as serving on the Women United Board for the Greater Kansas City United Way, the Mines Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA) board of directors, and the School of Engineering Professional Advisory Board at University of Missouri - Kansas City. 

Linn Evans 

Linn Evans gained deep operations management experience within the mining industry in underground gold, iron ore, lead, and zinc mines throughout North and South America. Prior to joining Black Hills Corporation in 2001, he practiced law with private firms representing international mining companies in various areas, including corporate law, local, state and federal permitting, property rights, mineral taxation, imminent domain, and civil and regulatory litigation. He was appointed president and CEO of Black Hills Corporation in 2019. He serves on the boards of the Edison Electric Institute, the American Gas Association, the South Dakota Mines University Advisory Board, and the Sanford Underground Research Facility Foundation Board. 

Members of the media are welcome to attend the ceremony and interview graduates and university officials after the event.