RAPID CITY, SD – Three South Dakota Mines student organizations have been recognized by the South Dakota Board of Regents for demonstrating exceptional leadership, academic achievement and service to the community. 

The annual awards celebrate outstanding student organizations at South Dakota’s six public universities, recognizing groups that make meaningful contributions in academic excellence, community service and organizational leadership. Three student organizations from Black Hills State University were also honored during this week’s BOR meeting on the BHSU campus. 

“With well over 100 active student organizations on our campus, it is difficult to narrow down all the accomplishments and exceptional culture that have been built into only three awards,” said Joe Dlugos, Ph.D., Mines dean of students. “I’d like to thank every student, faculty, and staff member who took the time to submit nominations. Your efforts helped highlight the incredible work happening across our campus. Most impressive of all is the reality that none of the students involved in these organizations are committing to these actions with the end goal of receiving an award or for recognition. Instead, they are doing this because they have found a passion that drives them, a love for their organization. They truly want to leave South Dakota Mines better than how they found it.”

The BOR awards each university for academic excellence, recognizing student organizations for outstanding contributions to the academic environment or the performance of students; community service, recognizing student groups for building relationships and service to the outside community; and organizational leadership, recognizing organizations for engaging in activities that provide effective student or community leadership. 

The annual BOR awards recognize student organizations that strengthen campus life through academic achievement, service and leadership, highlighting the many ways students contribute to the success of their universities and surrounding communities.

Mines student groups receiving awards were:  

Award for Academic Excellence

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity was recognized for fostering a culture where academic success is a shared priority. The fraternity achieved a 3.51 cumulative GPA, exceeding its goal of 3.5, while creating programs that support student achievement across campus. Members organize study rooms, pancake study nights, a dean’s list dinner and tutoring opportunities that benefit both fraternity members and the broader university community.

Award for Community Service

Serving Others Unconditional Love (SOUL) was honored for its commitment to strengthening connections between Mines students and the Rapid City community. Since April 2025, the organization has used a student-led “crew lead” model to recruit and coordinate volunteers, manage community partnerships and organize service projects that encourage consistent, relationship-driven volunteerism.

Award for Organizational Leadership

Triangle Fraternity earned recognition for developing student leaders who make a lasting impact across campus. During the past year, three members participated in the President’s Leadership Academy, with two additional members having previously completed the program. Members also served as co-chairs of Rocker Days, the university’s homecoming celebration, while four fraternity members held executive board positions in the National Society of Leadership and Success, helping advance leadership and professional development opportunities for fellow students.