Dinner and dialogue helps students connect to alumni

A group of 14 student-members of the CSM alumni association joined some alumni association staff members at the Coolbaugh House on January 27 for the first of a new series called Dinner and Dialogue. The monthly, 4-part, series brings students together with alumni and others connected with the school to share a light supper and meaningful discussion. The series kicked off with Seth Terry MS ’95, PhD ’02 as the special guest. Having founded Oberon FMR after graduating in 2002, Terry spoke of the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, and the intriguing technology he’s helped develop.

Terry completed his undergraduate degree at Princeton, earned an MBA at Regis and then studied environmental science and engineering at Mines. After working at an engineering consulting firm immediately after graduation, Seth and fellow Mines alumnus, Andy Logan MS ’98, PhD ’02, decided to create a business together. Through their research at Mines, they developed a means of deriving high-protein feed from wastewater discharged by brewers, corn millers and potato processors. Wastewater is an industrial byproduct not currently processed for profit on any large scale.

A diverse group attended the event at the Coolbaugh House, including undergraduate and graduate students. Students questioned Terry on why he took the entrepreneurial route and the discussion migrated to the importance of being more global citizens. Students were glad for the opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion with a successful, recent graduate, and have the opportunity to share their own stories and goals in this intimate setting.

Seth also spoke of the role the alumni association has played in his business life, including its role helping him find business partners and investors, and make contacts overseas. It’s never too early to start building your professional network, says Terry, pointing out that the access M-ulators have to Mines alumni is a resource they should tap.

Students found the first event in the Dinner and Dialogue Series meaningful and enjoyable. One student’s response to the level of discussion and perspective gained was, “I just love having my mind blown away.”

Future guests in the Dinner and Dialogue series include Michelle Moorman ’05, manager of regulatory affairs for Summit Utilities; Rob Carlson ’96, vice president and corporate treasurer, CoorsTek; and Admiral Richard H. Truly, CSM trustee and a retired space shuttle commander and NASA administrator who, among other things, oversaw the Challenger disaster enquiry.

The Colorado School of Mines Alumni Association operates programs and services to keep Mines alumni connected to each other and the school. The M-Ulator program, managed by Ruth Jones and Heidi Boersma, is a student-membership level of CSMAA, which provides students with access to the mentoring program, invitations to events such as the Dinner and Dialogue series and other benefits, including discounted banking services through Credit Union of Colorado, the sponsor of the Dinner and Dialogue series. For more information on future Dinner and Dialogue events, call the alumni association at 303-273-3424, visit www.minesonline.net, or stop by Coolbaugh House (corner of 17th and Maple) during normal business hours.