Crossing Boundaries, Transforming Lives

Crossing Boundaries, Transforming Lives

Be a part of history by participating in events today and tomorrow celebrating the inauguration of Subra Suresh as Carnegie Mellon University's ninth president. The investiture ceremony at 3 p.m. EST, Friday, Nov. 15, at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, will feature an inaugural address by President Suresh, a keynote speech by Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and a performance by Tony Award winner and alumna Patina Miller (A'06).

As part of the celebration, a series of symposia is underway to consider how crossing geographic, disciplinary and technological boundaries will accelerate innovation in education and research as the university works to solve some of the world's greatest challenges.

From energy to data sciences to health topics the symposia will discuss some of CMU's strengths.

The series kicked off in September during Ceilidh Weekend with a symposium on The Impact of Brain and Mind Research. President Suresh also discussed his cross-disciplinary research into infectious diseases, hereditary blood disorders and certain types of cancer Nov. 7 on the Pittsburgh campus.

Three symposia are scheduled today and tomorrow, followed by an invitation-only symposium to be held in Washington, D.C.:

  • Leveraging the Data Sciences, Thursday, Nov. 14, 3 – 4:15 p.m., University Center (UC).
    In a world awash with data, science is continuously improving data recording, analysis and storage. Through data and analytics technologies, large-scale analysis is transforming decision making in every sector of the economy.

    Panelists will provide a glimpse into research and development activities at leading technology firms; research initiatives from U.S. and an international perspectives; and the unique CMU multi-disciplinary approach to research and education as it pertains to data science.
  • New Paradigms of Teaching and Learning, Thursday, Nov. 14, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m., McConomy Auditorium, UC.
    Teaching and learning are at a crossroad, challenging the global university to rethink what it means to be an instructor or a student. The panel will focus on many forms of technology-enhanced learning.

    CMU Faculty Showcase 4 – 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 - 6:30 p.m., Connan Room, UC.
    This interactive session features a cross-section of educational technologies, tools and materials being developed and used.
  • Opportunities and Challenges in Energy and Climate, Friday, Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., UC.
    Pittsburgh and CMU are at the center of a national and global energy revolution, as the U.S. seeks a reliable, clean, and affordable supply of energy while leading the way to a low-carbon future.

    Outside experts and faculty affiliated with CMU's Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research will address how universities can play a role in addressing pressing issues.
  • The University and Regional Economic Development, April 8, Washington, D.C., (Invitation only. Location to be announced.)

    More than 6,000 companies have been spun out of U.S. universities during the past three decades, including many of the world's leading technology firms. As universities such as CMU become more global in focus, they have an important role to play in regional economic development. Using the greater Pittsburgh region as a model, this panel will explore the ways in which universities can drive job growth and company creation on a local and national scale.
President Suresh had served as the director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, a $7 billion independent government science agency, where he was charged with advancing all fields of fundamental science, engineering research and education.

The university's focus on creating and implementing solutions to real problems, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation is part of what attracted him to Carnegie Mellon.

"The values that underlie the culture of this place are values that are important to me and resonate with my own values," he said.

"The extraordinary ability of the CMU faculty and students in bringing together cutting-edge research and education across multiple disciplines positions CMU uniquely to address national and global challenges. I look forward to working with the CMU community to further our global impact."

During Friday's investiture, delegates from U.S. and international universities will join Carnegie Mellon faculty, trustees and members of the university community in procession at this historic academic ceremony to mark an important leadership transition.

Along with the inaugural address by Dr. Suresh, the event will include a keynote speech by former university trustee and Google executive chairman, Dr. Eric Schmidt, and a performance by Tony Award winner and alumna Patina Miller. Representatives from across the university will also participate in the ceremony.

All events are open to the entire CMU community and are in the University Center, unless otherwise noted. Tickets are not required. Each symposia will be webcast on the inauguration website. Follow the conversation on Twitter with #CMUsuresh.

 


Related Links: Inauguration | Events at a Glance | About Dr. Suresh | Visitor Information


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