The South Dakota School of Mines community is morning the loss of the school’s president, Robert Wharton. Dr. Wharton died suddenly Tuesday morning. School of Mines officials confirmed Wharton’s death is related to complications surrounding recent cancer treatment. SDPB’s Charles Michael Ray has this story.
South Dakota School of Mines classes continue today–-but many students and faculty are somber as they remember Dr. Robert Wharton. The schools president is noted for maintaining close ties to students--among them is Skyler Kehn a second year mining engineering student.
“He was great to talk to, just a completely amazing guy. I mean he was always students first before anything else and I always thought that was great about him," says Kehn.
The School of Mines postponed its homecoming activities scheduled for this week. During Wharton’s tenure research funding at the school tripled to 35-million dollars in 2010. Wharton is also remembered for the new chemical, biological engineering, and paleontology buildings that went up on campus during his watch. A scholarship is set up in his name though the school.
An outdoor memorial tribute service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24 in the quad on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus. Students are also planning a candlelight vigil that evening.
SDPB-Radio will have more from faculty, staff and students at the School of Mines on Monday’s Dakota Digest.