Cupcakes for a Cure!

Friday, October 17, 2025

Dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends,

Happy Friday!

“Cupcakes for a Cure” was the writing that I thought I walked on before stopping and taking a second look. Sure enough, the beautiful pink lettering on the concrete sidewalk right outside of my office said:

“Awareness Day,” “Crown Prince,” “Cupcakes for a Cure,” “Queso for a Cure.”

Then I got it. Members of one of our sororities, Zeta Tau Alpha, were hosting a fundraiser bake sale in support of their philanthropy, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. Cool, I thought! I felt proud of them as a civic-minded group of students who understand empathy and are doing something, anything, about it. The ability to put yourself in the other person’s shoes will most certainly lead you to feel their emotions and act with compassion.

The women of Zeta Tau Alpha are not alone. More than 100 Missouri S&T student volunteers representing various Greek organizations provided games and activities for children and families on Sept. 19. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of South Central Missouri celebrated its largest fall eventto date with more than 550 attendees gathering at Pete’s Pumpkin Patch for a free carnival. CASA volunteers provide advocacy for abused and neglected children. Every fall, our fraternities and sororities host a Greek Day of Service. This year, 130 student volunteers worked at five community sites. And just recently, the S&T women’s soccer team helped build beds for children in need with the Rolla chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

In the educational realm, our physics department and the Kummer Center for STEM Education will host “Spooky Science” at the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center on Saturday, Oct. 25. The Halloween-themed event features activities for all ages and is a fun, hands-on way to engage local families and inspire future generations. It’s another example of how our campus community makes a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, higher levels of civic engagement and volunteerism are directly proportional to levels of educational attainment. In fact, credible studies have shown that volunteerism, an important rite of passage for students, contributes to professional development, fosters a strong sense of social responsibility, and enhances feelings of solidarity with others.

Fortunately, here on campus, all of us, students, faculty and staff alike, have ample opportunities to volunteer and get involved. Our student involvement team maintains a volunteer opportunity board that promotes upcoming events, as does MinerLink, Missouri S&T's campus community platform, where students can sign in and explore ways to participate.

To our students, I say, don’t miss the great opportunity your college years offer to volunteer to serve others in need. Through acts of giving, sharing and caring for others, you will learn firsthand that volunteerism not only enhances the lives of others in our communities, but it also enriches your own sense of inner goodness. I will be remiss if I don’t restate one of my favorite poems by Saadi, the 13th-century Persian poet, whose poetry we had to read and memorize in grade school:

“Human Beings are members of a whole  
In creation of one essence and soul
If one member is inflicted with pain        
Other members uneasy will remain
If you have no sympathy for human pain    
The name of human you cannot retain.”

Oh, how these words of wisdom are just as true today, perhaps even truer, than they were 800 years ago, all the way across the world. It simply says, “I see you. I feel you. I understand your pain. And I am here to extend a hand.” Powerful and affirming words that remind us to lead with heart.

To the women of Zeta Tau Alpha, to all our student volunteers, I say I am proud of you. Keep up the good work of making a difference in the lives of others.

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