Investment in Students

Professor's Pay-It-Forward Attitude Inspires His Daughter to Add Mines to Her Will

Mines graduates are known for doing extraordinary things in their professions. Harold Bloom MS ’61 was one of those accomplished Orediggers. During his tenure at Mines, Bloom taught exploration geochemistry in the chemistry and geology departments and retired as a professor in 1978. His love of education and passion for Mines inspired his daughter, Lillian, to continue his legacy of giving to the university.

Before coming to Mines, Bloom had a flourishing career in exploration geochemistry, where he developed a site field test for heavy metals. The Bloom Test allowed geologists to analyze soil and stream settlements for heavy metal contents, a forerunner of the partial extraction method that is used today.

While at the height of his career, Bloom realized he could help advance the industry by educating the students who would continue to change the field of geology in the future, so he decided to become a professor of geochemical exploration at Mines. During his teaching career, Bloom earned his master’s degree from Mines. He created the first geology summer field session with Dr. Robert Weimer, which continues today. Through his teaching, mentoring and professional development activities, his own career thrived, along with those of his students, colleagues and industry professionals.

After 23 years of teaching, Bloom retired but never lost sight of the positive impact Mines had on him and his family. Lillian Bloom recalled how her parents were dedicated to paying it forward.

“My father was always very fulfilled with his career at Mines, with his family, friends and coworkers,” she said. “He wanted his students to share in that fulfillment and to know that they could have an amazing life. My mother developed enduring friendships among Mines faculty as well.”

In 1977, Bloom and his wife Betty created the William E. and Harold Bloom Fund, named after their late son, William.

The fund initially supported teaching and research in exploration geochemistry but was later revised. The Blooms wanted to ease students’ financial burdens and to give them access to opportunities while juggling family, friends, classes and other interests. Currently, most of the fund supports two-year scholarships awarded to select undergraduate and graduate geology students. The scholarships are designed to provide financial freedom for students to pursue their goals in geology and other areas of life, just as the Blooms had envisioned. The remainder of the fund is designated for departmental support.

Many scholarships and funds are created and funded solely by Mines alums, but Lillian, who didn’t attend Mines, understands the extraordinary opportunities that come with a Mines education. In high school, she saw the benefit and fulfillment that Mines brought to her parents through lifelong friendships and professional relationships. She has continued her parents’ legacy through ongoing support of Mines geology and geochemical engineering students since 2016. She recently decided to put Mines in her will.

When asked why she chose to support a university that she did not attend, her answer was simple.

“When supporting Mines, you are supporting some of the highest and best principles for sustaining our future,” she said. “The lasting impact and integrity of a Mines education means that Mines graduates will become leaders in their fields and be at the forefront of education, research, technology and environmental sustainability for years to come.”