Remembering Alumnus and Trustee Glen de Vries

Dear Members of the CMU Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is with an incredibly heavy heart that I share the news that CMU alumnus and trustee Glen de Vries passed away yesterday following a private plane crash. As has been reported in several media outlets, both Glen and his flight instructor perished near a state park in New Jersey. We are heartbroken by the devastating loss of our dear friend, and a truly brilliant and kind person.

A 1994 graduate of the Mellon College of Science, Glen de Vries was a successful entrepreneur who co-founded Medidata in 1999, the world’s most used cloud platform for clinical trials. He was one of CMU’s greatest champions and advocates, especially for the future of science initiative at the university. He served as a member of the Mellon College of Science Dean’s Council and in 2017 he endowed the dean’s chair currently held by Rebecca Doerge. He also provided support for graduate student fellowships and for the university’s health and wellness initiative. A member of the Board of Trustees, he was recently named chair of the university’s Make Possible campaign. In recognition of his global impact, the university honored Glen with its Alumni Achievement Award in 2017.

One month ago, Glen traveled to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard Spacecraft, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut. Upon his return, he described his plan to “make advancing the democratization of space part of my mission for the balance of my life,” which reflects Glen’s passion for bringing the power of science and knowledge to others. His passing is a profound loss for this community and for a world that has already benefitted so much from his brilliance and compassion.

Our hearts go out to Glen’s family, friends and loved ones as they cope with their immeasurable loss. To be in Glen’s presence was to be immersed in his exuberance and zest for life, and I am filled with tremendous sorrow that we will no longer be able to experience this gift or share it with others.

Sincerely,

Farnam Jahanian
President
Henry L. Hillman President’s Chair