Dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends,

Happy Friday!

What must we do to be prepared to pass the “test of time?” After all, don’t we often say, “Time will tell”? Implying, I assume, that we intend to postpone judgment in hopes that our predictions will be verified. You see, this past weekend, as I stood in front of our graduates and their families during the commencement ceremonies, I told our graduates, “Congratulations! I have no doubt that you are prepared to provide critical contributions to critical challenges like thousands of our alumni before you.” Then, after all the excitement, I thought to myself, how are we judged about our contributions in the end? Our impact? Is there a written final, final exam at the end, and if so, how is it graded and by whom? Do we go in front of a review board? And if we pass the test of time, what happens once we have withstood this test?

Well, yesterday I had a satisfying answer to my own questions when we welcomed a special group of alumni back to campus. Our golden alumni. Their biographies highlighted their creative and steady contributions that have filled their career skies like stars. They are proud of their accomplishments, and so are we at S&T. As they walked across the stage to receive their golden certificates, 50 years after receiving their graduation certificates, I thought of all those who had walked across the same platform just a week ago, commencing their careers and professional lives. In our golden alumni, I saw a sample of the rainmakers and possibility thinkers that this institution has produced for over 150 years. I think I know the answer to the question of how we pass the “test of time.” Our golden alumni showed the way by charting successful career courses, enduring all the turbulence of nonlinear paths to success, mitigating harm and adding value. They have gloriously passed the test of time.

It is hard to imagine that when our golden alumni were here on campus, the terra cotta warriors were discovered by Chinese farmers, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman faced off in a heavyweight championship match, and Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. “Happy Days” premiered on television, and “Blazing Saddles” was the top movie. The Rubik’s Cube was invented, and a nationwide speed limit of 55 mph was implemented. President Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign from office.

Reunions do more than provide opportunities to reminisce and reconnect. They provide a link between our past and our future. Those who came before help provide resources, mentorship and guidance for those who come next. Our alumni provide glimpses of the difference this university makes in people’s lives, and how their education leads to meaningful careers and important achievements. There are personal achievements, certainly, but also achievements with far-reaching impacts. Impacts that will stand the test of time. To all our golden alumni and to our recent graduates alike, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and good wishes for continued success.

Finally, on a personal note, less than a month ago, while on a recognition trip to my own alma mater, LSU, from the corner of my eye, I could see my own golden reunion approaching. Still years away, nonetheless a sobering and humbling realization. I am not – I don’t think I am – afraid of the “day of judgment” to learn if I have passed the test of time. However, I will be nervous to measure up to those I met on campus this week! And since then, in my waking hours, I contemplate the answer to the question of the test of time. Then I quietly think, “Time will tell!”

Warmly,

-Mo.

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Mohammad Dehghani, PhD
Chancellor
mo@mst.edu | 573-341-4116

206 Parker Hall, 300 West 13th Street, Rolla, MO 65409-0910
chancellor.mst.edu