DayOne 2025

For 125 years, Montana Tech’s Mining Engineering program has done something extraordinary: it has run continuously since our founding, the only program to do so in Montana Tech’s entire 125-year history. 

That legacy matters. Generation after generation, our graduates leave with a rare, practical mindset—engineers with a particular knack for getting rock in the box—and with industry-honed insight shared by faculty who’ve lived the work.

As we celebrate Montana Tech’s 125th anniversary and Mining Engineering’s 125 years of uninterrupted excellence, we’re inviting you to invest in the next century of Oredigger miners with a gift to the Montana Tech Mining Engineering Department Fund.

Gifts to the Mining Department Fund fuel what makes our program special—today and tomorrow. Your support will help us:

• Recruit and retain top students with targeted recruiting scholarships
• Promote our program with increased outreach across Montana and beyond
• Equip students and labs with supplies and emerging technologies
• Send student clubs to compete, network, and lead at industry conferences and events

DayOne Matching Opportunity

During DayOne all gifts to Montana Tech Mining Engineering Department Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $12,500 thanks to a matching gift commitment from Mark '81 Johnson.

Make sure to join us for the Montana Tech Mining 125 Celebration September 25-27, 2025 on the campus of Montana Tech.  Find out more and register HERE.

In addition to the Mining Engineering Department Fund, during DayOne we are also offering opportunities to give to:

Montana Tech AGC Club - Gifts made to Association of General Contractors of Montana Tech during DayOne will be matched 1:1 up to $1,000 thanks to Sonya and Scott '82 & '11 Rosenthal.  

Montana Tech Chapter of International Society of Explosives Engineers - The Society of Explosives Engineers student club continues to grow and we will be attending the annual conference in Reno, Nevada.

Gifts made to Montana Tech Chapter of International Society of Explosives Engineers during DayOne will be matched 1:1 up to $2,000 thanks to Sonya and Scott '82 & '11 Rosenthal.

Montana Tech Mining Team - Gifts made to Montana Tech Mining Team by current of former Minig Team members during DayOne will be matched 1:1 up to $5,000 thanks to Ray '82 '83 and Joyce Sheldon. .

Montana Tech Mine Rescue - The Montana Tech Collegiate Mine Rescue Team is seeking support to represent our university at the upcoming mine rescue competition in Juneau, Alaska. This unique event will challenge our students to demonstrate their expertise in mine emergency response, advanced medical training, rope rescue, and technical skills with gas detection and breathing apparatus repair. Donations will directly fund the purchase of essential rope rescue equipment, team uniforms, Dräger parts, new breathing apparatuses and benching tools, as well as travel expenses. Our goal is to send at least 8 students and up to 16 if possible to Alaska, while also ensuring we can participate in collegiate competitions across the U.S. 

The Anderson-Carlisle Technical Society at Montana Tech - Student Chapter SME - Currently planning a series of on-campus technical presentations and will be attending MINEXCHANGE 2025, the SME Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Women in Mining - The Montana Tech Women in Mining student chapter is a professional group dedicated to engaging with all other students interested in the mining industry. We frequently host technical sessions with industry professionals that reflect the WiM mindset, participate alongside community groups in volunteer activities throughout the year, and organize educational and enjoyable field trips for students in all disciplines. The funds earned through DayOne engagement will help with all of the above activities and our annual WiM National Conference 2026 in Tuscon, AZ

Gifts made to Women in Mining during DayOne will be matched 1:1 up to $500 thanks to anonymous donors.

Underground Mine Education Center - The UMEC, which is primarily funded by the support of industry, alumni and friends, is a unique hands-on, interdisciplinary educational environment for today’s students. The center complements courses in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene. The UMEC also serves as a research facility utilized by students and faculty, and as well as organizations and industry partners doing research in underground mining methods, rock mechanics, ventilation, fragmentation, and health and safety. 

During DayOne, with thanks to Sonya and Scott '82 & '11 Rosenthal all gifts to the Underground Mine Education Center will be matched 1:1 up to $5,000. 

Dr. Tom Finch Endowed Memorial Scholarship - The Dr. Tom Finch Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established at Montana Tech in 2013, to serve as a permanent memorial to the teacher, colleague, friend and man he was. Dr. Tom Finch was so much more than a Mining professor. He was a mentor and friend outside of the classroom and genuinely cared about making sure his students graduated and were primed for success when they entered industry. 

Brian P. Simmons Legacy of Grit Endowed Scholarships - This new scholarship honors Brian’s strength, perseverance, and belief that true success blends knowledge with grit. Supports students who face challenges with courage and intend to pursue careers in mining.

Thank you for your support and please help us spread the word, share this project on social media, by email and tell your friends!