President Emeritus Guy T. McBride mourned

CSM is saddened by the news that Dr. Guy T. McBride, Jr., president of CSM from 1970 to 1984, passed away Monday March 21, 2011, in Lakewood at the age of 91.
McBride was born December 12, 1919, in Austin, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1940 as valedictorian with a BS in chemical engineering. He then received his doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1948.

After completing his education, McBride worked in both industry and education. He first worked briefly in industry, as a chemical engineer for Standard Oil and a consultant for Texas Gulf Sulphur Company. During the 1950’s, McBride was a member of the Rice University faculty. He served as an associate professor of chemical engineering, associate dean, and dean of students for that institution. In 1958, he left Rice and became a vice president and eventually head of the phosphate division of Texas Gulf.

In 1970, McBride left Texas Gulf and became the twelfth president of the Colorado School of Mines. He presided over a successful period in Mines history. Enrollment nearly doubled, new buildings were constructed, new professorship and lectureships were established, and, of course, the honors program bearing his name was established. The Guy T. McBride, Jr. Honors Program in Public Affairs was established in 1978 and named for Dr. McBride by the Mines Board of Trustees. In 1984, McBride left the presidency, though not his connection with Mines.

After 1984, in addition to continuing to teach at CSM, McBride served as a board member for corporations including Hercules, Halliburton, and Kerr-McGee. He also devoted time to his primary hobby – woodworking.

With McBride’s death, the CSM community suffers the loss of a great friend. Certainly, McBride will be remembered and missed.