IN PERPETUITY: M.R. HANSEN BUILDS ENDOWMENT FOR CEE STUDENTS

M.R. Hansen (CE 69), PhD, PE, a longtime civil engineering professor at South Dakota Mines, has deep roots in the state. He grew up in the town of Philip, son of a Wall Drug sign painter.

“My dad survived WWII with a Silver Star and Purple Heart,” Hansen says. “He made his living and supported ten kids by painting signs. His best customer was Wall Drug."

Hansen was like many young people who came to Mines from small towns across the Midwest in that his hard work on campus changed his fortune.

“We were dirt poor, but when I got to Mines, I really connected. I appreciate that. I just want to give back,” he says.

Hansen spent nearly 40 years giving back as a faculty member. Today, he’s continuing the legacy with the formation of an endowment in support of student scholarships and activities in civil and environmental engineering.

“This endowment goes to civil engineering and scholarships along with funding for the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Concrete Canoe, and Steel Bridge teams.”

For students, the endowment is already making an impact.

“This endowment allows us to experience more things outside of campus; it helps us attend conferences and competitions,” says Haden Casdorph, ASCE student chapter president at Mines. “There are significantly more opportunities for us thanks to this endowment.”

Even though they didn't qualify last year, student members of both the Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge teams attended the 2022 national competition.

“We were able to see things all around the world and learn the level of competition we are up against. This gave us a real head start on this year,” says Ben Lewis, 2023 Concrete Canoe team captain. “This trip helped us be more competitive,” says Ruth Potter, the 2023 Steel Bridge captain.

The investment Mines alumni have made into the M.R. Hansen Endowment is already seeing returns in student success. Both the Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe teams won the regional competition in 2023 and will take part in nationals in June of this year.

Hansen points out that even small gifts, the types of funding that can help cover student travel, can go a long way in assisting students at Mines. “We’re not necessarily looking for million-dollar donations; small donations can make a big difference,” Hansen says.

The endowment has also paid for three student scholarships: Kade VanDusseldorp, Carson Daly, and Brian Pfeifle. For students, this is a game changer. “Without the help of a scholarship, like the M.R. Hansen & Friends Scholarship, many students would have a much harder time figuring out how to pay for their education,” says Pfeifle.

The long-term goal is to find ways to sustain the fund for generations to come.

“The trick is to make the fund self-building,” Hansen says.

Hansen started a Facebook group for the endowment as a way to connect alumni to the cause. Those who wish to contribute can also visit the CARA website: https://cara. sdsmt.edu/ways-to-give, then under Donation Information, Give To, scroll down to click on "other," and then type in “M. R. Hansen and Friends Endowment.”