Engineering Student Finds Her Voice, and Her Path, at UCM

Engineering Design Technology major Kennedy Bergman will graduate with her bachelor’s degree during Spring 2026 Commencement.

 

Countdown to Commencement

The University of Central Missouri offers a community of support, allowing students to redefine what’s possible as they forge a path to their future. With help from faculty and staff, UCM students are empowered to be the heroes of their own stories and as we prepare for Spring 2026 Commencement, the News Bureau is shining a spotlight on some of those stories.

 

When Kennedy Bergman walks across the stage at the University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) Spring 2026 Commencement, she will do so with a degree in hand, a career start already secured and a confidence she worked to build step by step.

Originally from West Plains, Missouri, Bergman came to UCM after beginning her college career elsewhere, seeking a program that better aligned with her interest in engineering.

“I knew I wanted to do something engineering-related,” she said. “When I heard about design and drafting, I thought, ‘Yes, that’s exactly what I want to do.’”

She quickly found her footing in UCM’s Engineering Design Technology program, particularly in courses focused on computer-aided design and drafting.

 

“I was blown away by the classes,” Bergman said. “It was exactly what I wanted. I was so excited about it.”

Her first year on campus was largely focused on coursework, but she deliberately decided to get more involved during her second year. That choice changed the course of her experience. Bergman joined a student organization within her program, initially serving as secretary before being asked to step into a leadership role as president. At the time, the organization's membership had declined, and she saw an opportunity to rebuild it.

“I’m a very introverted person,” she said. “I had to push myself into that position. Communication and leadership are skills you have to learn, and this gave me the chance to practice them.”

Through that experience, Bergman helped revitalize the organization, build connections among students and create new opportunities for collaboration. She also worked on projects that extended beyond the classroom, including redesigning student spaces on campus and contributing to interdisciplinary efforts with other programs.

Faculty support played a key role in that growth. Bergman credits several instructors with helping her develop both technical skills and professional confidence, including Roya Azimzadeh, Ph.D., associate professor of Engineering Design Technology, who she said was especially active in connecting students with industry opportunities.

 

“Kennedy is an outstanding example of the qualities we value in our Engineering Design Technology graduates,” Azimzadeh said. “She combines strong academic skills with leadership, mentoring her peers as president of our student organization and as a tutor, all while working part-time for Kiewit during her senior year at UCM. She brings so much to the team with her positive attitude, dependable personality and strong work ethic!”

Azimzadeh added, “Working with her is a pleasure, and she consistently exceeds her responsibilities. Kennedy's success is well-deserved, and her positive impact on our program will last beyond her graduation. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments as she enters her career and confident that she will continue to lead and inspire others.” 

“Faculty here have real industry experience,” Bergman said. “They know what it takes, and they’re constantly helping students find opportunities, whether that’s internships, freelance work or connections with employers.”

Her work inside and outside the classroom earned recognition, including an outstanding student award and a scholarship during her time at UCM.

 

One moment stands out among the rest: “I got my job offer while I was working in the (Engineering Design Technology program) office,” she said. “I hung up the phone and just started dancing right there. I’ll never forget that.”

After graduation, Bergman will begin her career as a mechanical designer with an international engineering and construction company, where she will work on 3D modeling and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects.

“It’s more than just drafting now,” she said. “You’re working with engineers, construction teams and other disciplines. Everything is connected.”

Bergman said her time at UCM prepared her for that environment by giving her hands-on experience and opportunities to apply what she learned.

“The biggest thing is being able to practice those skills,” she said. “You’re not just learning concepts, you’re actually using them, whether that’s through projects, leadership or presentations.”

That preparation extended to career readiness as well, including resume development, interview practice and access to campus resources.

Looking back, Bergman said the personal growth she experienced stands out just as much as her academic achievements.

 

“Freshman me would have been really scared to do something like this,” she said. “I’m still a little nervous sometimes, but I handle myself a lot better now. I think I’d be proud of how far I’ve come.”

She also values the balance UCM offered, combining the familiarity of a small-town environment with proximity to larger opportunities. “You still get that small-town feel, but you’re close to Kansas City,” she said. “There are opportunities right there, and that makes a big difference.”

As she prepares to take the next step, Bergman carries forward both the technical skills and the confidence she developed along the way. It’s a combination she believes will serve her well as she begins her career and continues building on the foundation she found at UCM.

 

       

Check the News Bureau daily from May 4-8, as we share stories of UCM graduates who are redefining what’s possible and shaping the future, one step across the stage at a time.