South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is postponing some homecoming activities out of respect for President Robert Wharton, who passed away.
Flags were lowered to half staff on the SDSM&T campus in honor of President Robert Wharton, 61. The school's Executive Council learned Wednesday morning President Wharton had died. A cause of death has not been released.
Wharton was diagnosed with neck cancer late last year. He went through seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatments at a Rapid City cancer center. He issued a statement last April saying the treatments succeeded and he was cancer-free.
The School of Mines has asked for people to respect the privacy of Dr. Carolyn Fassi Wharton at this time.
According the South Dakota Board of Regents, School of Mines Provost Duane Hrncir has been designated as Acting President. Homecoming activities will resume Saturday on campus.
Funeral arrangements are still pending.
