PASCAL Center 2022 Biennial Report

Professional Development & Scholarship Communities

at Mines

PASCAL Center 2022 Biennial Report

INVESTING IN STUDENTS’ FUTURES

To the Oredigger Community—

We want our graduates to be distinctive, highly valued, and impactful to the world. We want them to be successful leaders and innovators, and to pursue any professional path that interests them. Employers and alumni have told us this is possible if we combine our well-recognized, rigorous, and technical education with deliberate professional preparation and noteworthy community support.

The PASCAL Center was created to make this happen. Its goal is to make professional preparation a signature attribute of the Mines experience and a ubiquitous component of all Mines’ graduates. Further, the PASCAL Center stewards meaningful scholarship communities that significantly advance the aspirations of MINES@150.

With programming such as the Vallejo Irvine Program for Professional Development (VIP), PASCAL works collaboratively across campus to offer professional development opportunities. And through scholarship communities like the Harvey Scholarship Program and Grewcock Presidential Scholars Program, PASCAL amplifies individual student passions while attracting world-class students through meaningful financial assistance.

PASCAL’s dual focus on scholarship communities and professional development fulfills the MINES@150 vision for a signature student experience—vertically connected communities, distinctive programming that complements rigorous academic preparation, impactful student and alumni connections, and preparation for future professional pursuits. By way of these efforts, Mines will continue to graduate students with proven skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking that will positively differentiate them in the workforce and beyond.

In close collaboration with industry partners, Colorado leadership, and Mines Alumni, PASCAL offers opportunities for Mines students to learn from and engage with friends of the institution through panels, guest speakers, intimate dinners, and more. These events foster life-long relationships with the individuals who make their Mines signature student experience possible.

This report showcases the solid foundation built in PASCAL’s inaugural year. With new scholar communities underway, new professional development efforts and more to come, we are excited for the future of Mines and our graduates. We welcome your engagement and support to continue to build PASCAL and the future of Mines as a distinctive, top-of-mind and first-choice university. Go Orediggers!

Paul C. Johnson, Ph.D. President and Professor

SCHOLARSHIP COMMUNITIES AT MINES

The Professional and Scholar Communities Applied Learning (PASCAL) Center works to develop, advance, and steward scholarship communities and professional development at Mines.

Scholarship communities stewarded by the PASCAL Center benefit from various types of communitybuilding, academic, and professional development programming throughout their time at Mines.

Touchpoints include:

» Connecting scholars with other members of the scholarship communities as well as Mines faculty and staff

» Infusing and promoting campus resources

» Engaging students in unique extracurricular activities with peers, faculty, donors and alumni

» Helping students feel supported through wraparound services

» Developing students to become leaders and professionals through exclusive academic programming and professional development

The aim of the PASCAL Center is to help guarantee a signature student experience for all scholars during their time at Mines!

Financial Scholarships: Necessary, But Not Sufficient

A postsecondary degree is expensive. Most students need some level of financial support to make college possible. Research demonstrates, though, that financial access alone does not guarantee student well-being, retention or degree completion.

The MINES@150 strategic plan recognizes this reality. Positive peer relationships, personal well-being and a sense of belonging are just as important for student success as academics and internship opportunities. MINES@150 calls for student communities that prioritize meaningful connection and cross-campus engagement. Our goal is for all Mines students to feel ‘at home’ in one or more campus communities.

As Mines looks ahead to its next 150 years, scholarship communities will be instrumental in attracting and retaining top student talent from around the world. In line with MINES@150, scholarship communities provide a signature campus experience for students—while promoting Mines as a top-of-mind institution for families, research partners and industry.

Meaningful financial support in the form of scholarships that increase opportunity and access, moderate student debt and compete for top students.

tsevnI m e n t in Students

Attracting diverse and competitive student populations that promote Mines’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Deliberate, applicable and impactful professional development programs like the Vallejo Irvine Program for Professional Development (VIP) to produce astute young professionals.

Vertically-connected scholar communities that help to promote increased student success, a greater affinity to Mines and a “pay it forward” attitude.

In its first year, the PASCAL Center served more than 200 students across seven different scholar communities. Scholarship community students bring unique skillsets, stories and life experiences.

The PASCAL Center engaged students through community-building events, service opportunities, wraparound advising, applied learning experiences and professional development.

The PASCAL Center’s inaugural year was successful due to support from institutional partners, alumni, campus colleagues, donors and industry contacts.

United States

Thailand

BLISS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center

OVERVIEW

The Stewart and Shirley Bliss Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by former Colorado Senator and U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, in honor of Stewart and Shirley Bliss. This scholarship focuses on providing financial support to incoming first-generation students at Mines. Stewart and Shirley Bliss were inspired to start a first-generation scholarship because of the enthusiasm and interest they saw in firstgeneration students who wanted to come to Mines but could otherwise not afford to do so. First-generation students bring so much to the Mines community— persistence, exceptional communication, critical-thinking skills, unique perspectives and robust problem-solving skills. The Bliss scholars community is comprised of 100% first-generation students.

85.7%

Students of Color

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Anahi Telles Hometown: Denver, CO Major: Civil Engineering

“The Bliss community has impacted my time at Mines by allowing me to feel more comfortable as a first-generation student. Freshman year, it seemed almost impossible to get through another three years of feeling like an outsider because other students have experience with the college process. My mentors and other peers in the Bliss scholarship program have helped me realize that I am not alone in this process and have helped me to not give up…I have met so many people and I can’t wait for incoming Bliss recipients to have that same experience. My goal is to pay it forward and help future Bliss scholars.”

BOETTCHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center

OVERVIEW

The Boettcher Foundation Scholarship awards merit scholarships to Colorado’s brightest minds and most talented young leaders. Boettcher scholars share a strong sense of character, an aptitude for leadership and a commitment to community improvement. Recipients of this prestigious award benefit from a full cost of attendance scholarship to Mines. Additionally, Boettcher scholars can also apply for a one-time enrichment grant as well as funding to support international study abroad.

16

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Davian Sandoval

Hometown: Grand Junction, CO

Major: Mechanical Engineering

“The Boettcher community has been an amazing constant to have throughout my time in college. It was amazing to enter Mines and have a group of supportive, kind and generous people waiting for us. I am grateful for this community because the freshman Boettchers have become a few of my closest friends at Mines. This community makes me feel accepted, inspired, ambitious. They motivate me and show me that my goals are closer in reach than I think.”

The Boettchers scholars represent

Colorado High Schools

DANIELS FUND SCHOLARSHIP

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center

OVERVIEW

The Daniels Fund Scholarship Community at Mines attracts academically driven student leaders from across Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico. The Daniels Fund Scholarship Program emphasizes professional preparedness, etiquette and an entrepreneurial spirit. Daniels Fund scholars at Mines benefit from personal support, upper division mentorship via a student ambassador program and a far-reaching alumni network.

91.4% Colorado Residents

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Nathaniel Bryce

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Major: Mechanical Engineering

“The Daniels Fund community provides a strong professional and social group that compliments my Mines experience. I have enjoyed the chance to learn professional skills while getting to hang out with an incredible group of scholars. Additionally, the community creates an avenue to pass down experience. Leaning on the wisdom of older scholars and sponsors has helped me navigate my college experience.”

DENVER SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center

OVERVIEW

The Denver Scholarship Foundation supports and empowers high school graduates of Denver Public Schools (DPS). Along with their financial award, Denver Scholarship Foundation scholars at Mines benefit from personalized advising, communitybuilding events and access to a wide-ranging alumni network beyond graduation. The Denver Scholarship Foundation formed in response to a community need: Denver Public School graduates face multiple barriers to a postsecondary degree. The Denver Scholarship Foundation makes college possible by partnering with students, families and institutional partners to increase post-high school degree access and completion. Its nationally-recognized three part approach—college access, scholarships and college success—has helped more than 8,200 DPS students since 2006.

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Kevin Tran

Hometown: Denver, CO

First Generation

Major: Mechanical Engineering

“The DSF community has allowed for me to connect to other students around campus that share a similar background to my own. This community has also made significant contributions in making my transition to college as a first-generation student be as smooth as possible by giving me a space safe to ask questions or reach out for help. Because DSF scholars are very diverse and come from different places, I enjoy learning about what other scholars are studying at Mines and their ambitions for the future”

GREWCOCK PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center

OVERVIEW

Founded by Bruce Grewcock ’76, former CEO and current executive chairman of Kiewit Corporation, and his wife, Debra Grewcock, the Grewcock Presidential Scholarship Program prepares the next generation of civic and industry leaders. Guided by a focus on intellectual curiosity, cross-disciplinary thinking and emotional intelligence, the Grewcock Presidential Scholarship Program is an intense leadership development experience and a close-knit student community. Scholars gather together weekly for skill-building workshops, guest speakers and community-building activities.

50%

Grewcock Scholars Currently Holding Mines Student Leadership Positions

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Inga Almgren

Hometown: Grand Junction, CO

Major: Civil Engineering

“Being a part of the Grewcock scholarship community has made my Mines experience much more fulfilling and fun. In addition to the great friendships and social aspects of the program, the Grewcock Presidential Scholarship has given me some extraordinary learning opportunities outside of the technical education in classes at Mines.”

HARVEY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center

OVERVIEW

Founded in 2009 by Hugh ’74 and Michelle Harvey, the Harvey Scholars Program attracts standout students with a passion for service. The scholarship’s motto, “Pay It Forward,” reflects community values of generosity, gratitude, and concern for others. The program recognizes and rewards merit in academic performance, outstanding character and leadership, and fosters excellence in academic and life pursuits. More than just a scholarship, the Harvey Scholars Program empowers students by providing opportunities to expand their knowledge of the broader world.

Harvey Students have Studied Abroad in

Countries

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Camille Neuder Hometown: Sandpoint, ID Major: Engineering Physics

“I cannot overstate what a blessing it is to be a part of this program! Without it, I wouldn’t have had the chance to attend Mines and pursue such a valuable education. The people I have met through this program have become some of my dearest friends— even roommates—and every day I have to stop and appreciate how grateful I am to be a part of something so special. Iron sharpens iron, and I know that being a part of such a good-hearted group is going to help me grow into the type of person I want to be.”

STARZER SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center

OVERVIEW

Founded in 2012 by Mike ’83 and Patty ’83 Starzer, the Starzer Service Scholarship cultivates humble, mission-driven servant leaders. The Starzer Scholarship Program helps Colorado students finance their postsecondary education and encourages them to give back to local communities. Starzer Service scholars gather together twice a month for group service activities, donor luncheons, coffee dates and guest speakers. Reflecting the donor’s values, Starzer Service scholars are expected to complete a meaningful service ‘capstone’ experience during their four years at Mines.

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Isabella Fernandes de Oliveira

Hometown: Brasilia, Brazil

Major: Computer Science

“The Starzer community helped me to feel like I belonged on campus and supported me in reaching out to other communities at Mines. My favorite aspect of being a Starzer scholar is committing to service. I love that we are encouraged to get involved with and care for the community around us. For me, this community has continued to be a pillar of support and encouragement —ever since Freshman year.”

VANGUARD AND CALDWELL COMMUNITIES OF SCHOLARS

Stewarded by Women in Science, Engineering and Mathematics (WISEM) Program

OVERVIEW

The Vanguard and Caldwell Communities of Scholars are for highly motivated students who embody leadership skills and a desire to improve our world through science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As members of these communities, scholars benefit from vertically integrated support within the cohort, access to women faculty and campus leadership, in addition to financial assistance. Caldwell students receive a full cost of tuition scholarship and are identified as students who demonstrate a commitment to the legacy of Florence Caldwell, Mines’ first woman graduate in 1898. Vanguard scholars receive a partial scholarship and are identified as students who will lead the way in making advances in STEM, for society, upon graduation.

SCHOLAR SURVEY

Being in the Vanguard and Caldwell Program has given me a strong sense of belonging to the broader Mines community that I otherwise may not of had.

STUDENT PROFILE

Name: Indiana “Indy” Sjahputera Hometown: Mead, CO

Major: Mechanical Engineering

“Being in the Vanguard Scholars Program since my first year, I have been blessed to be surrounded by some of the smartest, most driven women on campus. Many became my classmates, later to become my friends. By being empowered by my friends and classmates, I am further empowered to enact in the things that I am passionate for: enacting change and helping in generating more diversity on campus.”

1.5% Strongly disagree 3.8% Somewhat disagree 15.2% Neither agree nor disagree 34.8% Somewhat agree 44.7% Strongly agree n=132 survey responses

DATA: SCHOLAR COMMUNITIES AT MINES

The following data compares demographic information between scholarship communities at Mines and all undergraduate students at Mines. Scholarship communities included in this data are served by the PASCAL Center and Women in Science, Engineering and Mathematics (WISEM) Program.

Featured scholarship communities: Bliss, Boettcher, Caldwell, Daniels Fund, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Grewcock Presidential Scholars, Harvey Scholars, Hope’s Enduring Flame, Starzer and Vanguard.

Total annual amount of financial aid distributed through the scholarship communities is nearly $5 million.

UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIP COMMUNITIES

The PASCAL Center’s roster of scholarship communities will expand to include three additional communities for the 2022–2023 academic year.

Daniels Boundless Opportunity Scholarship

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center (Starting Fall 2022)

The Daniels Boundless Opportunity scholarship provides a college pathway for high-achieving, nontraditional students across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico. The Daniels Boundless Opportunity scholarship at Mines supports adult learners entering or returning to college and military veterans via community programming, one on one support and resource referral.

Elevate Scholarship

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center (Starting Fall 2022)

The Elevate Scholarship at Mines attracts bright, resilient students from underconnected Colorado and Rocky Mountain region high schools. Elevate scholars benefit from financial assistance and a signature community experience as part of the PASCAL Center. The community offers Elevate scholars student connection, engaging extracurricular programs and wraparound support —all of which help to create an affinity to Mines and a meaningful college experience. The Elevate Scholarship community aims to provide a world-class post-secondary education, financial assistance and a supportive community environment.

Hope’s Enduring Flame Scholarship

Stewarded by the PASCAL Center (Starting Fall 2022)

Established by Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Paul Dorr ’74 and his wife, Terri, the Hope’s Enduring Flame Scholarship provides undergraduate students from Colorado with financial support throughout their years at Mines. This scholarship recognizes each recipient’s strong academic success, leadership, community service and participation in extracurricular activities and is intended to help foster passions for learning and success. Paul often sites that his undergraduate education would not have been possible had it not been for the scholarship he received during his undergraduate career. It was this that motivated him and his wife, along with their children, Jeff and Jamie, to establish the Hope’s Enduring Flame Foundation in 2010.

ENGAGING THE MINES COMMUNITY

MINES@150 prioritizes student success through a focus on community belonging, engaging learning experiences and a campus-wide commitment to professional development.

PASCAL’s Scholarship Communities provide exceptional extracurricular experiences to scholars, as well as to the broader campus community. Events like a campus-wide keynote by former Secretary of State Chuck Hagel stand out as a defining learning experience for all Mines students.

The Vallejo Irvine Professional Development Symposium brings notable guest speakers and workshop facilitators to campus. All Mines students can access world-class professional development and extracurricular learning.

The PASCAL Center campus programs are open and free to all Mines students—ensuring that a signature student experience is available to all.

Community Spotlight —A Visit by Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel

On March 8, 2022, the Grewcock Presidential Scholars Program (in collaboration with the PASCAL Center) welcomed Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel for a community townhall. Sec. Hagel was joined by President Paul C. Johnson and Bruce Grewcock ’76 to discuss a variety of domestic and global issues including the future of energy production and the current political climate.

OVERVIEW

As Mines approaches its 150th anniversary, it is our goal to produce distinctive graduates that are highly valued, future-prepared and adaptable to the ever-changing world of work. A significant part of the signature student experience includes infusing professional development into students’ academics and extracurriculars.

The Vallejo Irvine Program for Professional Development (VIP) was established in spring 2021 to supplement Mines students’ technical education with essential career-readiness skills.

Number of unique students reached by VIP in 2021–2022

Through the generous support of Fran Vallejo ’87 and Scott Irvine ’87, VIP focuses on programming that aligns to six core competencies: career self-management, collaboration, communication, equity and inclusion, professionalism and successful thinking.

Fran and Scott were inspired to support Mines students by reflecting on their own career experiences. Their goal is to ensure students learn the skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom—but are invaluable to career success and advancement. These skills will set Mines graduates apart from other candidates in their professional pursuits.

VIP provides a variety of workshops, guest lectures and signature events to immerse students in various professional development opportunities. This past year, VIP held workshops such as Introduction to Public Speaking, Imposter Phenomenon as a Young Professional and An Awkward Professional’s Guide to Networking. Signature VIP events also included our inaugural Etiquette Dinner and VIP Professional Development Symposium (featuring New York Times best-selling author, Lindsey Pollak).

VIP plans to further proliferate professional opportunities, exposure and training. In the coming year, we will build out a VIP repository of available professional development resources. Further, we will continue to build modules and trainings that can be taught in the classroom. These efforts will guarantee a greater impact for a greater number of students.

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Supporting Scholar Communities at Mines

As we approach MINES@150, the PASCAL Center is advancing the aspirations of a guaranteed signature student experience.

Many of the jobs of the future that will be filled by engineers and scientists have yet to be created, and we want our graduates to always be the top recruits of their employers. Our students’ future successes will depend on much more than technical mastery.

In addition to the exceptional technical preparation, work ethic, high aptitude, grit, determination, resilience and teamwork that Mines graduates are known for today—positions will require new emphases on non-technical professional skills, such as business acumen, leadership, effective communication and entrepreneurship.

The preparation will be a well-orchestrated combination of challenging coursework, workshops and seminars, self-guided learning, practical experiences and mentoring through which our students develop technical prowess, business acumen, professional skills and a broad understanding of the world within which they operate.

PASCAL’s unwavering focus on professional development and scholarship communities defined by engaged thematic learning, vertical connection across the classes, donor and alumni engagement and world-class students will advance our MINES@150 university aspirations. You are invited to be a part of these opportunities! Our programs are strengthened with your presence and our ability to provide additional, distinctive opportunities is made possible by your giving.

A SINCERE THANK YOU

The PASCAL Center is made possible through meaningful contributions—including thoughtful recurring monthly gifts—by many Mines alumni. These contributions, from smaller gifts generously given by young alumni to the largest gift in Mines’ history from an established Mines alum, all help to make the Mines signature experience a reality for many students.

Mines and Student Life wish to thank the following alumni for their financial contributions and personal commitments to the success of PASCAL Center scholarship communities: Paul ’74 and Terri Dorr, Bruce ’76 and Debra Grewcock, Hugh ’74 and Michelle Harvey, Mike ’83 and Patty ’83 Starzer and Fran Vallejo ’87 and Scott Irvine ’87.

Additionally, we want to give a special thank you to Mike and Patty Starzer, whose generous support has enabled the delivery of student programming and materials for PASCAL.

THANK YOU!

Clockwise, starting from top left: Mike ’83 and Patty ’83 Starzer, Hugh ’74 and Michelle Harvey, Paul ’74 and Terri Dorr, Bruce Grewcock ’76 and Fran Vallejo ’87 and Scott Irvine ’87.

Professional and Scholar Communities Applied Learning (PASCAL) Center

Ben Parker Student Center 1200 16th Street, Suite E140 Golden, CO 80401 303.384.2584 pascal@mines.edu www.mines.edu/pascal