Chancellor Mo Dehghani sent the following message to Missouri S&T students, faculty and staff. For the latest updates, check the S&T coronavirus website.

Dear Colleagues and Distinguished Friends,

There are times when we must make decisions that are in the best interest of the university, our students, faculty and staff, and the general public. This is one of those times.

I am writing to inform you that today we are taking the unprecedented step of canceling all university-sponsored events and activities associated with our St. Pat’s Celebration due to public health concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). We are also canceling our Teaching and Learning Technology Conference, scheduled for this Thursday and Friday, due to the same concerns.

Each new day brings us news of greater concerns regarding the public safety and well-being of our nation. Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Missouri S&T or in our community, the health and safety of our university and our community is of utmost importance.

All university-sponsored St. Pat’s events are now officially canceled, beginning with today’s planned Court Arrival and Follies downtown. Our Gonzo Gives Back Day of Service, Gonzo and Games, Knighting Ceremony, parade, pre- and post-parade gatherings at Hasselmann Alumni House, Grateful Board Festival and St. Pat’s Concert, and other sponsored events are also canceled.

This is an unprecedented decision, but we are now in unprecedented times in the history of our university and this annual event. As an engineer, I was very much looking forward to my first St. Pat’s in Rolla this year, but given the risks associated with large public gatherings at this time, I will wait another year to celebrate what is certain to be the Best Ever next March.

Sincerely,

Mo Dehghani
Chancellor, Missouri S&T