DayOne 2026

Since Montana Tech’s founding, Mining Engineering has done something extraordinary: it has operated continuously—the only academic program to do so throughout the institution’s history. That legacy matters. Generation after generation, graduates leave with a practical mindset, a particular knack for “getting rock in the box,” and industry-honed knowledge shared by faculty who have lived the work.

As Montana Tech concludes its 125th anniversary year and marks 10 years of DayOne, we invite you to invest in the students and experiences that will carry Oredigger mining forward.

The Mining Department Fund: Our DayOne Focus

The Mining Department Fund is the primary focus for Mining Engineering during DayOne 2026. This flexible source of support allows the department to respond to its most important student and program needs.

Your gift will help Mining Engineering:

* Recruit and retain outstanding students through targeted scholarships

* Increase outreach across Montana and beyond

* Equip students and laboratories with essential supplies and emerging technologies

* Support hands-on learning and signature academic experiences

* Help students participate in conferences, competitions, and professional development opportunities

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.

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

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.

STUDENT CLUBS

Montana Tech AGC Club - The Montana Tech AGC Club connects students with industry professionals while building teamwork, leadership, and practical career skills.

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 2027.

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 - The Mining Team gives students the opportunity to preserve mining traditions, build technical skills, and represent Montana Tech in competitions alongside mining schools from around the world.

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 challenges 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. 

Montana Tech SME Student Chapter - Anderson-Carlisle Technical Society  - Currently planning a series of on-campus technical presentations and will be attending MINEXCHANGE 2026, the SME Annual Conference in Denver,CO.

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 2027 in Montana

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

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.

Please consider making a DayOne gift to the Mining Department Fund or another area within Mining Engineering that is meaningful to you. Then, help spread the word by sharing this project on social media, emailing it to a classmate, or inviting a friend or industry colleague to participate.

Thank you for keeping Orediggers at the forefront of the mining industry.