DONOR PROFILE
Joan Stratton leaves a legacy of camaraderie and access at Mines
Joan Stratton ’74 was a life-long Oredigger—alumna, sports fan, volunteer and donor. Those who knew Joan can picture her in a Mines sweatshirt, big smile on her face, cheering on Mines athletics. Mines was Joan’s family, attending M Club events in cities across Nevada and California, participating in the Homecoming 5K, volunteering on the Board of Governors and Geology Enhancement Committee, having generously donated to Mines and ultimately leaving the school in her estate plans. Most recently, Joan helped plan her 50th reunion in 2024, including fundraising for the Sesquicentennial Bell.
Joan died in December 2024, leaving behind many close friends at Mines. Born in 1951, she graduated from Mines with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. She obtained her medical degree from Dartmouth College and worked as an anesthesiologist at hospitals in Nevada for over 30 years.
A pioneer in Mines athletics during the ’70s, Joan earned a varsity letter in the intercollegiate rifle team, where she performed best out of a team of four students. Joan also was among the first women to participate in track & field, and her interest in the sport lasted a lifetime. She traveled to see the Olympics and personally set a record as the U.S. national champion for ages 35 and over in 1995. Even in her 70’s, Joan could be found carting around shot puts in the back of her car.
The Mines’ Rifle Team with D. Carnell, Joan Stratton, S. Thielen, M. Ulen and (standing) Sgt. Allan.
DONOR PROFILE
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As Joan approached retirement, she started looking at her philanthropy differently. She was already a donor to Mines for over 40 years to various programs and departments.
“Joan’s support for Mines speaks volumes about how she lived her life. We’re so grateful that she was actively involved—volunteering her time as a leader and giving back financially. We will miss her, and we are honored to have known her,” said Brian Winkelbauer, president and CEO of the Mines Foundation.
Giving back to Mines through Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs)
Joan was a member of the Mines Century Society and Heritage Society. Over the course of 14 years, she donated generously to Mines through 11 CGAs that provided her with income for the rest of her life. Joan’s support has a far-reaching impact on promoting excellence at Mines and empowering students.
Charitable Gift Annuities appealed to Joan as a way to be philanthropic toward Mines and also plan for security in retirement. She saw CGAs as a reliable financial planning and tax-smart tool. She started with deferred annuities until she fully retired, opting for a new CGA almost every year, and even utilizing the IRA-CGA option recently established.
The causes she supported reflect Mines’ values of rigor in academic and athletic achievements. Joan’s financial support benefits entire communities of Mines students in honors programs, field research and sports victories—both today and for generations to come.
While at Mines, Joan needed financial assistance to continue her studies. Dr. Guy McBride offered the President’s House as a residence for students in need, and Joan lived there for two years. Joan designated the McBride Honors program as the beneficiary of a CGA, in memory of President McBride. The public affairs program provides an exceptional, interdisciplinary humanities education. Through McBride, students get a well-rounded education that emboldens learning across disciplines by integrating the liberal arts with that of science and engineering.
67CGAs funded by generous donors
29 of those CGAs support scholarships at Mines
38 support departmental funds/programs or provide general support to the Mines Foundation
$10.4M total CGA gift value at Mines
