Make Possible logo

Together, we have launched a new era of what’s possible.

Since Make Possible: The Campaign for Carnegie Mellon University launched in 2019, the pace of change has only accelerated. 

Breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation are redefining economies, expanding human potential and reshaping the future we all share. Add to that the emergence of COVID-19, which disrupted supply chains and how we learn and work, and the rapid rise of generative AI, which is redefining productivity, creativity and discovery in all fields, and it is clear that leadership in this age requires more than technical mastery. It demands the human insight and creativity that define the CMU experience. 

Since our founding, Carnegie Mellon University and our people have envisioned and seized opportunities before anyone else. We’ve been unafraid to make the bold choices that revolutionize industries and change lives for the better. In today’s time of incredible transformation, we can see that the world stands at a new frontier of what’s possible. 

Thanks to the years of vision, generosity and hard work during the Make Possible Campaign, Carnegie Mellon is ready to take our leadership role even further: To advance knowledge, expand opportunity and make possible a brighter, more human future.

Walking to the Sky

All videos by Terranova Advising & Productions

Investing in the Future

$ 2 .5 B

Raised by the Make Possible Campaign

$ 1 B

Directed to campus infrastructure

$ 1 B

Infused into CMU’s endowment

A monumental impact 

More than 72,000 supporters joined us during the Make Possible campaign to turn bold ideas into meaningful progress, to anticipate and solve the world’s most pressing challenges, and to write the story of the next 125 years of CMU.

“Carnegie Mellon was founded by an extraordinary act of philanthropy and that spirit of giving is only stronger today as evidenced by supporters of our Make Possible campaign,” said President Farnam Jahanian. “While $2.5 billion is a remarkable measure of the exceptional generosity of our community of supporters, even more important are the opportunities those gifts made possible for our research and education mission.” 

From endowed professorships, headships and deanships to a transformed campus and increased support for students and their academic excellence, Carnegie Mellon is transformed and its future even brighter thanks to each and every supporter of the Make Possible campaign.

Writing the story of the next century

Make Possible focused on raising critical support in four key areas where technology and humanity come together — the kinds of intersections that will have an impact on lives of people around the world. We’re not only ready for the challenge; we’re ready to lead the charge. Explore what we’re making possible to:

Accelerate advances in technology that enhance the human condition
Fuel artistic expression and creative inquiry to shape modern culture
Achieve breakthroughs in discovery by transforming scientific inquiry
Foster a dynamic experience that enables students to thrive now and in the future

Transforming the CMU Experience

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New endowed scholarships and fellowships

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New campus facilities

6

New endowed deanships and headships

Read about key milestones and achievements of the Make Possible Campaign

The largest campaign in CMU history, Make Possible was a comprehensive campaign that was publicly announced in October 2018 and ran through June 2025, and hit its ambitious initial $2 billion goal 18 months early. The campaign has already had an impact, and the incredible support shown by campaign donors will continue to transform the institution for years to come.

President Farnam Jahanian on stage at campaign launch event

Campaign goal is surpassed

In April 2023, CMU exceeded its initial financial goal of $2 billion, a significant milestone reached more than 18 months ahead of schedule. Make Possible was then extended for an additional year to coincide with the university’s 125th anniversary.

Group of fellows pose for photo with university and program leadership

Rales Fellows program launches

The CMU Rales Fellows Program launches. This partnership with the Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation aims to address the shortfall of students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields, particularly those from underresourced backgrounds.

rendering of Hall of Sciences exterior

Hall of Sciences breaks ground

A unique facility rising at the corner of Forbes Ave. and Craig St., the Richard King Mellon Hall of Sciences will be the new home for departments from the Mellon College of Science and School of Computer Science as well as the Institute for Contemporary Art Pittsburgh.

The Johnsons and Jahanians pose for photo

Historic support for scholarships

CMU dramatically increased the accessibility of its educational programs by meeting more of the financial aid needs of current and future undergraduates thanks to a landmark commitment from two of its alumni.

Leadership cuts ribbon at Highmark center opening

Highmark Center opens

Made possible by a lead gift from Highmark Inc. and the support of more than 300 alumni, parents, faculty and staff, the new center is a destination that offers a holistic approach to well-being through robust services and educational programs supporting body, mind and spirit.

Exterior photo of Scaife Hall

Scaife Hall is reimagined

The Alan Magee Scaife Hall and Gordon E. Moore Engineering Quad bring energy and vibrancy to the heart of Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering and provides state-of-the-art facilities to transform engineering research and education.

Students pose at CMU Africa sign

Partnership expands CMU-Africa

CMU and the Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, are working to catalyze opportunities for African young people to engage with emerging technologies and lead the digital transformation of the continent.

The Blocks on stage at campaign event

Block Center launches

A groundbreaking initiative funded by alumnus Keith Block and his wife, Suzanne Kelley, the Block Center for Technology and Society researches the economic, organizational and public policy impacts of technology to promote access to the benefits of technological change for all.

Ballay working with student

Ballay Center is established

Funded by the single largest gift to the College of Fine Arts, the Joseph Ballay Center for Design Fusion creates a formal presence of design expertise and outreach at CMU and serves as a central hub for design courses, executive education, sponsored projects and collaborations, and design research.

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