This short history recounts the story of Colorado School of Mines,
particularly from 1947 to the early 1960s, its student life, and the
traditions and excellence which was one of the most stringent in the
country whch developed some of the great engineers in the US
The saga of the first hundred years of the Colorado School of Mines also
known as Mines (CSM) was founded to fulfill a technological need in
Colorado Territory, and rose to greatness through the establishment of a
harsh, unforgiving environment with arguably the strictest academic
standards ever seen on the North American continent. Its graduates
dominated earth science industries having passed mental and physical
tests of knowledge and endurance unthinkable in today's academic
institutions. Even with selective admissions, CSM ultimately graduated
less than one-third of its students, and many of those long after the
normal four years of study.
This short history recounts the story of Mines, particularly from 1947
to the early 1960s, its student life, and the traditions and excellence
lost in a changing environment. Nothing lasts forever, particularly
institutions subject to tinkering by outside forces unable to recognize
the value of engineering and fearing greatness in others. Teachers were
replaced by corporate managers and research scientists, and students
were recruited to represent the image Mines presidents wished to present
to the state and the surrounding community. This is a history of a great
educational institution by former students
