Carnegie Mellon University
February 28, 2017

CMU Trustee Frank Brunckhorst Gives $10 Million for Presidential Scholarships

students on campus

Frank Brunckhorst, a member of Carnegie Mellon University’s Board of Trustees, has given $10 million to support undergraduate student scholarships.

The gift will support the Frank Brunckhorst Presidential Scholarship Endowment, contributing to a landmark initiative that provides some of the university’s top students with significant support while assisting CMU to attract the most talented scholars to its renowned academic programs.

"Frank has been a longstanding leader and benefactor of our university,” said CMU President Subra Suresh. “We thank him for his continued support of scholarships, which will help us expand access to a CMU education and attract a diverse cohort of outstanding students."

The Presidential Fellowships and Scholarships program, launched by President Suresh in 2014, provides critical financial assistance to exceptional undergraduate and graduate students across all of CMU's seven colleges and schools. Selection for a Presidential Scholarship recognizes a student’s outstanding academic success and future potential.

Born and raised in New York City, Brunckhorst graduated from Carnegie Mellon in 1987 with a B.S. in Business. His Carnegie Mellon experience prepared him for a career that led to his service as chairman of Boar’s Head Provisions, the leading provider of exceptional delicatessen products. Brunckhorst, who resides in Sarasota, Fla., still serves on the board of the company, which manufactures and distributes more than 500 premium food products to restaurants, delicatessens and grocery stores throughout the United States.

A member of the university’s board of trustees since 2005, Brunckhorst serves on its Executive Committee and as its Advancement Committee chair. Brunckhorst made his first gift for university scholarships in 1996, and has been a consistent donor ever since. With this new gift, the value of the Frank Brunckhorst Presidential Scholarship Endowment will exceed $15 million.

"I am extremely fortunate and proud to be a Carnegie Mellon alumnus. My CMU education has served me well throughout my career and was only possible with extraordinary financial assistance from my family. My endowment will provide scholarships to the best, brightest and most promising students who otherwise might not be able to attend Carnegie Mellon. These Presidential Scholarship students will be the leaders of our next generation. When I meet these students and hear their passions and dreams I only have optimism for our future. I am truly fortunate to be able to provide these opportunities. "

"Mr. Brunckhorst’s scholarship was instrumental in allowing me to attend a top institution like CMU without placing a financial burden on myself and my family,” said Jared McPhail, a senior biological sciences major. “With this support over the course of four years, I have been able to explore my interests here at CMU, engaging in research with faculty, forging connections with my peers and even discovering new hobbies. After my experience at CMU, I feel prepared to succeed in my career path.”

Brunckhorst’s gift adds to the growing Presidential Fellowships and Scholarships program, which has a current value of related endowment funds and commitments of more than $285 million.