A Leading Light of Philanthropy
Fifty years ago, 21 Carnegie Mellon University alumni and friends made significant personal philanthropic investments at a foundational time for CMU. Their hearts were in the work, and their giving led to the creation of the Andrew Carnegie Society, named in honor of Andrew Carnegie’s generous spirit.
Since that day, our members have been a leading light of philanthropy at CMU with an unwavering commitment to students — supporting 40 ACS Scholars each year, for example. You can meet this year’s class inside this issue.
I am proud of all that we have accomplished so far, and thank you for the part you have played in ACS over the years. As the 50th anniversary year winds down, our eyes are on the future. Our impact will only increase as we build the kinds of relationships, internally and externally, that lead more CMU alumni and friends to connect meaningfully with the university and with each other.
Those connections enable philanthropy that makes a difference for the donors and recipients alike. If you have ideas about how to make more of those important connections or would like to be more involved in ACS activities and strategy, please reach out to me at andrewcarnegiesociety@andrew.cmu.edu.
I hope you enjoy reading about the impact of ACS in this issue of the ACS Insider, and how it inspires us all to continue to grow as stewards of and advocates for Carnegie Mellon and its students.
John Watts (TPR 1985, 1988)
President, Andrew Carnegie Society
John Watts, Andrew Carnegie Society president
Spring 2023 ACS Insider Stories
Meet the 2022-2023 ACS Scholars
This elite group of 40 CMU undergraduate seniors represent the top 2% of their graduating class and serve as models of service and leadership.
Building a Strong Bond
ACS Board Member Hui Chen (MCS 1996) and his wife, Yan Hu, inspire and encourage fellow CMU alumni and parents to become supporters.
"I simply don’t think I would have had the self-confidence, resilience or ability to accomplish what I had without this type of institutional support or if I had attended a different university."
Angelica Bonilla
School of Computer Science
“I am joining a cohort of people who believe in giving back to CMU and maintaining a lifelong commitment to the university, which is something I am excited to be able to be active in.”
MAXWELL PLOTTEL
Dietrich College
Celebrating the ACS Legacy
When the Andrew Carnegie Society launched in 1972, it was composed of just 21 alumni interested in helping to advance the university they loved and supporting its students. When ACS members past and present gathered at the ACS Brunch during Homecoming 2022, it was in celebration of 50 years of philanthropic impact of the more than 13,000 individuals who have been part of the ACS community over the years.
With a room filled with current and former ACS members and ACS Scholars, university leadership and alumni, the event was a true celebration of the difference a group of dedicated individuals can have when the work together. Over 50 years, the ACS has supported:
Each year, the number of ACS members grows — amplifying the power of these gifts and how they advance CMU’s educational and research mission.
“The impact of the ACS is evident as I look around this room,” current ACS Board President John Watts said at the event. “I see the faces of friends and supporters of CMU whose gifts and leadership have paved the way for growing and enriching our campus community.”
Explore photos from the event:
