CMU’ NEWS SOURCE FOR FACULTY & STAFF 9/16 ISSUE

Forging a New Path Forward

Orientation Week set the stage for a new beginning at CMU, as freshmen got acquainted with campus and each other during Playfair (above) and speakers at Convocation encouraged students to be themselves and live with a purpose. Read the story on page three. We Need Your Input Hybrid Program Made the Perfect Match

n Katelyn Howard “Tepper also made an effort to make advantage of an education from a When Julie Sfanos and John Surma en- sure we didn’t miss out on experiences top-ranked program delivered through In order to better provide rolled in the Tepper School’s Part-Time that might typically be considered ‘on- a flexible format that emphasizes rigor- you with relevant and timely Online Hybrid MBA Program three campus’ activities,” John Surma added. ous curriculum, team-based projects, Carnegie Mellon news, years ago, they hoped they’d be able to The Part-Time Online Hybrid MBA and exceptional leadership and career through the Tepper School of Business preparation. Students in the program we would like to hear from form bonds with their classmates despite the primarily online delivery mode. provides working professionals with the C o n t i n u e d o n p a g e e l e v e n you through a very brief And they did. Sfanos and Surma, online survey. who met during their class’ first in-per- Please go to bit.ly/CMUPiper son Access Weekend on campus, were married on July 16 — two months after and tell us what you think. John graduated, and one month before Thank you, and have Julie would. a great year! “My expectation was that I wouldn’t achieve that level of close- ness with classmates simply because we The Piper were all located in different cities and doing much of class remotely, but I was wrong,” Julie Surma explained. “There is so much interaction … Everyone was eager to share knowledge and work

together.” O n e Blumstein Earns Lifetime Honor from Criminology Society

n Bruce Gerson drug-enforcement policy analysis. His research and analytical approach has had Alfred Blumstein, the J. Erik Jons- great influence on criminal justice poli- son University Professor of Urban cies and practices in the United States. Systems and Operations Research, “Professor Blumstein was selected emeritus, at the Heinz College, is because he is widely recognized as the 2016 recipient of the Lifetime the scholar who has made the greatest Achievement Award from the Divi- advances in knowledge about criminal sion of Developmental/Life-Course career research,” said David Farrington, Criminology (DLC) of the American chair of the DLC and chair of the Awards Society of Criminology. Committee. The award recognizes an individ- Blumstein was nominated for the ual who has a record of sustained and award by Lia Ahonen, a visiting research outstanding contributions to scholarly scholar in the Department of Psychiatry knowledge on developmental and life- at UPMC and an assistant professor course criminology. Blumstein will of criminology at Orebro University receive the award at the DLC’s annual in Sweden. She cited his contributions meeting, Nov. 17 in New Orleans. as chair of the U.S. National Academy “I am deeply honored to receive of Sciences’ panels on deterrence and this award from such an impor- tant group,” Blumstein said. “I’ve incapacitation, and criminal careers, and dedicated the better part of my life his service as chair of the to conducting research to deal with Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the state Commission on Sentencing, and Heinz College Dean Ramayya Krishnan (left) celebrates with Al Blumstein during crime and to improve the criminal a reception in Blumstein’s honor last April. justice system, so this citation is very as chair of the Department of Justice’s gratifying to me. It’s been especially Science Advisory Board. satisfying because I’ve been an ‘im- “Very few criminologists or re- B. Johnson’s Commission on Law In 2007, he received the Stockholm migrant’ to criminology, having come searchers in any related discipline really, Enforcement and Administration of Prize in Criminology for significant from a prior background in engineer- have accomplished so many things that Justice. contributions to criminological research ing and operations research.” have led to policy changes,” she wrote. A former dean of the Heinz or practices that combat crime and pro- Blumstein is a renowned crimi- Prior to joining the university’s College (1986-1993), Blumstein mote human rights. From 2011-2015, he nologist known for his analytical, Heinz College as a founding faculty has earned numerous awards for his served as chair of the Science Advisory data-driven research into violence, member in 1969, Blumstein served as work, including being elected into the Board for the Office of Justice Programs criminal careers and public policy. His director of the Office of Urban Research, National Academy of Engineering, in the U.S. Department of Justice. work has investigated nearly every and a member of the Research Council and winning the American Society of This past April, the Heinz College aspect of the criminal justice system, at the Institute for Defense Analysis. He Criminology’s Sutherland Award for honored Blumstein’s career with a two- from modeling of criminal careers, was linked to criminology when he was his contributions to research and the day symposium involving a number of sentencing and prison populations, to asked to lead the Science and Technol- Wolfgang Award for Distinguished his former students and colleagues. the impact of demographic trends and ogy Task Force for President Lyndon Achievement in Criminology. The Art of Collaboration PIPER 9/16 Issue

P u b l i s h e r Ken Walters

E d i to r M a n a g i n g E d i to r Bruce Gerson Kelly Saavedra

W r i t e r s Bruce Gerson Shilo Rea Katelyn Howard Kelly Saavedra Julianne Mattera Erin Keane Scott Heidi Opdyke

D e s i g n & P h oto g r a p h y Digital & Creative Services

To contact The Piper staff, call 412-268-2900 or email [email protected].

Statement of Assurance Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders. Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the university ombudsman, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, , PA 15213, telephone 412-268- 1018. Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000. Produced by Marketing & Communications, Staff members from the Department of Mechanical Engineering practiced the art of collaboration by creating an 18-piece September 2016, 17-053. mural of the university’s iconic Hamerschlag Hall at their July retreat. Each panel is a wooden frame covered in canvas. The mural will soon hang in either Hamerschlag Hall or Scaife Hall.

T w o Freshman Convocation Sets Stage for New Beginning n Heidi Opdyke

Carnegie Mellon faculty, administrators “Over the next four years every time and upperclassmen welcomed the Class you hear bagpipes on campus, no matter of 2020 at Convocation, and speakers what song they may be playing, whether encouraged each one of the first-year you hear them close up or far away, let students to be themselves and to live them remind you to stop a moment and with a purpose. pull back from the ‘savage strife and Vaasavi Unnava, CMU’s student stresses of the moment,’” he said quoting body president, told students they have words from CMU’s Alma Mater. “You arrived at a playground of inspiration and will succeed often, and you may fail were now part of the same institution that sometimes. was home to Olympian Nada Arakji, the “But you will never be a failure late Nobel Laureate John Nash and the at Carnegie Mellon. You will be you,” late Kevlar inventor Stephanie Kwolek. Sandage said. Unnava asked the Class of 2020 if Provost and Chief Academic Officer they want to witness change or choose to Farnam Jahanian advised students to create it. venture outside their academic boundar- “When you live intentionally you ies, focus on the present and treat them- understand the depth and the capac- selves with care. ity that those choices have to make the “The next four years will be some of world a better place,” she said. “I hope the most transformative of your lives,” this year’s incoming freshman class gets he said. the opportunity to be advocates for the President Subra Suresh introduced Pittsburgh community, as well as for the classes and programs to their respec- Orientation counselors stop for a selfie. each other,” she said. “I’m really excited tive deans, at which point students for them to have that privilege of a offered raucous cheers, from the Mellon Carnegie Mellon education and also the College of Science’s spoof on “YMCA” possibilities of how they can change the to the School of Computer Science world with it.” chanting in binary code. Scott Sandage, an associate profes- “You will learn to adapt, experi- sor of history, delivered the keynote ment, innovate, create, explore, achieve, address and discussed what he learned enjoy and influence your own destiny about failure and success in writing his and that of fellow travelers,” President book “Born Losers: A History of Failure Suresh said. “My best wishes to you as in America.” you begin your lifelong connection to “Being too ambitious can be as dan- Carnegie Mellon University and as you gerous as not being ambitious enough. prepare now for journeys yet to come And as much as I fail or succeed, I’ll and yet unknown. I wish you all the never be a failure or a success. I’ll be best.” me,” he said. Fun and games break the ice among Class of 2020.

The Class of 2020 at a Glance:* Number of Applicants: 21,189 Number Admitted: 4,601 Number Enrolled: 1,560 Percentage of International Students Enrolled: 17 percent Percentage of Underrepresented Minority Students Enrolled: 14 percent Countries Represented: 25, including the U.S. [top five countries excluding the U.S. are China (145), Korea (53), India (23), Canada (14) and Singapore (11) American States Represented: 44 and D.C., Guam and Orientation counselors show they are ready for action. Puerto Rico [top five states are California (205), New Jersey (168), New York (160), Pennsylvania (158) and Florida (67) American States Not Represented: 6 (Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wyoming) Qatar Campus:* Number Enrolled: 100 Countries Represented: 23

Average SAT Score: 746-Math, 702-Critical Reading, 710-Writing Most Popular Men’s Names: Christopher and David Most Popular Women’s Names: Rachel and Sarah

*Numbers are subject to change Students get familiar with local businesses during the Craig St. Crawl. T h r e e Alumnus Puts College Athletes’ Mental Health Top of Mind

n Bruce Gerson

At 45, Vince Sonson made his fortune in the software industry and walked away. Now, the Carnegie Mellon alum- nus and former Tartan football player is paying it forward, focusing on the mental well-being of student-athletes everywhere. Sonson is the founder of Balance Position, a startup that is developing a mobile app, mindfulness training programs and an educational outreach speaker series to help college athletes maintain a healthy balance. “Our goal is our mission, which is to empower student-athletes to achieve and maintain optimal mental health so they can perform their best on the field, in the classroom and in life,” Sonson said. In an online article introducing the NCAA Sport Science Institute’s mental health guide, “Mind, Body and Sport,” NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Hainline says mental health and wellness are a top concern among the hundreds of college athletes he’s spoken to since joining the NCAA in Vince Sonson, who enjoyed a successful career in the software industry, is now focused on helping student-athletes. 2013. A Personal Story and trainers, but he didn’t want to admit and diet, identifies behavioral trends, it and those around him didn’t know provides mindfulness training exer- “ My ability to open up with A star student-athlete at the prestigious Shady Side Academy near Pittsburgh, what to do. cises, and connects users with family, folks at CMU really made it Sonson was recruited to play football and “I internalized everything, and it friends and colleagues in their support quickly spiraled,” he said. network. possible for me to excel. CMU baseball by many schools before decid- ing to enroll at Yale University. During Diagnosed with severe depression, “We want to be able to identify was no walk in the park in one practice in his freshman football Sonson left Yale in his sophomore year symptoms early on and intercept them and returned home. Two years later before they become big problems,” terms of demands and stress, season, Sonson was put in the lineup as a fullback and required to block an All-Ivy he enrolled at CMU, where he played Sonson said. but it was my ability to manage League linebacker during a goal-line three years as a safety for the Tartans. Balance Position is working with He graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s a focus group of about 40 student-ath- my depression that made a drill. The play was run 10 times in a row. “I remember feeling like my head degree in history and policy. letes from NCAA Division I schools difference.” was in a different place. It was about that “My ability to open up with folks at to design and test the app along time that I started to get into this depres- CMU really made it possible for me to with former University of Michigan — Vince Sonson sion,” he recalled. excel. CMU was no walk in the park in football star Will Heininger. They Sonson said he knew something was terms of demands and stress, but it was recently added two key team mem- wrong, as did his teammates, coaches my ability to manage my depression that bers: Kara Stroup, a two-time captain made a difference,” he said. of the Temple University women’s lacrosse team and prominent advocate Seizing the Opportunity for student-athlete mental health, and Sonson is now working to make a differ- Kat Longshore, a mental performance ence for others. coach who has worked with England’s “Twenty-three years later I’m still national teams in lacrosse and softball, reading stories about student-athletes and Temple’s women’s lacrosse squad. struggling with depression, manifested “We’re extremely fortunate to by drug and alcohol abuse, domestic have such bright and passionate people violence and self-harm. It’s bothered me in the huddle with us,” Sonson said. for a long time. I often felt that if and The feedback from Sonson’s fo- when I get the opportunity to do some- cus group has been positive and some thing, I ought to,” he said. CMU student-athletes are optimistic. The timing seemed right last “This app could potentially summer. Sonson felt ready for a career provide a way for struggling student- change. athletes to seek help for their concerns “It was a confluence of things that without feeling judged or over- put me in a position to say, ‘it’s time whelmed,” said Marissa Dominick, to really make a run at this thing,’” a junior defender on the women’s he recalled. soccer team and a member of “The Sonson formed Balance Position Plaidvocates,” a health and wellness in October 2015. He and his partner — committee of CMU student-athletes who provide support to their peers on Sonson played three years as a safety for the Tartans. childhood friend and Cornell University alumnus Michael Bolanis — are working health-related topics. with their team to develop a free mobile “It’s never easy to seek help for app that tracks behaviors, such as sleep mental health concerns since there is F o u r In Case of Emergency often a negative stigma attached to these see using the app as a communications issues. Hopefully, this app will create tool with teammates and other athletes. Be Prepared, Stay Informed a private avenue for student-athletes to “We’ve found that the best tools we The beginning of the fall semester is a good time to review be alerted of symptoms that could be have for preventing or helping with men- safety procedures and plans regardless of how long you’ve been caused by depression, concussion or tal health issues in the athletic commu- employed at Carnegie Mellon. The Department of Environmental other mental issues, and encourage them nity are communication and education,” Health and Safety (EHS) at CMU is prepared for campus to seek professional help if needed,” said Dyer said. emergencies of all kinds, but you, too, must do your part to be Dominick, a neuroscience major and pre- Alex Pomerantz is a senior golfer prepared and stay informed. med student. and a Plaidvocate member. He said the Dominick is no stranger to innova- app could be a valuable resource during Register for CMU-Alert tive sports technology. Over the past two an athlete’s season when student-athletes CMU-Alert is Carnegie Mellon’s emergency notification service, summers she has worked with a startup feel the most pressure. which sends voice or text messages to your registered phone in in developing a “smart” mouth guard “When we are balancing team the event of a campus emergency. Faculty and staff are encour- that would track blows to the head and practices, traveling that affects class at- aged to register for the service (login is required) if you have not identify early concussion symptoms. tendance, heavy class loads and extra- already done so. (All students are preregistered for CMU-Alert.) “As a Plaidvo- curricular activities, cate, we have dis- it is easy to lose Visit the Environmental Health and Safety website to register. cussed that optimal sight of our own Your contact information will be treated confidentially. You will be contacted by the CMU-Alert service only if there is an incident/ performance on the well-being,” said event that threatens public safety, or during tests of the system field and in the class- Pomerantz, who is in the spring and fall semesters. room begins with applying to medical a healthy lifestyle schools. Questions or concerns about the service can be emailed to achieved through Sonson hopes to [email protected]. proper diet, sleep, re- have the app avail- laxation techniques able by early fall. Download the CMU Alert App and social and He credits CMU for The CMU Mobile Alert App is a free iPhone and Android mobile mental health. If this helping him in his app for students, faculty, staff and parents. It was developed to app addresses those career and his latest provide: topics and offers pursuit. • Emergency procedures and guidance for 21 different emergencies; tips for minimizing “There’s so much • Information regarding crimes and crime prevention; stress, especially at energy around • Links to important Carnegie Mellon websites; a rigorous univer- innovation and • Interactive maps that provide information about locations of sity such as CMU, entrepreneurship Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs); and I think this app that it’s as if there’s • Automatic dialing for University Police, Safety Escorts and 911. would be incredibly a responsibility helpful for my peers, among the students In Severe Weather teammates, and even to innovate, build When tornado warnings and severe weather alerts are issued for me,” Dominick said. and create things lightning, high winds or hail, take action immediately: Jonathan Dyer, that have value in • Move indoors and go to the lowest floor; a senior defensive the community. That • Stay away from windows and doors; and back on the Tartans’ football team and feeling permeates me. It certainly is a • Stay there until the warning/alert has been lifted. president of The Plaidvocates, said the big reason why I made this decision to For up-to-date warnings and alerts, tune in to local television and app has great potential. He said he could create Balance Position,” he said. radio reports and go to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.

What To Do … An emergency can happen anywhere at any time. Are you prepared? Visit the EHS website at www.cmu.edu/ehs/emergency- response/index.html and review safety tips and advice for what to do in the following situations: “Plaidvocating” for Health and Wellness • Active Shooter (watch the self-protection video) • Alcohol and Drug Overdose The Plaidvocates is a volunteer, peer-to-peer health and wellness • Assembly Area committee that works to support the physical and mental well-being • Bomb Threat of Carnegie Mellon’s student-athletes. • Cardiac Arrest • Civil Disturbance/Protest Members mentor and provide support for their fellow student- • Criminal Activity athletes. They are educated and trained throughout the year by rep- • Earthquake resentatives from CMU’s University Health Services, Counseling and • Evacuation of a Campus Building • Fire or Explosion Psychological Services (CaPS) and Ph.D. candidates in psychology. • Flooding “This kind of support program within athletics is not common,” • Hazardous Materials Incident said Kurt Kumler, director of CaPS. “The SMART team is leading the • Natural Gas Leak • Power Outage industry with this program and I think it’s a great thing.” • Serious Injury “Plaidvocates” are trained to listen to their colleagues and to • Sexual Assault provide support and information on stress and time management, • Shelter-In-Place • Suicide Prevention nutrition, alcohol, drug use and other health-related topics. • Suspicious Packages The organization, now in its second year, is part of Carnegie • Weather Emergencies Mellon’s SMART (Sports Medicine Assessment of Risk Tendencies) Register for CMU-Alert today! Program, which provides student-athletes with the services they Help ensure the safety and well-being of the CMU community. need to remain healthy, such as sports medicine and training, University Police: 412-268-2323 physical health services and counseling and psychological services. Ethics Hotline: 1-877-700-7050

F i v e Celebrating Staff

THE Thirty-five Carnegie Mellon staff members and five teams have been nominated this year by their co-workers for an Andy Award, a special honor that recognizes superior performance and commitment to the university community. ANDY Awards are given in five categories: Commitment to Excellence, Commitment to Students, Innovative and Creative Contributions, Spirit, and Teamwork and Collaboration. The Andy Awards ceremony takes place at noon, Sept. 29, in McConomy Auditorium. A light reception in AWARDS Rangos Hall will follow the ceremony. The campus community is invited to attend. And the nominees are: “ M y h e a r t i s i n t h e w o r k .”

Commitment to Excellence

Anne Marie Bosnyak Kelly Campbell Matt Coley Anita Connelly Christina Cowan Matthew D'Emilio Sponsored Projects Human Resources College of Engineering College of Engineering Electrical and Office of the General Accounting and Cost Research Administration Computer Engineering Counsel Analysis and Compliance

Beth Depalma Cornella Ellis Catharine Fichtner Janice French Rebecca Gray Holly Hippensteel CMUWorks Service University Copy School of Computer Tepper School of Engineering Office of the Dean Center Center Science Business Research Accelerator of Student Affairs

Janice Metz Mary Moore Mary Beth Shaw M. Shernell Smith Mike Steidel Entertainment Technology Cyert Center for Early Office of the General Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Center Education Counsel Student Affairs Admission and Student Aid

S i x Teamwork and Collaboration

Qatar Bi-Weekly Payroll Team Human Resources, International Finance and Qatar Dean's Office: Pictured above left are: front row, left to right: Sara Bailey and Rita Motor; back row, left to right: Carrie Nelson, Katie Price, Kelli Friend and Russell Yount; above are left to right: Lisa Ciletti, Richard Mundy and Jennifer Gray Not pictured: David Burzese, Siva Vijaykumar Doddi, Karen Whistler Eck, Irina Fudrow, Kim Graziano, Timothy Helzlsouer, Christine Lacher, Michele Ley, Tami Long, Nimit Mehrotra, Amy Maegle, Jan Provenzano, Andrew Pujol, Robert Riddle, Walter Rosado, Linda Schmidt and Pequin Xia

Engineering Research & Accelerator Team: Lynn M. Banaszak Network Convergence Team, Computing Services: and Charlotte Emig Josh Emerson, Steve Snodgrass, Matt Nickerson, Ronald Zack

HUB Team, Enrollment Services: Lynn Javor and Melissa Skasik

PCI Core Team, Computing Services and Treasurer’s Office: Judy Cvejkus, Amy Faber, Laura Raderman

Spirit

Ashley Grice Heather Johnson Amanda Perkins G. Ronald Ripper Sari Smith Patti Steranchak Residential Education Machine Learning Finance Training and Civil and Environmental Silicon Valley Engineering and Communications Engineering Administration Public Policy S e v e n Commitment to Students

Katie Cassarly Kevin Collins Andrea Francioni Rooney David Holcomb Suzie Laurich-McIntyre Tara Moe Career and Professional Career and Professional Civil and Environmental School of Drama Office of the Vice Electrical and Computer Development Center Development Center Engineering Provost for Education Engineering

Innovative and Creative Contributions

Cindy Vicker Chemical Engineering

Bridget Decker Daniel Giammatteo Meighan Harding Mireille Mobley Pam Wigley College of Engineering College of Engineering Electrical and Computer Civil and Environmental College of Fine Arts Dean's Office Dean's Office Engineering Engineering

This fall’s program offered by Profes- Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 23 sional Development Services is respond- S.A.F.E.: Self-Defense Awareness Moving Forward: Establishing Managing Your Emotions in the ing to the needs and interests of CMU & Familiarization Exchange Shared Goals Within a Group Workplace staff. 9-11 a.m., McKenna/Peter/Wright 9-11 a.m., Connan Room, 9-10 a.m., McKenna/Peter/Wright “The survey taught us a great Room, Cohon Center Cohon Center Room, Cohon Center deal,” said Professional Development’s Offered by the University Police Depart- In this workshop, you will examine your In this workshop, we will share strate- Information Specialist Heather Wainer ment, S.A.F.E. encompasses strategies, group’s dynamics, identify shared goals gies for taking control of your emotions about the recent 2016 Interest Survey. techniques, options and prevention that of the group and develop a plan to work so you can do your job effectively, no “Over 95 percent of the 1,100 respon- provide women with information toward the group’s shared goals. matter what comes your way. dents want to participate in professional that may reduce their risk of exposure Speaking with Confidence Sept. 27 development activities. In addition, staff to violence and introduces them to the 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., members want to have the opportunity physical aspects of self-defense. Success Starts with Me: to build upon their skills and experi- McKenna/Peter/Wright Room, Strategies for Success in Your ences. The Parameters of Decision- Cohon Center First Year of Employment As a result, we have planned sessions to Making This workshop will help you practice 9-11 a.m., Connan Room, meet the different skill levels.” 1:30-3:30 p.m., Connan Room, strategies to improve clarity when shar- Cohon Center ing information and will introduce strate- Wainer said this year’s program in- Cohon University Center gies to help you be a more persuasive This session will provide participants cludes sessions that will help support the Examine parameters of a decision, and engaging speaker. with strategies to navigate a new role, university’s Strategic Plan by providing explore a process to generate options department and institution. and implement a strategy to evaluate staff with the skills they need to meet Sept. 19 Sept. 28 strategic objectives. viable options. Mental Health First-Aid Training Driving Collaboration For information on the workshops SafeZone Training 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Danforth Lounge, and to register online, go to www.cmu. 1:30-3:30 p.m., McKenna/Peter/Wright 3-5 p.m., Class of 1987 Room, Cohon Center edu/hr/professional-development/. Here Room, Cohon Center Cohon Center are some of this month’s offerings. This 8-hour course uses role-playing Explore strategies for working with others, SafeZone is a network of allies (faculty, and simulations to demonstrate how identify individuals with whom you can staff and students) committed to provid- to offer initial help in a mental health collaborate, and develop a collaboration ing a safe and affirming environment for crisis and connect persons to the plan in order to leverage your working all at Carnegie Mellon, including those appropriate professional, peer, social relationships to achieve your goals. in the LGBTQ community. and self-help care. E i g h t Continued on page nine. Not Your Average Trip to School Incoming Freshman, Father Bond Over Cross-Country Bus Journey n Julianne Mattera

Many students hop a bus to school, but few can say they rode across the United States in one they helped convert into a home. But Darian Cohen can. In the months leading up to the start of his freshman year at Carnegie Mellon, Darian worked with his father, Graeme Cohen, to turn a school bus from Tennessee into a functional home, com- plete with composting toilet, refrigerator, kitchenette, bed and other amenities. Then they took it on a drive from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh, where Darian, a Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences student and new middle linebacker on CMU’s football team, dropped off his belongings and met up with teammates. “Before this bus was even a reality, I knew that Carnegie Mellon was the place where I wanted to be,” Darian said, adding that riding in the bus to college enhanced that experience. “Carnegie Darian Cohen (right) and his father Graeme are giving new life to old school buses. Mellon — you can’t top this university.” Graeme said the bus started with a For the father and son, the journey vision of “micro-sizing” his lifestyle. “ This is kind of a launching pad for School Bus helped cement their bond. Darian said he “I really jumped at the chance to get Homes as a business to take decommissioned school learned some life lessons he will carry a school bus from Tennessee,” Graeme through his college years. said. “I drove it from Tennessee to Los buses that are essentially sitting and rotting in the Darian said his father’s motto, “never Angeles in December, tore it down, earth to repurpose them and give them new life.” say can’t,” which Graeme has tattooed converted it, and the goal was to get it on his upper arm, is a mantra he’s tried —Graeme Cohen completed by the time I had to bring him to live by. to college.” “The one thing I can really take Darian helped promote the bus on “This is kind of a launching pad for to repurpose them and give them new away from this is don’t let anyone tell social media. Graeme is working to mar- School Bus Homes as a business to take life,” Graeme said. “It’s a totally viable you what you can and cannot do,” Dar- ket the same kind of lifestyle and home decommissioned school buses that are option because the engines in these buses ian said, in reference to naysayers they to others through his business, School essentially sitting and rotting in the earth and the chassis are very, very solid and ran into during the trip. “If it’s possible, Bus Homes. The bus that they arrived in sound.” you can do it.” has already been sold.

Continued from page eight. Oct. 18 SafeZone Training Oct. 25 Sept. 29 Thinking Collaboratively: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Peter Room, Let’s Explore Your Culture and Focus Your Writing Exploring the Six Thinking Cohon Center Intercultural Awareness Hats Approach 9-11 a.m., McKenna/Peter/Wright SafeZone is a network of allies (faculty, 9-11 a.m., Connan Room, Room, Cohon Center 9-11 a.m., Danforth Lounge, staff and students) committed to pro- Cohon Center viding a safe and affirming environment Cohon Center In this introductory course, you will Learn techniques to reduce miscom- for all at Carnegie Mellon, including focus on understanding your culture munication and help you feel more Using techniques to increase open- those in the LGBTQ community. Mem- by exploring your values, behaviors, confident that your message will be mindedness and consideration of bership in SafeZone is open to the assumptions and worldview. These read as intended. You will review strat- alternate ideas and viewpoints can en- entire campus community. To become insights will allow you to examine how egies for writing and revising that will able you to more creatively approach a member of the network, you will be your culture influences intercultural help your message be more clear and problems. This session will introduce asked to participate in this two-hour experiences in your workplace. concise. Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats training session, which is geared to approach to creative collaborative help you become a better ally. problem-solving. Oct. 13 Oct. 21 Assert Yourself Oct. 20 Mental Health First Aid Training 9-11 a.m., Danforth Lounge, Getting Free from Bias in Your Cohon Center Decision Making 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Connan Room, Cohon Center This active workshop will provide 9-11 a.m., Danforth Lounge, This 8-hour course uses role-playing participants with key strategies for Cohon Center communicating assertively while and simulations to demonstrate how to demonstrating respect for others. Explore how biases impact your deci- offer initial help in a mental health crisis sion making process and consider how and connect persons to the appropri- to adjust and compensate for them in ate professional, peer, social, and self- your future decision making. help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of specific types of illnesses, like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

N i n e Shakespeare, Austen and the Cult of Celebrity

n Shilo Rea

In today’s narcissistic, celebrity-obsessed so-called Bardolatry in the 18th century world, it’s hard to imagine we don’t actu- with today’s Cult of Jane,” said Barchas, ally know what two of the most famous professor of English and Austen expert literary figures — William Shakespeare who teaches an “Austen in Austin” and Jane Austen — actually looked like. course at the University of Texas. “Will & Jane: Shakespeare, Austen “Modern celebrity culture — with and the Cult of Celebrity” gives us a its merchandizing, souvenir trade and good look. The exhibition at the Folger passion for relics — still looks very Shakespeare Library examines their much like it did in the Georgian era. literary afterlives and how milestone Celebrity pinups of David Garrick and events and artifacts, like the shirt Colin Edmund Kean were the Justin Bieber Firth wore as Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC posters of yesteryear,” she said. miniseries “Pride and Prejudice,” have The Shakespeare-Austen combina- affected their legacies and popularity. tion is resonating for Folger visitors. Curated by Carnegie Mellon’s “‘Will & Jane’ is, at its core, about Kristina Straub and the University of love, but not just in and for the stories of Texas’ Janine Barchas, “Will & Jane” Shakespeare and Austen. Remarkably, reveals that, despite a two-century age the exhibition also celebrates the love difference, they experienced similar post- readers and audiences have for each oth- THE FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY. OF BEN LAUER AT PHOTO COURTESY Co-curators Kristina Straub (center) and Janine Barchas (right) swoon over the shirt humous arcs. They also share a celebrity er when bound by the passion of shared Colin Firth wore in “Pride and Prejudice.” status beyond their literary expertise experience, longing and desire,” said that was created through repetition and Racheline Maltese, a romance author. reproduction. The exhibition provides For Straub, a professor of English that people will embrace the playfulness a compelling overview of how we’ve a glimpse of this by displaying more in CMU’s Dietrich College of Humani- of plastic action figures and bobbleheads marketed these two literary ‘greats.’ And than 150 pieces, from the obscure pile ties and Social Sciences, working on that express and perpetuate celebrity.” as a fan of Austen, I’m happy to indulge of sticks from a chair Shakespeare may “Will & Jane” for nearly four years was So far, the reaction from visitors has my love of her works. It’s entertaining have once sat in to a copy of a once a lot of fun. been overwhelmingly positive. and educational,” Dugan said. owned by Austen that the Jane Austen “As Janine and I worked on the Afton Lorraine Woodward, a writer In true celebrity cult-like fashion, House Museum won’t let leave England exhibition, it became clear to us that at virtuosoblog.com, said, it “tells a fasci- “Will & Jane” has created a buzz. The —ask Kelly Clarkson, who bought it, serious scholarship and fun are not mutu- nating story of pop culture and literature New York Times and Washington Post tried to bring it to the U.S. and had to sell ally exclusive,” Straub said. “We hope through the centuries.” have covered it. And, The New Yorker it back. that ‘Will & Jane’ helps people think Holly Dugan, associate professor parodied the aforementioned Colin Firth/ “We were surprised by the tight more critically about how we as a culture of English at the George Washington Mr. Darcy shirt’s celebrity appearance in parallels between Will and Jane at their create meaning in our lives through University, agreed. the U.S. respective 200-year markers. As a result, everyday trivial objects like cookie “As a teacher of Shakespeare, I’m “Will & Jane” runs through Nov. 6. our show compares the first wave of cutters or rolling pins. But we also hope thrilled to see an exhibition that provides

Wherefore Art Thou, Folio?

n Kelly Saavedra the First Folio on the road to a number of U.S. cities in commemoration of the Posner Center presents “Carnegie Mellon’s William Shakespeare fans will have a 400th anniversary of the playwright’s rare opportunity this year to view the Shakespeare” through Nov. 30. death. But as a member of the Carnegie first collected edition of his plays, known Mellon community, you only have to Hours are 1-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. as the First Folio. travel as far as Posner Center to see the The Folger Shakespeare Library First Folio. The university has its own in Washington, D.C., has sent copies of copy, and it is on exhibit in the Posner The First Folio came to the uni- Center through November. versity from Charles J. Rosenbloom At roughly 900 pages, the First in 1974. Rosenbloom was a Pittsburgh Folio — one of the most valuable books connoisseur, collector and art patron. in the world — was quite a large printing When he died, his rare book collection project. Seven years after Shakespeare’s was divided among four beneficiaries in- death, a five-man syndicate of publisher/ cluding Yale University (his alma mater) printers and actors gathered 36 of his and Carnegie Mellon, where he was a plays into a collection they titled “Mr. Life Trustee Emeritus. The deal was that William Shakespeare’s Comedies, His- if Yale had a book, then the book would tories & Tragedies.” About 750 copies go to Carnegie Mellon. Yale already were printed. The book sold so well that had Shakespeare, so Rosenbloom’s four a second folio was printed in 1632 and a folios came to Pittsburgh. third in 1663. The fourth and final folio The Posner Center’s exhibit, was published in 1685. “Carnegie Mellon’s Shakespeare,” “If you lived in the 19th century and showcases the role that Shakespeare has were middle class, you might not have played in Carnegie Mellon’s history, as had any other books in the house, but well as the role that Carnegie Mellon has on your parlor table you had the Bible, played in the promotion of Shakespeare and you had Shakespeare,” said Mary as a cultural icon, world-renowned Catharine Johnsen, the special collections poet and enduring source for theatrical librarian in the Hunt Library at Carnegie performance. Shakespeare’s First Folio is one of the most valuable books in the world. T e n Mellon. Hybrid Program Made a Perfect Match C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e o n e have the same opportunities as full- space it out if my job was light.” time students and part-time on-campus “I travel quite a bit for my job at students: the same coursework, the same Johnson & Johnson, and my hours can professors, the same degree. be unpredictable. But I didn’t want that One of the prime benefits of the to restrict me from pursuing an MBA,” program is that it allows students to get Julie added. “I was drawn to Tepper’s to know their classmates through immer- online program because I found it sive, in-person Access Weekends, which was the exact same curriculum as the occur in different cities every other part-time on-campus and full- time month. This blend of online and on-site programs, but offered the flexibility that learning makes the program unique and I could be anywhere in the country, and sets it apart from standard online-only essentially the world, and complete my programs. coursework and attend classes.” “When we started the program, The newlyweds were married this John was living in Akron, Ohio, and I summer before jetting off to Italy for was living in Pittsburgh. We met at the their honeymoon. From here, the pair is very first Access Weekend in August eager to see how their recent MBA de-

2013,” she said. “He asked me out to grees will help to advance their careers. LIN EVA PHOTOS BY TEPPER SCHOOL GRADUATE lunch on the Sunday of that first Access Julie and John Surma on their wedding day. Weekend when class had concluded.” The two studied together over the business in the near future,” he said. next few months, and went on their first “ Nowadays, there are a million and one places to Their advice for those mulling over date later that fall. the prospect of an MBA degree: con- “It was the best decision I ever get an MBA. As far as I know, there is only one sider things such as your “fit” within a made!” she added. legitimate, top-tier hybrid MBA that will challenge, program, your financial situation and One thing the pair had in common engage and teach students the same way as if they your future goals. The new bride advises right off the bat was a motivation to potential students to think carefully when expand upon their education, combined were full time. And that’s Tepper.” choosing between various delivery modes with dedication to their full-time jobs: —John Surma and select one that makes them feel chal- Julie at Johnson & Johnson, John at lenged by the work, yet comfortable with Lockheed Martin. The hybrid program the program and people. was the perfect fit that allowed them to “At Johnson & Johnson, I’ve been And the new groom, who is con- “Nowadays, there are a million combine work and school. able to apply much of my MBA learn- tinuing to work with Lockheed Martin and one places to get an MBA. As far “The benefit to me is all in the flex- ing to internal projects and different as- as a manufacturing program manager, as I know, there is only one legitimate, ibility. I really wanted a top-tier MBA, pects of the business that I hadn’t been hopes that his education will aid him in top-tier hybrid MBA that will challenge, but other part-time programs were exposed to prior,” she said. “I pursued starting his own venture. engage and teach students the same way nowhere near as flexible,” John said. “I my MBA for career advancement … I “In all of my spare time I am as if they were full time,” John said. could do all my schoolwork at once if hope to advance within the organization exploring my entrepreneurial side, “And that’s Tepper.” I knew I had a busy week coming, or and take on a challenging new role.” with my eyes on owning my own

“At first, many of our conservatory actors are reticent to commit to the complex and poetic texts in Shakespeare’s plays,” said Don Wad- sworth, professor of voice and speech in the School of Drama. “But when they can access the personal meaning of the extravagant language, they seem to adore the idea of speaking the world’s greatest English- speaking dialogue, painting word-pictures with unique and startling im- agery and developing vibrant, larger-than-life characters from the most well-known and well revered classical playwrights ever known.” The exhibit also features a collection of prints from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, artifacts of Shakespearean performances from the School of Drama’s archives (1914-1970), and photographs and costumes on loan from the School of Drama from its recent productions of “Mac- beth,” “King Lear,” “As You Like It,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Richard III.” In conjunction with the exhibit, the Posner Center will host a series of social and educational events to celebrate Shakespeare and his works. On Nov. 4 at the Posner Center, the Department of English will host “Teaching Shakespeare at Carnegie Mellon,” a conversation between Professor Michael Witmore, former CMU faculty member who is direc- tor of the Folger Shakespeare Library, and Professor Peggy Knapp of the English Department. These scholars will reflect on their experiences teaching Shakespeare at Carnegie Mellon. They’ll discuss how students reacted to the privilege of seeing and touching a First Folio, what impact the School of Drama has on students of Shakespeare, and how Carnegie Mellon has shaped the ways in which scholars think about Shakespeare. The dialogue will include a Q&A session. On Nov. 5, there will be a calligraphy workshop on Shakespeare’s handwriting style, called “secretary hand,” by renowned Shakespearean handwriting expert Myrna Rosen of the School of Design. Mary Catharine Johnsen, the special collections librarian in CMU’s Hunt Library, browses On Nov. 13, Wadsworth will be directing his students in a perfor- Shakespeare’s First Folio. mance of “The Seven Ages of Man” at the School of Drama. Location and time to be announced. E l e v e n New Drama Season Proves Laughter Is Best Medicine

Your TV Guide to CMU’s Alumni Network Want to see the School of Drama in the comfort of your own living room? Set your DVR — this season’s TV lineup is full of alumni performances.

Donna Lynn Champlin (1993): Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW) Gaius Charles (2005): Taken (NBC) Casey Cott (2016): (CW) (2012): Z: The Beginning of Everything (Amazon) James Cromwell (1964): The Young Pope (HBO) Ted Danson (1972): The Good Place (NBC) Jordan Dean (2007): Z: The Beginning of Everything (Amazon) Adam Hagenbuch (2013): Switched at Birth (Freeform) Ian Harding (2009): (Freeform) n Erin Keane Scott Megan Hilty (2004): The First Wives Club (TV Land), The School of Drama kicks off its 2016- Into You” will run from Nov. 9-11 in the The play is about a 4-year-old girl named Braindead (CBS) 2017 season with a mixture of old and Helen Wayne Rauh Studio Theater. Lucy and her imaginary friend, Mr. new plays that reflect on gender politics The exploration of gender politics Marmalade. Mr. Marmalade represents Cherry Jones (1978): and social systems through several dis- continues with “The Rover” by Aphra Lucy’s very dismal ideas about adult- Mercy Street (PBS) tinct lenses. Behn, adapted by John Barton. The first hood in a darkly comic fashion. Rachel Keller (2014): Legion (FX) “This year’s productions will use hu- known female playwright penned this “This play comes at a time when Laurie Klatscher (1979): mor as a primary device to shed light on 17th century restoration comedy and we are questioning the social systems Outsiders (WGN America) the human condition,” said Peter Cooke, guest director David Bond of the Royal at the bedrock of our country's head of the School of Drama. “From Irish Welsh College of Music and Drama founding and prosperity,” said director Randy Kovitz (1977): Z: The politics to a feminist 17th century classic, has chosen to put her point of view Terrence I. Mosley. Beginning of Everything these plays prove the adage that ‘laughter center stage. “There are a lot of people seeking (Amazon) is the best medicine.’” “‘The Rover’ is not typical of plays change but there are more people who Judith Light (1970): “The Playboy of the Western World” of this period,” Bond said. “The char- don't understand the systems they are Transparent (Amazon) acters are not recognizable from other a part of because they are too young. by Irish playwright laureate John Mil- Gabriel Macht (1994): Suits (USA) lington Synge will be the first production plays of the time — they are not the Mr. Marmalade is fecund ground for of the season, running from Oct. 6-15 in familiar parade of fops, cuckolds, naive the exploration of these social systems.” Patina Miller (2006): the Philip Chosky Theater. The play is country maidens and predatory men. In addition to these plays, the Madam Secretary (CBS), Mercy Street (PBS) notorious for causing riots after it opened The politics are complex.” School of Drama will host the New in 1907 because it revealed a much less This spirit of bringing a period Works Series from Oct. 26-29, and the Katy Mixon (2003): idyllic Ireland than Dubliners wanted piece into the contemporary zeitgeist Playground Festival from Dec. 8-10. American Housewife (ABC) to see. has been pervasive in the creative The New Works Series is a presentation Billy Porter (1991): “We can always use a beautiful team’s discussions. of three new plays, each by a graduate The Get Down (Netflix) romance,” said director Don Wadsworth, “It's been liberating. The design- student playwright in their final year Kali Rocha (1993): Liv and “but at its heart this play explores the ers are very much aware of the gender at CMU. Maddie (Disney) idea that we may not really know the politics and how bold we might be with The Playground Festival is true nature of those we love. There is a set and costume, sound and light,” Bond an independent, student-run event Pablo Schrieber (2000): universal mystery to the show.” said. “We all think we can go for the big featuring work from traditional plays to American Gods (Starz) Theatergoers will delve into the picture — and there IS a big picture — installation pieces to performance art. McKenna Sloane (2017): complicated territory of gender and sexu- and still preserve the complex psychol- Playground is a time when students test Outsiders (WGN America) ality with an adaptation of the 2015 book, ogy and social relationships.” the limits of their creativity, often to Ming-Na Wen (1986): Agents “I’m Very Into You: Correspondence “The Rover” will run from Nov. fantastic result. of S.H.I.E.L.D (ABC) 1995-1996” by Kathy Acker and Mack- 17-19 and Nov. 29–Dec. 3 in the Philip Tickets can be purchased online enzie Wark. Director and adaptor Sara Chosky Theater. at drama.cmu.edu/box-office or by Krista Marie Yu (2011): Lyons seeks to explore how intimacy The fall season wraps up with calling the box office at 412-268-2407. Dr. Ken (ABC) and relationships are redefined online — magical realist playwright Noah Haidle’s Discounted tickets are available for underscored by these writers’ radicalism, “Mr. Marmalade,” which runs Nov. faculty and staff. All are graduates of the College of Fine Arts. lust and desire to be together. “I’m Very 30–Dec. 3 in the Rauh Studio Theater. Graduation years are in parentheses.

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