Celebrating the Class of 2019

By Abby Simmons and Stefanie Johndrow

The Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, family and friends are celebrating the Class of 2019’s academic accomplishments, leadership and service throughout Carnegie Mellon University’s 122nd Commencement Weekend.

Dietrich College will confer 328 undergraduate degrees, 92 master’s degrees and 40 doctorates this year. In addition, 18 Science and Humanities Scholars will receive undergraduate degrees from the college.

Evan Glauberman, who participated in CMU’s Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) program, was among students honored. He will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation.

“Dietrich College’s flexible curriculum has enabled me to pursue my interests across many engaging fields of study,” Glauberman said. “Pursuing a double major in international relations and politics and social and political history has allowed me to understand the current states of global and domestic politics in addition to the history of how they came to be. I have also studied Arabic language and culture extensively and gone from being illiterate to now working as a speaking assistant in the span of two years.”

On Saturday, May 18, Dean Richard Scheines handed out University and/or College Honors to more than 180 graduating seniors. Undergraduates with a 3.5 or higher quality point average (QPA) received University Honors, and students who completed an honors thesis as part of the college’s Senior Honors Program received College Honors.

View University Honors recipients

View College Honors recipients

“A Carnegie Mellon education is regarded among the most rigorous in the world,” Scheines said to graduates and their families. “Our alumni all tell me essentially the same thing. They say, ‘As soon as I entered the workforce, I was immediately aware that I was ahead of my peers — even those from other colleges that are household names.’”

He noted alumni often say that their Dietrich College experiences set them apart because they learned to value hard work, had the opportunity to engage in real-world problems and developed a grounding in deep disciplinary knowledge.

Gabrielle Maier, the 2019 Elliot Dunlap Smith Teaching Award for Distinguished Teaching and Educational Service, also spoke at the Honors Convocation. She shared her personal journey of becoming teaching professor of German, one that was not a linear path.

“It took me a while and a few detours to figure out what truly made me happy, but in the end, it eventually all made sense,” Maier said. “If you feel lost because everyone around you seems to have it figured out, be skeptical. Just keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to switch gears if you discover your current field or job isn’t making you happy."

On Friday, May 17, nearly 100 graduates were honored at the university’s Senior Leadership Recognition Awards. 

View Senior Leadership Recognition Awards recipients

Julia Adams, who studied international relations and politics, is serving as the college’s flag bearer this year. She will lead graduates into Gesling Stadium for the main commencement ceremony on Sunday.

“Dietrich College introduced me to a wide range of people and academics that assisted me in discovering my interests and passions as an individual,” Adams said. “The diverse range of experiences in research and courses, balancing quantitative and qualitative work, provided me a unique perspective on the unlimited opportunities in my future. I have grown in both my confidence and capabilities as a student, friend and leader thanks to my time at Dietrich College.”

Following graduation, Adams will be moving to Washington, D.C., to join Deloitte Government and Public Services as a tech analyst.

Visit the Dietrich College’s social media channels throughout the weekend for the latest commencement coverage and share your own posts with #cmugrad #CMUDietrich.