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Looking Back, Moving Forward

Graduates reflect on their time at Missouri S&T and their paths ahead

By Missouri S&T

January 22^nd, 2026

As graduates prepared to walk the stage at the 2025 Fall Commencement, we asked Missouri S&T students to pause and look back. In their final moments on campus, they shared the memories that defined their time at S&T — and reflected on how the experiences, challenges and community they found here prepared them for what comes next. The portraits and words capture a moment of transition: pride in how far they’ve come, gratitude for where they’ve been and confidence in their paths ahead.

S&T prepared me for success through the student design teams. Formula Electric taught me PCB design, high-voltage battery safety and leadership, all before I even graduated. Formula Electric is why I have had so many opportunities for my future.

Dylan VanBuskirk, Engenious Design

Graduates in black caps and gowns stand in a row; one with a '2025' charm and gold tassel smiles broadly. — Dylan VanBuskirk finds his family at commencement. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

The rigorous program has made me think critically. S&T has provided great resources and awesome, helpful professors.

Aimanose Eigbedion, Ph.D. program at West Cliff University

Graduate smiles in cap and gown, holding diploma and mace. Gold confetti floats against a green backdrop. — Aimanose Eigbedion. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite S&T memory was doing research with the S&T Energetics Research Team.

Gracie May James, Ph.D. program at Oklahoma State University

Graduates in caps and gowns smile as a faculty member in a blue gown holds up a phone to take a selfie. — Dr. Catherine Johnson takes a selfie with Gracie May James and other members of her explosives research group. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

S&T skilled me up to the level I'd be looking for employment not just in my home country, or the U.S.A., but worldwide. It has been an honor being here. My best memories come from working part-time in the IT Department. I've learned so much, not just professionally, but on a personal level, too.

Vishesha Bitla

Smiling graduate in cap and gown raises hand in celebration, holding diploma against green background with gold confetti. — Vishesha Bitla. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

By furthering my education in mechanical engineering, I am more prepared to do cool, new and exciting things at Boeing, be part of the future in aircraft, and the defense and security of the nation.

Emerson Ohara, Boeing LTP Program

Graduates in black gowns walk in a line. The graduate in the foreground wears a black cap and gown with green and gold accents. He holds a diploma and smiles slightly. — Emerson Ohara exits Gibson Arena after receiving his master's degree. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite S&T memory was my entire experience on the Formula SAE Combustion Team. The experiences I've had there are invaluable and it was easily the best decision I've made in my college career.

Kyle Maynor, Caterpillar

Smiling graduate in cap and gown holds diploma and mace against green backdrop with gold confetti. — Kyle Maynor. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

I got to meet a lot of new people, come overseas for the first time and experienced the St. Pat's celebration! S&T is great!

Venkata Sai Sowmya Velamuri , Sugar and Leather AI

Smiling graduate in cap and gown looks at camera, seated with other graduates at commencement ceremony. — Venkata Sai Sowmya Velamuri during commencement. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

FORMULA ELECTRIC!

The team provided real-life experience, engineering knowledge, and made the last four years 100x more worth completing.

Hayden Cook, Boeing

Graduate in cap and gown celebrates against green backdrop with falling gold confetti, holding diploma and pumping his fist. — Hayden Cook. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite memory was being a part of Miner Theatre Guild. They became my family and my motivation.

Kalliope Stypinski

Two people lift a graduate wearing a gown and rainbow hair. The graduate smiles down at them as they laugh and hold her up outside a brick building. — Kalliope Stypinski is lifted into the air by friends after graduating. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite S&T memory is being president of the International Students Club.

PPPP - Proper Planning Prevents Problems

Sulaiman Bah, Freeport McMoRan

Smiling graduate in cap and gown stands in line at commencement. He wears an orange stole and a teal sash. Other graduates are visible in the background. — Sulaiman Bah looks at friends and family during the commencement ceremony. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite memory is sledding on campus by McNutt Hall!

Lindsay Schneider, Goldfarb School of Nursing

Smiling graduate in cap and gown points to diploma against green backdrop with gold confetti. — Lindsay Schneider. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite memories from S&T are meeting all of my friends through my sorority, Kappa Delta.

Allison Thompson, UES (Universal Engineering Sciences)

A graduate and professor smile during a graduation ceremony. The graduate wears a black gown, cap and tassel, and holds a diploma. The professor wears a purple robe with gold trim and a purple cap. — Allison Thompson with Chancellor Mo Dehghani. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

S&T prepared me for success by providing me with experience, networking and problem-solving skills that make me ready for the real world.

Logan Dietz, Rogers Electric

Graduate in cap and gown smiles, holding diploma against green backdrop with gold confetti. — Logan Dietz. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

I got my NASA internship, which lead me to my dream job after an email from Dr. Bayless. Without that email I would have never even applied.

John Niebrugge, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Smiling graduate in cap and gown points to diploma, gold confetti falling against green background. — John Niebrugge. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

S&T gave many many great memories shared on- and off-air with my fellow DJs at KMNR.

Carson "DJ Cubed" Jones, Quest Analytics

Smiling graduate in cap and gown waves, holding diploma against green backdrop with gold confetti. — Carson "DJ Cubed" Jones. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My time in CAST (Ceramic Artists of S&T) has been important to me. It was my home away from home. I met my best friends there and will be sad to leave it.

Sarah Baker, High School Math Teacher

Smiling graduate in cap and gown holds diploma against green backdrop with gold confetti. She wears a green sash with — Sarah Baker. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite memory is joining ResLife and making so many lifelong friends.

Lucia Rogers, Boeing

Graduate in cap and gown looks to the left, wearing a stole with the U.S. and Filipino flags. She smiles slightly against a dark green background. — Lucia Rogers. Missouri S&T

My time with Missouri S&T has been highlighted by the groups I have worked with — from Beta Sigma Psi's recruitment chair to Lutheran Student Fellowship's president and the Student Union Board. Student organizations and clubs were my guiding experience.

Baylun Tucker, BW Design Group

Smiling graduate in cap and gown holds diploma, points to graduation sash against green backdrop with gold confetti. — Baylun Tucker. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

A favorite memory from S&T was being a part of Engineers Without Borders for more than three years and being able to go to Ecuador twice!

Caleb Cooke, Freese and Nichols

Smiling graduate in cap and gown looks at camera, surrounded by other graduates at commencement ceremony. — Caleb Cooke smiles during the commencement ceremony. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite part of S&T has been participating in the Formula Electric Design Team and seeing our car finish the endurance challenge for the first time in the team's history.

Elijah Smith, Experimental Physics Ph.D. program at S&T

Row of graduates wearing black caps and gowns, looking forward during a ceremony. The graduate in the foreground wears a blue tie and green, gold and white cords. — Elijah Smith during the commencement ceremony. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite S&T memory would be joining Chi Omega and meeting lifelong friends there. My most enjoyable time was competing in Greek Week.

Reiley Clark, Bingman Construction

Smiling graduate holds diploma in front of green backdrop with falling gold confetti. She wears a black gown and mortarboard cap with gold tassel. — Reiley Clark. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

My favorite thing was creating a fun and inclusive culture that brought athletics and academics together.

Bentley Hart, Teacher and coach

Graduating student in cap and gown holds a diploma, smiles, and makes a peace sign. Yellow sash reads — Bentley Hart poses before crossing the stage to receive his degree. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

The Formula Electric Design Team competition in Michigan against over 100 other schools is my favorite memory. We completed endurance for the first time. It taught me PCB design and testing, which prepped me for my job.

Mathew Perrea, Honeywell

Graduate smiles, points to graduation cords, and holds diploma against a green background with gold confetti. — Mathew Perrea. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T.

My favorite memory is being part of the Metals Mine Design Team. We went to the SME conference for our design competition and after two sleepless nights of work we presented our design to the industry and took first place.

Patrick Hatfield, Komatsu

Smiling graduate in cap and gown wears a brown hard hat with a headlamp at an indoor commencement ceremony. — Patrick Hatfield stands with other graduates at the 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony. Michael Pierce/Missouri S&T

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