Past, Present and Future

As a member of the Andrew Carnegie Society, you play a vital role in helping CMU shape the future. From advancing educational initiatives, to supporting groundbreaking research, to fostering a collaborative, innovative community of students, faculty, staff and alumni, your generosity has a transformative impact on CMU. Thank you.

As we move toward the future, we should also remember the past. This fall during Homecoming Weekend, Nov. 6-8, CMU will kick off a celebration of its first 125 years, CMU125: The Power of Possibilities. I’m excited to join the CMU community to toast to 125 years of innovation, achievement and “so CMU” milestones — many of which would not have been possible without the support of ACS members past and present. Please make a plan to join the celebration on campus if you are able.

Speaking of milestones — I celebrated my 20th Reunion with my Tepper School of Business classmates. I enjoyed reconnecting with them and seeing how much we’ve changed over the years, while other things — like Shadyside, where I spent many evenings with my fellow MBA students — have mostly remained the same.

Like my Tepper classmates, it’s important for ACS members to stay connected to each other and to the university. If you’d like to help foster and strengthen these connections, please apply to become a member of the ACS Board. Board members are pivotal in leading ACS initiatives and guiding our efforts to support the university.

You’ll find more information about the board and the application process in this issue. You’ll also read about the ACS Board liaison and ACS Scholars programs, and be introduced to David P. Bennett, CMU’s new vice president for university advancement. I’m excited to work with David, the ACS board and you and your fellow members as we support CMU’s bright future, together.

With gratitude,

Katherine Kohatsu (ENG 1997; TPR 2005)
President, Andrew Carnegie Society

The ACS Scholars program recognizes undergraduate seniors who embody Carnegie Mellon University’s high standards of academic excellence, volunteerism and campus involvement. This exceptional group of students represent their classmates in service and leadership and have a transformative impact on the Tartan community during their time on campus.

Each scholar receives a monetary award to advance their learning and career goals from endowed funds established by generous ACS members. They also receive access to invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities like the ACS Board liaison program.

The program pairs each scholar with a board member whose experience aligns with their academic and career goals. Board members then offer mentorship, advice and support to help the scholars achieve those goals.

Read how ACS board members are helping scholars achieve their goals

In February, David P. Bennett joined Carnegie Mellon University as the new vice president for University Advancement, bringing more than 25 years of experience in philanthropic leadership.

With his proven track record of driving successful campaigns, exceeding fundraising targets and strengthening engagement across constituencies, Bennett is working closely with academic and administrative leaders to advance philanthropy and build partnerships among Carnegie Mellon’s communities, including the Andrew Carnegie Society.

He became an ACS member on his first day at CMU. Like you, he is committed to and excited about the future of the university.

“CMU’s reputation for innovation, research and global impact is unparalleled, and I am inspired by the dedication of its community to drive meaningful change in the world,” Bennett said. “I look forward to partnering with the talented faculty, staff, alumni and supporters to build on the university’s impressive achievements and contribute to its continued success.”

Bennett joined CMU from Howard University, where he served as the senior vice president for development and alumni relations. During his tenure, he redefined the university’s advancement capabilities through transformative fundraising initiatives, helped to secure 49 of the 50 largest gifts in Howard’s 158-year history and more than doubled the number of annual gifts to the institution.

Bennett also previously served as chief development officer at the National Geographic Society, and held significant advancement positions at United Cerebral Palsy of America and the consulting firm Odell, Simms & Associates, Inc.

This fall marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Carnegie Technical Schools and Andrew Carnegie’s generous investment in higher education that would grow and evolve into the Carnegie Mellon University we know today.

To mark this incredible milestone, as well as the conclusion of Make Possible: The Campaign for Carnegie Mellon University, Homecoming Weekend 2025 on Nov. 6-8 will be the kickoff to a year-long commemoration of CMU’s achievements past and present and all that the Tartan community will continue to make possible in the future.