Warm weather has pushed winter aside for many of you around the country, but at Colorado School of Mines it is coming in fits and starts—one day it snows, the next it is in the 70s. Some things don't change.

The same cannot be said of Mines magazine. As you may have read in Inbox, we received lots of feedback from the readership survey, and this issue reflects our response to some of it. Several respondents said they wanted to read about outstanding students. As a result, two very active members of the student body—Emily Milian and Zach Aman—are profiled in Spotlight. Their stories are impressive and a source of inspiration and pride. Several respondents expressed an interest in reading about current faculty. We've also provided three engaging profiles of faculty that are reprinted from the School's research publication, Energy and the Earth. Researchers profiled include Eilene Poetter, Tissa Illangasekare and David Matlock. And for the many who asked us to write about alumni in non-traditional careers, don't miss the profile of Jose Moreno, in The Network, whose office window in the American Embassy Moscow looks out at the Russian White House.

The feature stories in this issue cover a broad spectrum. "Seismic Solutions," by Nicole Branan, reports on how the Reservoir Characterization Project tracks carbon dioxide as it migrates through deep underground oil reservoirs—work that is of interest to both energy companies wishing to enhance oil recovery operations, and environmental organizations interested in sequestering carbon dioxide. "Hard Rock Gold Mining," by Brendan Harrington and myself, tells the story of six alumni working in the only underground hard rock gold mine that remains active in Colorado. It's not just the "who," but the "how" and "where" that make this an engaging tale. And "Humanitarianism Reengineered," by Doug McPherson, details the work of a popular engineering program that is making a difference for students at Mines and for communities in developing countries around the world.

In The Network, you can read about the Alumni Association's growing Mentoring Program, regional receptions and a little E-Days history. In place of Last Word, we have Parting Shots: two pictures of Golden, both taken from South Table Mountain, one around 1908, the other in 2008. We didn't receive a Last Word submission. If you have considered writing a Last Word essay, please get in touch. The survey feedback shows this is one of the most popular elements in the magazine, but it requires involvement by readers.

Lastly, everyone here at the Alumni Association is looking forward to Reunion 2008. You'll find the comprehensive program at www.minesonline.net. There you can complete your registration and sign up for special events. There's a lively weekend planned and we hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

Nick Sutcliffe
Editor and Director of Communications, CSMAA