Rapid City, S.D. – October 3, 2025 – South Dakota Mines celebrated excellence, leadership, and service during the 2025 Hardrocker Heritage Awards Dinner on Friday, Sept. 26, recognizing a distinguished group of alumni and friends for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the university, their professions, and their communities.
“These honorees embody what it means to be a Hardrocker—leaders in their fields, mentors to future generations, and champions for our university,” said Shelli Grinager, director of alumni engagement for South Dakota Mines Center for Alumni Relations & Advancement. “Their stories inspire our students and remind all of us of the impact a Mines education can have far beyond campus.”
Five alumni were honored as Outstanding Recent Graduates:
- Bianca Boll (IE 2015), manager of the SCADA team at Black Hills Energy, ensuring reliability across a multi-state energy grid.
- Hyrum Byers (MineE 2016), superintendent of underground development and construction for South32’s Hermosa Project in Arizona, and Army National Guard officer.
- Jonathan Dixon (CsC 2016), lead design engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center contributing to Artemis missions to the moon and beyond.
- Ben Van Camp (IE 2015), manager for field planning and engineering with FedEx Express Europe in Amsterdam.
- Lindsey Westergaard (EE 2015), consulting solution architect with Nucor Steel Business Technology and entrepreneur.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards honored five exceptional graduates whose careers and service exemplify the university’s mission:
- Chad Glanzer (IE 92), co-founder and president of Vantage Point Solutions, leading a nationwide telecommunications and engineering firm.
- John Konechne (ME 86), president and CEO of California Erectors, Inc., a leader in structural steel erection and safety innovation.
- Dr. James Rankin (EE 78), 19th president of South Dakota Mines, whose tenure transformed research, innovation, and infrastructure at the university.
- Terry Rasmussen (MetE 91), chief metallurgist at Nucor Steel Nebraska, recognized for his technical leadership, community engagement, and decades-long support of Mines.
- Craig Willan (MetE 76), founder and chairman emeritus of Omega Research, pioneer in aerospace materials, patents, and global volunteer efforts.
The evening’s most prestigious honor, the March Medal, was presented to Jim Green (ME 74) for exemplifying the caring spirit of Dr. Guy March through decades of mentorship, philanthropy, and tireless support for South Dakota Mines students and programs. In a special moment, the university also recognized his wife, Connie Green, for her extraordinary commitment to Mines students and campus life, honoring her as a true member of the Hardrocker family.
“South Dakota Mines is family to us, and for me to receive the Guy March award for my service to Mines and for Connie to receive recognition for her commitment and impact on students is humbling,” Jim Green said. “We’re thankful and honored to call Mines our home.”
The Hardrocker Heritage Gala is an annual tradition celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of alumni and friends of South Dakota Mines. By honoring their achievements, the university fosters a legacy of excellence, innovation, and service.