Congratulations graduates!

Fri, May 20, 2016

Congratulations graduates!

Last weekend, the Missouri S&T community joined two distinguished commencement speakers in congratulating Missouri S&T’s May 2016 graduates. More than 1,200 degrees were conferred over the weekend, including the university’s first degree in industrial-organizational psychology. University of Missouri System Interim President Mike Middleton, who spoke at the morning ceremony, told graduates that while they will inevitably face adversity, as Missouri S&T graduates "your opportunities are endless."

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon assured the class of 2016 that they are well-poised to take on some of the world’s great global challenges, from climate change to cybersecurity. Understanding that some will leave the state to take jobs and develop their careers, he said, “Go if you must, but never forget where you came from. And when you are ready to launch your own start-ups with some of your old roommates from Missouri S&T, come home to Missouri."

I am both delighted for our graduates and feeling wistful to see them go. Please stay connected and keep us up to date on your happenings and future successes.

Read more about both speakers here, check out photos from the day on Instagram and meet our two alumni recipients of Awards of Professional Distinction: Craig A. Barnes, a 1978 mechanical engineering graduate, and Gail Dolan Hahn, a 1982 chemical engineering graduate.

A reunion to remember

Just a few days after we wished our newest alumni well, we welcomed the class of 1966 back to campus for the Golden Alumni Reunion hosted by the Miner Alumni Association. Fifty-four of these alumni returned to campus, having made a mark on the world as teachers, engineers, authors, CEOS, inventors, researchers, veterans, parents and grandparents. You can see some snapshots from the reunion here.

In many ways, 1966 was a pivotal year for Missouri S&T. Not only was our computer science department launched 50 years ago, but the University of Missouri System Board of Curators also granted us approval to begin offering a bachelor’s in engineering management. Both of these academic developments would greatly influence the university’s growth for decades to come.

Getting to know our Golden Alumni and learning about the influence the university had on their careers and lives is a true honor. To all of our graduates – those young and young at heart – I wish you happiness and fulfillment in all your endeavors.

Expanding our horizons

There is a South African proverb that says the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time is today. I think the same could be said of partnerships.

Thirty years ago, leaders from the University of Missouri System and the University of Western Cape in South Africa had the foresight to plant a partnership that is still bearing fruit today. Next week, I will honor that partnership at the 30^th anniversary of the South African Education Program in Cape Town, pictured above.

In the last few years alone, our faculty have collaborated with UWC faculty on issues as diverse as ensuring mobile access to health care information; the environmental biodegregation of the East African Rift Valley; and establishing cooperative learning centers for student success. Learn more about the fascinating history of this program here.

Did you know?

Summer camp season is upon us, and S&T’s Explosives Camp was just named one of the “9 Craziest Summer Camps” by Activekids.com. To check out this camp and our 16 others, visit here. Many camps are already full or almost full, so don’t delay reaching out if you’d like your camper to apply. To all Miners, near and far, I hope it is a restorative and enjoyable summer.

Warmest regards,

Cheryl B. Schrader, Ph.D.
Chancellor

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