Alumnus makes largest-ever gift to Mines to provide scholarships, establish new leadership program

With the largest single gift ever received by Colorado School of Mines, Bruce Grewcock ’76 and his wife, Debra Grewcock, have established the Grewcock Presidential Scholars Program. Their $30 million gift will support full scholarships and unique experiential opportunities for Mines students, with the goal of developing tomorrow’s industry, government and business leaders.

The Grewcock Presidential Scholars program will develop the skills needed for effective leadership, promote intellectual curiosity and provide an insider’s view of government, business and industry. This four-year program is in addition and complementary to each scholar’s pursuit of one of the world-renowned STEM degree programs offered at Colorado School of Mines.

“Debra and I believe in a Mines education and the importance of good leadership, and we are proud to make a substantial investment in this first-of-its-kind program at Mines,” Bruce Grewcock said. “Mines students are already high achievers with great drive and technical savvy. Through this program, students with exceptional leadership potential will gain the skills and knowledge they need to take initiative, inspire others and successfully advance our ever-changing world.”

About the Program

The Grewcock Presidential Scholars Program will provide full tuition and fees to ten new students each year, renewable over eight semesters. This community of about 40 students will experience personalized mentorship from professional leaders, regular group meetings and activities and unique leadership-focused travel opportunities. The first scholarships will be awarded this fall to a cohort of students who are selected from a competitive process that emphasizes high academic credentials, noteworthy leadership potential, future leadership aspirations and a strong commitment to being leaders at Mines as well as active participants in the Grewcock Scholars Program.

“This gift is a game-changer for Colorado School of Mines. We will forever be grateful to Bruce and Debra Grewcock for their vision, generous investment and passion for developing tomorrow’s government, business and industry leaders,” said Colorado School of Mines President Paul C. Johnson. “Mines has long been known for producing distinctive engineers and scientists, but – as prioritized in our MINES@150 strategic plan – there clearly is also a need to prepare them to be leaders. The Grewcocks’ investment enables us to do that and also to attract the top students nationally to Mines as Grewcock Scholars. This is exciting and inspiring. I look forward to watching the Grewcock Presidential Scholars develop as leaders at Mines and then, after graduation, seeing the impact they have on society, government, business and industry.”  

About the Donors

Bruce Grewcock ’76 is executive chairman of the board of Kiewit Corporation, an employee-owned business that is now the sixth largest general contractor in the United States. After an incredibly successful 16-year tenure as CEO, Grewcock continues to play an active role within Kiewit, with a focus on mentoring emerging and current leaders throughout the industry.

A committed Mines volunteer in numerous capacities for more than fifteen years, Grewcock is currently a member of the Colorado School of Mines Foundation’s Board of Governors and serves on its fiduciary body, the Executive Committee. His dedication to Mines has earned him numerous honors from the university, including the Tourmaline Award (2018) and Distinguished Achievement Medal (1999).

In addition to his corporate leadership and unparalleled support of Colorado School of Mines, Grewcock and his wife of 37 years, Debra, actively give back to a number of causes and organizations in their Omaha, Nebraska, community. Debra is a dedicated volunteer and supporter for the Nebraska Humane Society and the Madonna School, which serves students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

About Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a public university focused on science and engineering, dedicated to educating and inspiring students, advancing knowledge and innovating to address the great challenges society faces today—particularly those related to earth, energy and the environment.

Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have evolved to meet the needs of industry and society, producing distinctive graduates and revolutionary innovations, with impact to the energy, aerospace, civil infrastructure, defense, IT, health and earth resource industries.