| Fifty years after graduation, golden alumni reunite |
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| Written by Michele Martin | |
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It’s all smiles as “Pomp and Circumstance” plays for 30 of the approximately 285 graduates from the Class of 1956. As they walk across the stage at Leach Theatre, they are presented with ceremonial Golden Alumni pins and certificates by Larry Hendren, the President of the MSM-UMR Alumni Association, and Chancellor John Carney. “I missed the first time, but I got to be here for the second,” says Mrs. Roe, wife of 1956 graduate George W. Roe, as she is leaving the ceremony hand in hand with her husband. “We always enjoy this event because these alumni are so much fun,” says Lindsay Bagnall, Executive Vice President of the MSM-UMR Alumni Association. Bob Custer, a 1956 Chemical Engineer, says that he is glad to “have the pleasure to being back after 50 years.” Since their graduation 50 years ago, nearly all of campus has changed. From fraternity houses, to student centers, to the buildings where classes are held, UMR seems to have become a different place in their eyes. “It’s hard to tell what has stayed the same,” jokes Charles Saussele, a 1956 Mechanical Engineer. “Even the name has changed. It was MSM, now it’s UMR.” “Both campus and the town have changed multi-fold,” says Custer. “Students have so much more hands on activity,” says James Linhares, a 1956 Mechanical Engineer. He added that there were no extracurricular activities like building solar cars or mini baja cars. The Mechanical Engineering building was relatively new when this group graduated. “It’s already being replaced,” says Saussele. “Campus is beautiful,” says Saussele. “Before, it was just functional, but now it’s beautiful.” “This is our favorite event every year,” says Marianne Ward, Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Affairs. “I am proud to be a golden alumnus,” says Linhares. Reprinted with permission from the Rolla Daily News |
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