2017 marked the 50 year anniversary of the merge between the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute, resulting in the formation of Carnegie Mellon University. In addition to a weekend of activities honoring the milestone, the university celebrated throughout the year with a campaign themed “For the Founders,” featuring individuals from the Carnegie Mellon community who have been founders, innovators, and leaders in their fields. I was honored to be amongst professors, alumni, and other current students selected as one of the 23 individuals to have their story shared as part of the campaign and its corresponding promotional materials.
In the fall of 2017, Carnegie Mellon University honored the 10 year anniversary of computer science professor Randy Pausch delivering his famous “Last Lecture,” just months after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. To honor his legacy, the University Lecture Series commemorated the milestone by hosting a screening of “The Last Lecture” followed by a panel discussion in the auditorium where the original lecture took place. I was one of five panelists selected to discuss and reflect on how Randy’s work and message continues to have a lasting impact. The other panelists - Jesse Schell, Jessica Hodgins, Cleah Schlueter, and Daniel Siewiorek - knew Randy personally, but I had a unique perspective after witnessing his impact on each incoming class through my experiences with Carnegie Mellon’s Orientation program, where incoming students discussed the book with CMU faculty and staff after reading it over the summer.
Each year, The Carnegie Mellon deans and department heads select 40 seniors as Andrew Carnegie Society Scholars to represent their graduating class in service and leadership. I was honored to be selected as an ACS Scholar from my class of 1400+ students based on high standards of academic excellence combined with volunteerism, leadership, and involvement in student organizations.
Preceding graduation each year, Carnegie Mellon University faculty and staff members have the opportunity to nominate graduating seniors who have made significant leadership contributions during their time at the university for Senior Leadership Recognition. I was honored to be amongst those selected for CMU’s Senior Leadership Recognition in 2017 as a result of multiple nominations highlighting my interpersonal skills as well as my involvement and dedication to the Carnegie Mellon community.
The Carnegie Mellon Highland Ambassadors are the student representatives of the CMU Alumni Association charged with creating and maintaining an engaged student-alumni community. I was selected as a Highland Ambassador at the end of my sophomore year based on my enthusiasm and school spirit as well as my demonstrated leadership and commitment to the university. Over the course of the three years that I served as a Highland Ambassador, I led numerous tours for alumni, large gift donors, and prospective students. I also had the opportunity to represent the university at a variety of events in various cities around the country, including the annual Ligonier Highland Games, Summer Welcome Receptions for incoming first-year students, and Presidential Receptions with the university’s president.