One of the many highlights of the Andrew Carnegie Society's (ACS) 34th Dinner Celebration was the presentation of the 2006 ACS Recognition Award to Lucian (A’50) and Rita Ebner (HA’90) Caste.
The award, which is presented annually, recognizes an individual or individuals who represent the mission and spirit of both the Andrew Carnegie Society and Carnegie Mellon University. Recipients are honored for their outstanding commitment to the advancement of the university as well as for their volunteer and philanthropic efforts, and personal and professional achievements.
Lucian is the retired principal architect and owner of Lucian Caste Architects and Engineers. Based in Pittsburgh, Lucian Caste Architects and Engineers specialized in the design of healthcare facilities and received numerous awards for design excellence under Lucian's leadership. He has also been instrumental in many of the restoration efforts on Carnegie Mellon's campus, overseeing the historic preservation of Margaret Morrison Carnegie Hall, Hamerschlag Hall, Wean Hall, The College of Fine Arts and Warner Hall.
Currently, Lucian is vice president of the Caste Companies, a real estate holding company that specializes in the development and management of multi-family and commercial properties.
Lucian and Rita, devoted members of the Carnegie Mellon family, continue to be involved in many university initiatives.
As a member of the university's Board of Trustees, Lucian has participated on the Executive, Advancement, Development, Property Facilities, Educational Affairs and Enrollment, and the Qatar Oversight committees.
A longtime ACS member, Lucian served on its Executive Board from 1989-2005 and as president from 1996-1998. He was a member of the Carnegie Mellon Alumni Association Board, serving as both a planning and giving volunteer for past reunions and a major gift volunteer during the Carnegie Mellon Centennial Campaign. He is chair of the University's Master Plan Steering Committee and is an Emeriti Trustee Annual Fund chair.
Lucian is a founder and past president of Carnegie Mellon's tremendously successful Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL), a program for those who wish to extend their education into their senior years.
He is also the founder and past president of Cornerstones: the Center for Architecture, Development and Building at Carnegie Mellon. Founded in 2000, Cornerstones is an outreach program administered by the School of Architecture that is committed to rejuvenating the Pittsburgh region by creating new ideas and opportunities for growth and development in architectural design and building techniques.
For many years, Rita and Lucian have been goodwill ambassadors for Carnegie Mellon. In 2000, the couple helped the university celebrate its 100th anniversary by inviting Margaret Thomson, Andrew Carnegie's great-granddaughter, and her brother-in-law, Gavin Suggett, to the festivities. Rita and Lucian served as their hosts during the weekend and their presence helped bridge the gap of 100 years and reminded the university community of its wonderful heritage.
After demonstrating a history of commitment to the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries and the University Archives, Rita and Lucian presented Carnegie Mellon with its one-millionth volume, a gift they procured from the Carnegie UK Trust. The limited edition volumes once resided in the Carnegie family library at Skibo Castle and include handwritten inscriptions by Andrew Carnegie's wife, Louise.
Many areas of Carnegie Mellon have been reached by Rita and Lucian's benevolence. They have made significant contributions to the Purnell Center for the Arts, the School of Architecture, the University Center and the Andrew Carnegie Society Scholars Program.
The Andrew Carnegie Society is proud to honor Rita and Lucian Caste for their long-standing and continued commitment, leadership and generosity to Carnegie Mellon.
Related Link:
The Andrew Carnegie Society
