Find Your Drove: Inside the Mines Class of 2030

Every Oredigger needs a drove.

If you’re not up on your burro terminology, a drove is a group of burros, and at Mines, it’s also a fitting way to describe finding the people, activities and experiences that make campus feel like home. Nearly 350 members of the Mines Class of 2030 shared what they’re into and what they hope to explore at Mines, with interests ranging from robotics and entrepreneurship to outdoor adventures, arts, sports and more. 

Ready to get in the game

More than half of respondents, about 53 percent, participated in sports in high school. Their interests span everything from ice hockey to ultimate frisbee, and there are plenty of ways to keep moving at Mines. 

In addition to NCAA Division II varsity athletics, students can participate in club and recreational sports, whether they want to compete, try something new or simply meet people who share their interests. Running, equestrian sports and power and weight lifting were among the activities specifically mentioned by incoming students. 

Turning ideas into reality

Some incoming Orediggers are already thinking beyond the classroom. About 24 percent of respondents, or roughly 80 students, said they want to pursue entrepreneurship at Mines. 

That entrepreneurial spirit fits right alongside the Class of 2030’s enthusiasm for making and building. More than 60 percent are interested in engineering projects, clubs or teams, while 46 percent want to get involved with robotics. Formula SAE was a standout, with 36 students mentioning it when asked about specific teams or challenges that excite them.

Golden makes a great basecamp

If there’s one thing the Class of 2030 seems especially ready for, it’s getting outside. Nearly 78 percent of respondents said they plan to participate in outdoor recreation at Mines.

It’s perhaps no coincidence that Golden makes a pretty spectacular basecamp. Mines sits at the base of Lookout Mountain, with Clear Creek and Clear Creek Canyon next door for climbing, kayaking and tubing, plus 24 miles of trails nearby. And when winter arrives, the mountains and some of Colorado’s best skiing and snowboarding are within hours of campus.

Students can also turn to the Outdoor Recreation Center for gear rentals for hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding and camping, along with student trips and a climbing wall. And there’s a drove for almost every outdoor interest, with student organizations focused on activities such as climbing, mountain biking, slacklining, skiing and alpine adventures. 

More ways to find your community

The survey also shows just how varied the Class of 2030 will be. While in high school, about 42 percent participated in music or performing arts, 31 percent in visual or literary arts and 43 percent supported their communities through service.

Incoming students mentioned interests ranging from band, martial arts and undergraduate research to book clubs, debate, sewing, pottery, pickleball and welding. One student already has a particularly Mines-specific plan, mentioning wanting to join a “burro club where we can hang out with Blaster the donkey; he sounds pretty cool.” (Psst…check out Blue Key!)

For a school our size, Mines offers big possibilities. Hundreds of student organizations, activities and teams are powered by engineers and scientists who bring the same curiosity and creativity they have in the classroom to everything from music and service to sports and outdoor adventure. Mines offers a chance to try something unexpected, explore new interest and, of course, find your drove. 

Want to take an even deeper look at the overall demographics of the Mines community? Visit the Institutional Research website.