Dietrich Alumni Rise to the Challenge

Dietrich College alumni are among those recognized by CMU for their transformational impact

By Stacy Kish

Carnegie Mellon University’s 2023 Tartans on the Rise are advancing society through technology, celebrating human expression and elevating industries, communities and people everywhere. Now in its second year, CMU celebrates recent alumni who are making an impact in their organizations and in their communities, across the nation and around the world through leadership, innovation and career achievements.

“I join the entire Carnegie Mellon University community in congratulating this year’s class of Tartans on the Rise,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian. “These extraordinary Tartans represent the visionary and entrepreneurial spirit of our alumni, and I am in awe of their passion, creativity and leadership. We are truly excited by all they have accomplished and will continue to achieve in the future.”

This year, two Dietrich College graduates are among the 23 alumni identified by CMU for the Tartans on the Rise recognition.

Lillian-Yvonne Bertram (DC 2006) is an associate professor of English, Africana studies and art & design at Northeastern University. Bertram has authored numerous poetry collections. They have received the 2017 Harvard University Woodberry Poetry Room Creative Grant and a 2014 National Endowment for the Arts Poetry Fellowship. They also direct the Chautauqua Institution Writers’ Festival.

Samantha Gerard (DC 2005; HNZ 2008) is the founder and chief executive officer of Talk: The New Sex Ed, Inc. Gerard works with 11 school partnerships in the Pittsburgh area to empower teens to make informed, responsible choices about their relationships and sexual health. Her work aims to help parents foster an ongoing dialogue to guide teens’ decision-making around relationships and consent.

“CMU’s Tartans on the Rise are making a global impact and shaping brighter futures for all,” said Teresa Trombetta (HNZ 2018), assistant vice president for alumni and constituent engagement. “I am so proud to call them members of our Tartan community.”

Read more about Bertram and Gerard and explore the 2023 class of Tartans on the Rise.