The 2019 Engineering Commencement ceremony then concluded with Dean Loboa and Engineering faculty conferring degrees upon members of the graduating class. Visit our Mizzou Engineering Facebook page to see more photos.
December 17, 2019
College of Engineering Dean Elizabeth Loboa told 272 graduating seniors that engineering lives on the frontiers of science and technology, and their mission—as engineers, as scientists and as researchers is to go into the world and extend the frontiers of knowledge. The College held its 2019 Commencement ceremonies Dec. 13 in the Hearnes Center.
Dean Elizabeth Loboa speaks to Mizzou Engineering graduates Dec. 13.
Following the singing of the National Anthem by chemical engineering student Henry Braeske, Loboa introduced the College’s academic administrators and other guests in the platform party and recognized Engineering faculty and staff in attendance before introducing MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright. Cartwright, who received his doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Iowa, then welcomed UM System Curator Michael Williams, who told the graduates that they “have the skills, perspective, and ambition necessary to be successful in today’s constantly changing world – and most importantly, to leave it in a better place than you found it.”
UM System Curator Michael Williams, MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright, keynote speaker Dick Richards and Dean Elizabeth Loboa.
Dean Loboa then introduced the College’s keynote speaker, Captain Dick Richards, USN-retired, who earned his BS in chemical engineering 1969. Richards was a test pilot for the U.S. Navy, a NASA astronaut who flew on four space shuttle missions—the last three as mission commander, and later served as Director of New Reusable Systems for the Boeing Company in California before retiring in 2004. Richards told the graduates about what he calls his “haphazard” career path and said he hoped some of the life lessons he shared with the graduates would resonate with them and help them as they moved forward to the next phase of their lives.
Dean Loboa then recognized recipients of the Dean’s Certificate in Leadership and Engagement, Andrew Krall and Amber Peterein, as well as recipients of the Dean’s Certificate in Leadership and Engagement with Distinction: Lara Bakula, Michael Boyle, Melinda Groves, Daniel Kim, Chase Scanlan, Kristina Taylor, Yuyao Yang and Allison Weyhrich.
Incoming Mizzou Engineering Student Council (MESC) President Caroline Langley then presented awards to professors in each program who received the greatest number of votes for having the most positive influence during the graduating seniors’ undergraduate studies: Heather Hunt, Mary Meyers, Aaron Saucier, Dale Musser, Robert O’Connell, Brian Maurer, Cerry Klein and Craig Kluever. The MESC also presented a special award of appreciation to College staff member Jason Huddleston.
