CLASS ACT

Freed To Fail

Stocked with robots and other high-tech tools generously provided by Omron Automation, the new Omron Advanced Automation Lab in Engineering Hall is an ideal place for engineering and business students to learn to implement industrial automation — or Industry 4.0 — in product design, manufacturing and delivery. It’s also where they learn as much from failure as success — “from pushing the envelope on what is possible,” albeit in a safe and calculated manner, says Dr. Philip Voglewede, associate professor of mechanical engineering. Junior Chris Purney (seated at the keyboard) agrees, saying, “With every failure, I was able to learn something, change my approach, make an adjustment and move on. … To fail is to learn.”

LOOKBACK Sixty years ago, the Class of 1963 descended to the basement of 500 West Kilbourn Avenue — the former Milwaukee Arena — a crowd of anxious graduates-to-be. Wearing suits and dresses for the imminent ceremony and celebrations to follow, they jockeyed to procure their caps, gowns and regalia. These days, advance pickup over several days makes for more relaxed scenes. And this year, for the second time, Commencement will be held in Fiserv Forum.