GOLDEN, Colo., Aug. 16, 2012 – In a tradition dating back to 1908, Colorado School of Mines students will kick off the new school year by carrying 10-pound rocks to the top of Mt. Zion and whitewashing the university’s iconic mountainside “M” on Aug. 20.
The incoming class will set a number of university records, including the highest SAT and ACT scores, largest number of women and minority students and the largest enrollment to date.
This year’s incoming class at a glance:
- 1,080 students (960 freshman, 120 transfers)
- 61 percent Colorado residents, 39 percent from 42 U.S. states and 14 foreign countries
- 28 percent are women
- 19 percent ethnic minorities
- The class of 2016 is also the most academically prepared class in Mines history with an average composite SAT score of 1300, average ACT score of 30 and an average high school GPA of 3.8
“The reality is these numbers are driven by success in all areas of the campus,” said Director of Enrollment Management Heather Boyd. “Outstanding student outcomes after graduation, significant campus construction, increased focus on the student experience, the doubling and maturing of agreements with area community colleges, regional and national recognition for our varsity athletic teams, the shift to a college structure, and the level, frequency, and highly varied, positive publicity that Mines has enjoyed in recent months all contribute to this success.”
Students begin the hike up Mt. Zion at 7:45 a.m. from Kafadar Commons on the Mines campus. Lookout Mountain Road will be closed from 19th Street up to the 'M.' Media interested in photographing the whitewashing should access Lookout Mountain Road via I-70.
Contact:
David Tauchen, Public Relations Specialist / 303-273-3088 / DTauchen@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu