The M has stood watchful over campus and Golden, Colorado, since 1908. But did you know it was originally lit with railroad flares? The M Climb is a symbolic initiation for all new Orediggers, and is one reason Colorado School of Mines is so unique and special.
The abbreviated version of the symbolism in the M Climb:
- Orediggers bring a rock from their hometown, representing their own unique perspectives and background.
- Blue Key paints the new students' hard hats showing the mark upperclassmen will have on their college experience.
- The climb represents the academic and engineering challenges ahead.
- The whitewash brigade shows that we all need to help each other along the way.
- Placing the rocks represents each students' contribution to campus.
- The M - made up of thousands of rocks from current students and alumni - serves as a constant reminder that Orediggers are in this together and to reach out if you need help to anyone in the Mines Family.
- Graduating students return to the M and can take a rock - symbolically taking a piece of campus wherever their path may lead (many drive to demonstrate how much smarter they've gotten over their time at Mines)!