When new Missouri S&T students who are Kummer Vanguard Scholars come to campus, they aren’t just joining another scholarship program. They’re stepping into a large student group that challenges them to enhance S&T, lead others and get involved.

That spirit is at the heart of the Student Steering Committee (SSC): a small group of students in the program, creating opportunities for over 1,000 other Kummer Vanguard Scholars.

The committee members provide feedback and ideas to improve the program and better fit student needs. 

Hossein Libre: Building connections

Hossein Libre, a sophomore in ceramic engineering and chemistry, joined the committee upon arriving at S&T. 

“There are so many passionate students in the SSC, and it’s great to meet people from other majors around campus,” Libre says.

The committee is organized into three “hubs.” Each hub has a focus: talks and topics, community connections and communications. Libre is in the talks and topics hub. 

Libre has helped bring a wide variety of speakers to campus. Peter Heerboth, an alumnus and Apple software engineer who was the co-inventor of AirDrop, came to campus in March.

Speakers have also included Dr. Aaron Craft, an alumnus and senior scientist at the Idaho National Laboratory; Dr. Patrick Chapman, a power electronics expert who co-founded Stormentum; Dr. Mark Wrighton, chancellor emeritus of Washington University in St. Louis and former MIT provost; and Dr. Robert Wagner, alumnus and associate laboratory director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

“The speakers provide a great way to build connections with alumni and give us a chance to network with successful people in industry,” Libre says.

The Kummer Vanguard Scholars program has given Libre opportunities to grow as a leader, connect with peers and alumni and gain experiences to shape his future.

“It’s not just about the events,” he says. “It’s about learning how to be a better leader and building connections that will last beyond S&T.”

Auston Obsuth: Creating community

Auston Obsuth, a senior double majoring in engineering management and economics, joined the SSC in 2023, and is part of the community connections hub.

From his first semester, the Kummer Vanguard Scholars program gave Obsuth the opportunities he was seeking.

“The mission resonated with me,” he says. “When I saw that the program provides experiences that go beyond the classroom while also offering funding, I knew it aligned perfectly with my goals.”

Through the steering committee, Obsuth has worked with keynote speakers and helped redesign the first-year Kummer Vanguard Scholars program. 

“As a Kummer Vanguard Scholar, I saw firsthand how much the program helped me get involved as a freshman, and I wanted to continue that momentum through the SSC,” Obsuth says. “Between the keynote speakers, events and leadership opportunities, I’ve developed skills that will carry into my career.”

That career is already on the horizon. After graduation, Obsuth will join a consulting company called 1898 & Co. as a power systems analyst in Orlando, Florida. 

“I’ve discovered a strong interest in power systems,” he says. “I’m excited to take what I’ve learned here and apply it to the next step in my journey.”

Caleb McCleary: Growing through leadership

Caleb McCleary, a senior in mechanical engineering who is dually enrolled in the master’s program for mechanical engineering, has served on nearly every hub in the SSC. This semester, he is part of the talks and topics hub.

“I wanted an opportunity to get further involved with the program,” he says. “The SSC connects me with other people in leadership roles and other students of a similar mindset.” 

The goals of the steering committee have transitioned, he says. Based on past student feedback, the committee has been focused on community building, getting interesting speakers and spreading awareness about the Kummer Vanguard Scholars program.

“We’re improving the experience for future students while sustaining the operations with student teams,” McCleary says.

His leadership extends beyond SSC. McCleary has been an opening week mentor three times, served as an officer for Christian Campus Fellowship and now mentors students in the Cornerstone Peers program.

“SSC definitely pushed me toward mentoring,” McCleary says. “I’ve grown a lot as a communicator, and I’ve had opportunities to talk to people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Looking ahead, McCleary hopes to continue exploring control systems and robotics while pursuing a master’s degree. 

McCleary has advice for incoming students: If you want to do something, try it.

“Just ask somebody. A lot of people here are just an email away,” he says. “Many others will have asked the same things, so don’t be afraid to reach out to people.”

Kaitlyn Dunahee: Giving back

Kaitlyn Dunahee, a senior in civil engineering, has been in the SSC since 2023. She’s served multiple hubs and is now on the talks and topics hub.

“The speaker sessions are really helpful,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed listening to CEOs talk about their businesses, their rises and downfalls and what it takes to succeed.”

Dunahee previously served on the community service hub, which later became the communications hub. Dunahee says she enjoyed organizing community service events on campus. Now, the SSC joins other organizations to create those opportunities for Kummer Vanguard Scholars.

“I loved helping plan service events and now seeing the SSC partner with other organizations makes the impact even bigger,” Dunahee says.

Her leadership extends beyond the committee. She was chosen to speak at the Innovation Lab dedication ceremony in 2024, won the Remington R. Williams Award for student leadership and has mentored peers through several campus programs.

“I’m a leader in many organizations, and I have the Kummer Vanguard Scholars to thank for that.”

Looking ahead, Dunahee hopes to pursue a career in civil engineering with a focus on serving underserved communities. 

“My dream career is one that has a high impact on communities, providing resources to communities that don’t have access to basic necessities such as shelter, food or water,” she says. “I’d be happy going into water resources to provide clean drinking water, particularly in Africa or maybe becoming a structural engineer to help provide shelter for those who don’t have stable houses. I want to give back to the community.”

For incoming students, Dunahee says to get involved, and don’t be ashamed if you need help.

“I got involved in nine or 10 organizations my first year, and had to drop some because I was over committed. But then I got to pick ones I really wanted to be a part of,” she says. “Also, work with other people. Don’t give up. Don’t be afraid or ashamed if you need to get tutoring.”

Improving the campus community

By organizing events, connecting students with alumni and creating leadership opportunities, the committee creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the program and benefits all students.

“Being part of this committee helps me build connections that go beyond just our program,” Libre says.