Mizzou Engineering celebrates graduates at December Commencement // Mizzou Engineering

December 18, 2023

More than 200 students graduated from Mizzou Engineering this past weekend. Interim Dean Praveen Edara joined Curator Robin Wenneker to confer degrees at the Saturday, Dec. 16, Commencement ceremony at the Hearnes Center.

During his remarks, Edara encouraged students to stay curious and humble as they now have the experience and skills they need to succeed.

“All engineers have foundational technical skills,” he said. “We know the formulas. The algorithms. The codes. The fundamental principles that govern our world…So what makes a Mizzou Made Engineer different? Why do so many Mizzou Engineering graduates go on to become CEOs, presidents, directors and leaders in their fields? Because at Mizzou, you’ve learned respect and responsibility along with excellence and discovery.”

Edara encouraged students to stay grounded as their careers take off and especially when they soar. He reminded them to be grateful for the opportunities they’ve had at Mizzou Engineering and praised them for taking advantage of extracurricular activities, student organizations and research.

“Don’t lose that sense of wonder,” Edara said. “Keep racing. Keep building. Keep discovering. Stay humble. And stay curious.”

Additional Honors

During Commencement, Mizzou Engineering also recognized newly commissioned Air Force and Navy officers from the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC). They are:

Leandra Herman, mechanical engineering, Air Force Second Lieutenant
Nicholas Rushing, mechanical engineering, Marine Corps Second Lieutenant
Emily Bockenstedt, civil engineering, Navy Ensign
Joshua Caszatt, mechanical engineering, Navy Ensign

Faculty and Staff Awards

Prior to Commencement, seniors are given the opportunity to vote for outstanding faculty and staff. This fall, the following were recognized:

Biomedical and Biological Engineering Assistant Professor Ilker Ozden
Chemical Engineering Director of Undergraduate Studies Mary Myers
Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Carlos Sun
Computer Science Professor Prasad Calyam
Electrical Engineering Associate Professional Practice Professor James Fischer
Industrial and Systems Engineering Director of Graduate Studies Sharan Srinivas
Information Technology Assistant Professional Practice Professor Kristofferson Culmer
Information Technology Associate Professional Practice Professor Gillian Maurer
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Director of Undergraduate Studies Craig Kluever
Sr. Communications Coordinator Mary Dillon
Academic Advisor Justin Rich

See the 2023 December Commencement program here.