December 16, 2024
Nearly 200 students graduated from Mizzou Engineering this past weekend during the commencement ceremony held on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Hearnes Center. Dean Marisa Chrysochoou and Provost Matthew Martens conferred the degrees.
In her remarks, Chrysochoou encouraged students to think about the challenges facing the world as human problems, not just technical puzzles.
“A Mizzou Engineer respects not only the physical principles and the technical specs but they also respect those that they work with and for. Collaboration isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for your success. You take responsibility, not just for your work, but for the impact that this work has on others. As you go forward, remember, the solutions that you create affect lives.”
Mike Knoop, a 2012 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics and co-founder of Zapier, delivered the keynote address. He shared with graduates that life’s first two decades are typically shaped by structure—a set of rules created by others. However, after graduation, they have the power and opportunity to design their own path.
“As engineers, you have the power to solve the world’s most important problems ahead and I’ll add, invent the future the rest of us get to live in. You can be successful no matter what game you choose to play – but I urge you to consider that when you wake up tomorrow, you’re in control of the game.”
Additional Honors
During the Comment ceremony, Mizzou Engineering recognized newly commissioned Air Force and Army officers from the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC). They are:
- Wesley T. Carpio, mechanical engineering, Air Force Second Lieutenant
- Daniel Thompson, information technology, U.S. Army Second Lieutenant
Faculty and Staff Awards
Prior to Commencement, seniors were given the opportunity to vote for outstanding faculty and staff. This fall, the following were recognized:
- Biological and Biomedical Engineering Assistant Teaching Professor Chase Darr
- Chemical Engineering Associate Professor Bret Ulery
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Yaw Adu-Gyamfi
- Computer Science Associate Professor Michael Jurczyk
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Teaching Professor Jim Fischer
- Engineering and Information Technology Assistant Teaching Professor Kristofferson Culmer
- Industrial and Systems Engineering Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Sharan Srinivas
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies Craig Kluever
- Career Services Coordinator Anh Nguyen
- Academic Advisor Rusty Elder
Read more about our graduates here.
