Missouri University of Science and Technology will award 10 honorary professional degrees during commencement on Saturday, Dec. 20.

Commencement begins at 11 a.m. in Missouri S&T’s Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building. In addition to the honorary degrees, about 600 degrees will be awarded to graduating students.

The professional degree recipients are:

Marvin E. Borgmeyer
Marvin Borgmeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1974 and a master’s degree in chemical engineering from S&T in 1975. Borgmeyer also received a master’s degree in business administration from Louisiana State University in 1979. He began his career with ExxonMobil in 1975 and has worked as an engineer, supervisor and manager on various environmental, energy planning and polymer production assignments in technical, maintenance and operations roles. At S&T, Borgmeyer is a member of the Miner Alumni Association Board of Directors, Academy of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering Advisory Council.
Randy L. Buschling
Randy Buschling received a bachelor’s degree in engineering management from Missouri S&T in 1983 and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington University in 1987. Buschling is the vice president and chief operating officer at LaBarge Inc., where he is responsible for operating management of 10 facilities in five states. He previously worked for McDonnell Douglas in the astronautics division and for Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. as the divisional general manager of the company’s system integration division.
Charles E. Byvik
Charles Byvik earned a bachelor’s degree in physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1963, a master’s degree in physics from Missouri S&T in 1964, and a Ph.D. in physics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1972. Byvik is the associate director for electronics (science and technology) in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and he is the designated federal official for the Advisory Group on Electron Devices Task Force of the Defense Science Board. He has performed research at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Byvik has received three patent awards and has more than 80 publications and conference presentations.
Hugh E. Cole
Hugh Cole received a bachelor’s degree in engineering management with an emphasis in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1972. Cole is currently a partner of the Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, a worldwide organization focused on the implementation of a body of knowledge known as the Theory of Constraints (TOC). His focus includes teaching and customizing the application of the Theory of Constraints in its entirety – from the strategic and tactical use of the TOC Thinking Processes to the implementation of its various logistical applications. Cole is a course developer and frequent lecturer at universities and for professional organizations. Prior to his association with the Goldratt Institute, he worked in a Fortune 30 organization for more than 18 years, holding both line and staff positions in production, engineering and marketing. Cole is a member of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh donor society at S&T.
David B. Lewis
David Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri S&T in 1978 and a master’s degree in civil engineering from S&T in 1980. Lewis is currently president and chief executive officer of Blade Energy Partners, a high-tech engineering consulting company serving the international upstream oil and gas industry. He was with Mobil Oil for 20 years, working in more than 30 countries. Lewis is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas and he has authored or co-authored more than 20 industry papers. He is a member of the S&T Academy of Civil Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers and the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He serves on or chairs several American Petroleum Institute and International Standards Organization committees.
Richard D. Laughlin
Richard Laughlin earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri S&T in 1975. Laughlin began his career with the ATEC Associates as a geotechnical engineer. In 1985, he started Midwest Testing, a full-service geotechnical, environmental, and materials engineering firm. Laughlin is a registered professional engineer in 28 states and a member of numerous professional societies, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers. He is a member of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh donor society at S&T.
David L. Mueller
David Mueller received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1969 and a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in operations management from Harvard University in 1978. Mueller is currently the vice president of operations for the Harris Products Group of the Lincoln Electric Co. in Cleveland. He previously held positions as general manager for United McGill in Ohio, operations manager and financial analyst for National Service Industries, and sales and service manager for AT&T. Mueller also served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He is a member of Beta Sigma Psi social fraternity.
David W. Rommelmann
David Rommelmann earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri S&T in 1970. He is a financial planner with Wachovia Securities, where he provides services as a retirement planning consultant and as an estate and trust consultant. Previously, he was chairman of the board at Boyle Engineering Corp. Rommelmann also served as a regional vice president and as vice president of quality and standards at Boyle. He is affiliated with the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation, the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Kenneth C. Savells
Kenneth Savells graduated from Missouri S&T in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. In January of 1975, Savells went to work for McDonnell Douglas Automation Co. in St. Louis. He left “McAuto” in 1981 and moved back to his home town of Harrison, Ark., where he took a position as a project manager for Mass Merchandisers Inc. and rose to vice president of management information systems. In 1999, Savells started Centurion Financial Services, which offers personal investment and financial planning services, as well as employee benefit packages.
Cheryl D. S. Walker
Cheryl Walker received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1986 and also holds a juris doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. Walker is president and general counsel of Obasi Enterprises and also serves as counsel in the St. Louis office of Bryan Cave LLP. She is the vice president of the board of commissioners of Tower Grove Park and a member of the board of directors of United Way of Greater St. Louis. Walker serves as chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators and is a member of the Missouri S&T Board of Trustees. In 2005, she was inducted into Missouri S&T Women’s Hall of Fame.