RAPID CITY, S.D. The South Dakota School of Mines announced today that Hardrock Club President, Nate Brown will be leaving the organization effective March 9. Brown has served as president since January of 2014.
 
"I would like to thank the Hardrock Club and the South Dakota School of Mines for this great opportunity," Brown said. "It has truly been a pleasure to work with so many great alumni that continue to have a tremendous impact in advancing Hardrocker Athletics. I would also like to thank the coaches, scholar-athletes, staff and administration for their hard work and dedication. I'm proud to have been a part of this special university." 
 
The Hardrock Club is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation and is the main fundraising entity for the SD Mines Athletic Department. 
 
"Nate has been an asset to the growth and development of the SD Mines Athletic Scholarship Program," said Hardrock Club Board of Directors Vice President Ron Williams. "Through Nate's efforts, SD Mines has increased its ability to attract and recruit top-quality scholar-athletes locally and from around the country who will go on to be leaders in the science and engineering industry. On behalf of the Hardrock Club Board of Directors, I wish him well in his future endeavors." 
 
The Hardrock Club's goal is to provide the maximum athletic scholarship support allowed by the NCAA to SD Mines for all Hardrocker varsity sports. Brown's fundraising efforts have been crucial in helping Hardrocker Athletics make the transition to NCAA Div. II providing financial support to all SD Mines athletic programs.
 
"Nate has been instrumental in the development of Hardrocker Athletics," said Hardrocker Athletic Director Joel Lueken. "His leadership, personality and ability to interact with the Black Hills community will be very tough to replace. Hardrocker Athletics wishes he and his family all the best in the future."
 
The Hardrock Club Board of Directors have begun a national search for Brown's replacement.