Kelsey Zabrusky ’09, MS ’11

Kelsey Zabrusky ’09, MS ’11 was exposed to geology at a young age. Her southern Colorado hometown has a dinosaur quarry, and she worked at the local dinosaur museum from middle school through high school. She also loved looking at geological formations when she and her parents went camping. So when it came time to pick a college, Mines seemed to fit her needs: small, in-state and focused on science and technology.

“I really liked the feel of it, the focus on career outcomes, on industry partnerships and on research,” Kelsey said. More than a decade after she graduated and began her career in geology with the Department of the Interior, Kelsey is still involved at Mines because of how her Mines education impacted her life. She taught a Cornerstone Design course in fall 2022, volunteers at admissions events with prospective students and serves on the Geology Enhancement Committee.

Now, Kelsey and her mom, Kris, have both named the Mines Foundation to receive a gift from their wills. With the help of matching funds through the Preston Legacy Challenge, they started a scholarship that has already been awarded to a Mines student.

“I've been so impressed with the school. I thought Kelsey’s education would do her so well throughout the rest of her life,” Kris said. Kelsey’s continued connection with Mines is an inspiration to her mother and part of the reason she decided to add Mines to her estate plans.

“I had such a different [college] experience,” she said. “I went to a big school, and I have absolutely no connection to that school at all. I still keep in touch with two roommates, but other than that, I've never been back to the campus.”

Kelsey has been around many Mines students recently, including Emma Nelson, the student who received the Zabrusky scholarship. Kelsey is excited about the research that’s happening on campus and that student groups are expanding and diversifying to meet the needs of the current student body.

“My experience meeting Kelsey only fueled my imagination, my creativity and my desire to make this world a better place,” said Nelson. “As I continue my education at Mines, the scholarship will allow me to explore opportunities and turn my passions and interests into a career.”

Kelsey and Kris still love to take geologically focused trips together, including to Hawaii to see flowing lava and to Arches National Park. They also enjoy being back at Mines and seeing how it’s changed since Kelsey was a student. And they will continue to stay connected through giving of their time, talent and treasure.