It was standing room only at the dedication of Missouri S&T’s Welcome Center, held during Homecoming weekend on Oct. 3. Sunlight poured through the building’s striking vertical windows, illuminating its 32,000-square-foot interior and adding an afternoon glow to the celebratory atmosphere.

Located in the heart of the 10-acre Havener Arrival Complex, the newly opened building is S&T’s all-inclusive destination for recruitment, admissions and enrollment management. Here future students and parents, as well as potential faculty members, industry partners and the community at large will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Miner experience and be warmly welcomed into the campus community.

Emcee Tory Verkamp, vice chancellor for University Advancement, led the dedication and highlighted the support of the Kummer Missouri S&T Foundation. Kummer board chair Kathy Walker, MS EMgt’82, opened with words of gratitude to Gary Havener, Math’62, whose historic gift sponsored the completion of the Havener Arrival Complex. She also recognized Michael, EMgt’70, and Brenda Schaeffer; Philip, PetE’71, and Diane Wade; and Robert Pletz, ME’47, whose gifts sponsored the Welcome Center’s meeting rooms.

University of Missouri President Mun Y. Choi praised S&T’s remarkable campus transformation and leadership in innovation, excellence and workforce preparation. Chancellor Mo Dehghani recognized alumni Jim Bertelsmeyer, ChE’66; Tim, PetE’77, and Kay Bradley; Mike Bytnar, ME’68, MS EMgt’73; Dan Hinkle, EMgt’73; Mike McEvilly, CE’80, EMgt’81; and Zeb Nash, ChE’72, for their philanthropy and service.

John Butz, retired Rolla city administrator, and chemical engineering senior Abby Traschel offered remarks. Alysha O’Neil, vice chancellor for finance and operations, thanked Fred Stone, MetE’07, MBA’16, associate vice chancellor of facility planning and operations, the project team, River City Construction, and Hastings and Chivetta Architects.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees continued to celebrate at the Miner Alumni Association Silver and Gold Gathering. They visited with student design teams, enjoyed refreshments and toured the building.