Giving back, paying it forward

A conversation between Emeritus Professor Eric Grotzinger and alumna Elizabeth Zapanta reveals how philanthropy doesn’t just fund initiatives at Carnegie Mellon; it fuels a culture of possibility.

Eric, a longtime champion of education and the student experience, reflected on his decades of service and the enduring legacy of initiatives like the Eric Grotzinger Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Research. He emphasized how giving is what brings a Tartan’s education to life, both in the classroom and with uniquely CMU traditions like Booth and Buggy.

Elizabeth brought a recent alum's perspective to the dialogue. She noted that through her experience as an Andrew Carnegie Society scholar, she not only benefitted from donor support but also gained an appreciation for collaboration and giving back.

Together, Eric and Elizabeth underscored the ripple effect of giving at CMU — from scholarships and mentorships to programming and alumni engagement.

By Eric Hoffman and Kate Flynn