Five graduating students at Missouri University of Science and Technology were chosen as spring 2020 commencement speakers at Missouri S&T. In-person ceremonies have been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, so the students will speak during a special virtual celebration.

The virtual Celebration of Graduates will begin at 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 16, on Missouri S&T’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MissouriSandT. This special virtual event allows the campus community to honor its graduates. An in-person commencement ceremony for spring 2020 graduates will be held at a later date.

The spring 2020 student commencement speakers are:

Adam Brooks of Columbia, Missouri, who has studied engineering management at Missouri S&T since Fall 2016 and earns his bachelor of science degree in the field this spring. He was active in the Christian Campus Fellowship, leading small groups for two years and serving as a student officer in 2018. After a co-op with Israel Chemicals Limited (ICL), Brooks accepted a full-time position as a supply chain leadership specialist with ICL. In his free time, he explores nature in the Ozarks, including caving, hiking, swimming in springs and stargazing.

Katherine Bartels, born and raised in Independence, Missouri, graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2013. At Missouri S&T, she was involved in Chi Epsilon Honor Society, Graduate Leadership Institute, Water Environment Federation, Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2017, Bartels earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering with a minor in geology, and she earns her master’s degree in environmental engineering this spring. She is a junior environmental engineer consultant for Golder Associates Inc.

Amy Costa, a first-generation college student from Bridgeton, Missouri, has a passion for learning new things. She participated in several student organizations, including serving as president of the Missouri S&T Rocket Design Team. She says her favorite experiences were helping new students as a senior preview, registration and orientation (PRO) leader for new student programs and conducting undergraduate research in the Perceptual Psychology Lab. She earns her bachelor’s degree in psychology this May.

Sylvia Skouby of St. James, Missouri, earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management with a minor in leadership communication from Missouri S&T in 2003, and she earns a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology this May. Skouby works for Global Learning at S&T, where she shares opportunities with other professionals to further their education and supports student services. She is also an advisor for S&T’s chapter of Kappa Delta sorority. Skouby has two children who she says keep her on her toes with their endeavors in 4-H and school.

Delaney Simmons of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering this spring. Simmons has been heavily involved with the Missouri S&T Student Council and the American Nuclear Society. She says she enjoyed working to improve the student experience and representing her peers on important issues. She plans to pursue a graduate degree with a focus on nuclear energy policy research.

To be chosen as a student commencement speaker, graduating students submitted an application with a copy of their proposed speech and their resume. A selection committee reviewed anonymous applications and selected finalists to audition. 

More information is available at registrar.mst.edu/commencement.