Celebrating 150 years of Oredigger excellence as

Mines
honors our past, present and possibilities

150 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Community

Here’s to our sesquicentennial milestone

In 2024, we’re marking a momentous occasion at Colorado School of Mines: 150 years of producing the talent, knowledge and solutions to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future. We welcome all Orediggers, past and present, to join us as we reflect on our rich history, celebrate the dynamic landscape of our present, and eagerly explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Students smiling at Mines Commencement
Students in their boat in Clear Creek during E-Days 2023
Students showing their rocks and strength during the 2023 M Climb
Mines Alumni posing for a photo with Blaster

Celebrating our alumni

Alumni can visit the Sesquicentennial Celebration Headquarters, dedicated to alums looking to celebrate and engage with Mines during our anniversary year.

Moments that Define Mines

A collage of Mines signature moments

A history of engineering solutions on Earth and beyond

Founded in 1874, Colorado School of Mines has become a premier university in engineering and applied science. As our name implies, Mines originally focused on academic programs related to mining and mineral extraction, including geology, chemistry, mining engineering and math.

As we’ve grown over the decades, we’ve expanded our focus to deliver education and research that meet the needs of today’s industry and innovation. With programs in additive manufacturing, space resources and quantum engineering, we prepare our students to engineer solutions to the greatest challenges on earth—and beyond.

Over the past 150 years, Mines has been defined by our distinctive and cherished traditions. From the M Climb and Engineering Days to our beloved mascot Blaster the Burro, our students, faculty and staff come together to create a truly unique campus community.

Timeline of Mines 150 milestones

Mines@150 News

1900s senior capstone students

Colorado School of Mines, mining industry celebrate 150 years of synergy

Mining Engineering Department has big goals for the next 5-10 years to set the tone for next 150 years. 

Labriola grand opening

Mines celebrates 150th anniversary with grand opening of Labriola Innovation Hub

Cake, party favors, friends old and new: All the hallmarks of a great birthday party were present as campus community came together to celebrate Founders Day on Feb. 9. 

Mines students and staff posing for a photo with mascott Blaster

Into the next era: Colorado School of Mines building on a legacy of confronting challenges

150 years after its founding, Mines continues to provide industry with leaders who will enable the next century of innovation. 

Join Us

Join the effort to elevate Mines

Colorado School of Mines wordmark

Colorado School of Mines
1500 Illinois St.,
Golden, CO 80401
303-273-3000
800-446-9488

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