Despite being one of the oldest universities in the state, Colorado School of Mines has a fresh look.
On Feb. 9, the university hosted a 150th birthday party in conjunction with the ribbon-cutting for the Labriola Innovation District. This kicks off a year of sesquicentennial celebrations, as the university will incorporate its big anniversary into E-Days, Homecoming Week and other annual events.
Thousands of students, staff members and alumni packed the two-floor Labriola Innovation Hub to pick up commemorative mugs and T-shirts, say hello to mascot Blaster, eat some birthday cake and see the new facilities.
The district, which is behind the Mines Museum of Earth Science, houses several student project spaces, a metals shop, a wood shop, automotive garages, laboratories, classrooms and other work areas.
The celebration doubleheader truly showcased the university’s past, present and potential, as Mines officials described, as Orediggers want to continue building a better world through their expertise, leadership and determination.
For more information on the university’s sesquicentennial or the new Labriola Innovation District, visit campaign.mines.edu.
Click through additional photos of the Feb. 9 celebration here:
Colorado School of Mines hosts a 150th birthday party Feb. 9 at the new Labriola Innovation Hub. The celebration doubled as the innovation district’s grand opening, with thousands of students, staff and alumni in attendance. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
A Colorado School of Mines staff member gives a tour of the new Labriola Innovation Hub on Feb. 9. The innovation district houses several student project spaces, metals and wood shops, laboratories, classrooms and other work areas. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Colorado School of Mines hosts a 150th birthday party Feb. 9 at the new Labriola Innovation Hub. The celebration doubled as the innovation district’s grand opening, with thousands of students, staff and alumni in attendance. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Colorado School of Mines graduate student Daniel Arinze colors in a “Flat Blaster” cutout during the university’s 150th birthday party Feb. 9 at the new Labriola Innovation Hub. Attendees were encouraged to decorate their “Flat Blasters” and post pictures on social media to win prizes. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Colorado School of Mines hosts a 150th birthday party Feb. 9 at the new Labriola Innovation Hub. The celebration doubled as the innovation district’s grand opening, with thousands of students, staff and alumni in attendance. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Colorado School of Mines gives away commemorative mugs for its 150th anniversary Feb. 9 at the new Labriola Innovation Hub. The mugs were shaped like barrels in reference to the university’s fight song. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Colorado School of Mines freshman Benjamin Koller colors in a “Flat Blaster” cutout during the university’s 150th birthday party Feb. 9 at the new Labriola Innovation Hub. Attendees were encouraged to decorate their “Flat Blasters” and post pictures on social media to win prizes. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Colorado School of Mines freshman Benjamin Koller colors in a “Flat Blaster” cutout during the university’s 150th birthday party Feb. 9 at the new Labriola Innovation Hub. Attendees were encouraged to decorate their “Flat Blasters” and post pictures on social media to win prizes. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Colorado School of Mines students take a photo with mascot Blaster the Burro during the university’s 150th birthday party. The event doubled as the Labriola Innovation District’s grand opening. Credit: Corinne Westeman