Colorado School of Mines history

Operating independently, the three schools continued to share the campus until 1878, when fires burned Jarvis and Matthews halls to the ground—the first by accident, the second by arson.

During the early years of the institution, the chief administrator was the "Professor in Charge". The designation "President" was first used in 1880.

The school was founded in 1874 as the Territorial School of Mines. It awarded its first diploma in 1882.

1883 First formal commencement, graduating William Middleton and Walter Wiley

The next building to be added to the campus was Engineering Hall, built in 1894, which is still in use today by the Economics and Business Division.

In 1906, Mines became the first school of its kind in the world to own and operate its own experimental mine, designed for practical teaching of the students, which was located on Mt.

Started in 1908 by 250 students, 20 faculty members and a team of burros, first-year students start their Mines journey with a short hike up Mt.

1919 One of the first four colleges in the United States to establish ROTC

1921 Loan began with Edgar Mine, one of only two university-run mines in the United States

Starting with the 1934 commencement ceremony, Mines began issuing silver diplomas, measuring 5 by 6 inches and etched in pure sterling silver.

Prospector, 1980: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1981: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1982: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1983: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1984: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1985: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1986: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1987: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1988: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1989: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1990: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1991: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1992: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1994: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1997: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

Prospector, 1999: annual of the Colorado School of Mines 

George W. Bush appointed Bement director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Under Bement’s leadership, NIST took a more active role in national security following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

In 2004 Bement became acting director and then director of NSF, where he promoted education and research initiatives to strengthen the country’s ability to function in an era of economic change.