08/27/2026
As we continue counting down to the Heritage Awards, we're celebrating the Outstanding Recent Graduates who are already making a difference in their industries, communities, and here at South Dakota Mines. These Hardrockers aren't just building successful careers; they're finding ways to lead, give back, and help create opportunities for those who come after them.
Next up is Grant Nelson.
A 2019 South Dakota Mines mechanical engineering graduate, Grant has built an impressive career with Graco Inc., where he currently serves as a Global Product Manager within the company's Industrial Division. In this role, he manages the development and strategy of sealant and adhesive dispensing systems. His career at Graco has also included serving as a Sales Engineer, where he managed a North American territory and earned the company's President's Club Award for sales achievement.
Grant also recently added an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to his list of accomplishments, completing the degree in May 2025.
But Grant’s connection to South Dakota Mines didn’t end at graduation. As a student, he was inducted into the Leadership Hall of Fame, served as a Resident Assistant, and led the Formula SAE team as president for two years. Today, he continues to give his time and resources to the university by serving on the CAMP Advisory Board, fundraising for the Mechanical Engineering department, and serving as chapter chair for the Twin Cities Alumni Chapter. He is also a member of the Catalyst Society, recognizing young alumni who have given $4,000 or more to South Dakota Mines before turning 40. Reaching that milestone so early in his career demonstrates Grant’s deep commitment to paying it forward and helping create opportunities for the next generation of Hardrockers.
His commitment to service extends beyond his alma mater as well. Grant leads Graco's annual Paint-a-Thon corporate volunteering event, bringing people together to make a difference in the community.
Please join us in congratulating Grant Nelson on being named an Outstanding Recent Graduate. From leadership on campus to leadership in his career and community, Grant continues to find ways to make an impact and give back.
Stay tuned as we continue celebrating this year's Outstanding Recent Graduates and the Hardrockers who are already doing remarkable things and helping others do the same.
