The Year’s Most Read
Catch up on the stories Tartans loved in 2023
Throughout the year, the Carnegie Mellon University community honored careers full of achievements and generosity during Alumni Awards; celebrated the bright futures of Tartans on the Rise and leveled up to record-setting heights of philanthropy during Giving CMU Day.
As we head into 2024, let’s take a look back at the most-read stories of 2023.
Designing a Legacy
“Our time on campus really became the beginnings of something that I don't think either one of us ever imagined. Carnegie Mellon is like Hogwarts that way. It is a place of magical thinking.”
— John Shaffner, College of Fine Arts, Class of 1976
From insisting creators include a hallway between apartments on “Friends” and selecting the infamous rattan and floral couch on “The Golden Girls,” alumni couple and Emmy Award winning production designers John Shaffner and Joe Stewart have done it all. Now, the Hollywood stalwarts are showing the love for where their half-century personal and professional partnership started with a planned estate gift.
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Going for the Heart
“I used to think directing was having this picture in your head, and then you move people, pieces and assets around until it lines up with it. What I learned at CMU, and continued at Naughty Dog, is that it’s important to have a strong vision, but also find ways to allow other people to embrace that vision and make it their own. That’s how you get the best work and the best ideas.”
— Neil Druckmann, Entertainment Technology Center, Class of 2005
Alumnus Neil Druckmann shares the origin story of how “The Last of Us” transformed from failed CMU project to blockbuster video game and one of 2023’s biggest TV hits.
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Sky of Dreams
“I love being in the sky. I fell in love with seeing places, and when you fly, you are able to go anywhere. ...I know (air taxis are) probably going to be strange at first, but I want people to see it as a new way to fly and understand the benefit to society.”
— Annie Cheng, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, Class of 2003
Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy alumna and pilot Annie Cheng is flying toward the future at NASA where she works to make electric air taxis a reality.
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A Heart for Hamburgers
“Our vision is to get RoboBurger in every dorm, office building, airport, hospital, you name it. Any place where people want a burger at any hour, we want to be able to provide it to our customers.”
— Audley Wilson, Tepper School of Business, Class of 2005
College of Engineering alumnus Dan Braido and Tepper School of Business alumnus Audley Wilson blend engineering, robotics and culinary delights in their roles as co-founders of RoboBurger — the world’s first burger robot in a box.
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Honoring Ming-Na Wen
"I am forever thankful to have received the invaluable training in Carnegie Mellon’s Drama program that kick started my acting career. I am honored to be given another gift with this meaningful CMU Alumni Award."
— Ming-Na Wen, College of Fine Arts, Class of 1986
Alumna and actress Ming-Na Wen has delighted audiences with iconic television and film roles during her decades-long entertainment career. CMU honored her with an Alumni Achievement Award at this year’s ceremony during Homecoming Weekend in November.
