Richard K. Vitek, a 1958 chemistry graduate, began his career as a research chemist producing uranium from ore, before moving on to work as a scientist, director and startup CEO. His accomplishments include working with the U.S. Coast Guard to develop UV imaging instruments that analyze oil spills to identify the tankers responsible and develop a method of testing arsenic levels in wine that led the Environmental Protection Agency to impose stricter limits on pesticide use in U.S. vineyards.

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Walking on the sky

Walking on the sky

Col. Thomas Akers, Math’73, MS Math’75, has logged more than 800 hours of space flight and 29 hours of space-walking…

Leah (Rechner) and Matt Lenzner

Leah (Rechner) and Matt Lenzner

Leah (Rechner) and Matt Lenzner met during their first week on campus as freshmen in August 2001. Leah’s friend started…

All aboard! Ozzy comes to S&T

All aboard! Ozzy comes to S&T

Rocker and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne visited S&T’s Experimental Mine in 2018 for an episode of Ozzy and Jack’s…

Four months away from Earth

Four months away from Earth

Sandra “Sandy” Magnus has been part of three space flights and spent more than four months in space during her…

Year after year, the ‘Best Ever’

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Since George Menefee first donned a bishop’s hat and robe and rode a rail handcar into Rolla on March 17,…

Erica (Walker) and Ryan Long

Erica (Walker) and Ryan Long

Erica (Walker) and Ryan Long met during her move-in day her freshman year in August 1998 when he delivered cookies…