cmu’s nEWs sourcE for faculty & staff 5/13 issuE

Elite Distinction Cohon, Epple, Just and Shreve Named University Thank You! Professors As I approach the end of my 16 years as president of Carnegie Mellon, I write to thank you, the university community, for giving me the privilege of serving in this position and for your support n Piper Staff over these many years. It truly is a privilege to be the president of CMU. Globally regarded as one of the best universities Carnegie Mellon President Jared L. in the world, Carnegie Mellon’s president is respected simply for having the title. Cohon and three professors, Dennis Epple, Marcel Just and Steven E. Shreve, True story: Being the modest person that I am, I almost never tell strangers what my position is; it sounds to me too much like bragging. But, I make an exception whenever I go through Passport have received the elite distinction of Control at airports (which is often). The conversation usually goes: University Professor, the highest academic accolade a faculty member Immigration Agent (looking at my form): “I see you traveled on business. can achieve at Carnegie Mellon. What was the nature of your business?” Me: “I was visiting our alumni and academic programs. I am the President of The rank of University Professor Carnegie Mellon University.” recognizes a faculty member for rep- Agent: “Oh! That’s a great school. Welcome home!” resenting the intellectual leadership of The university has made progress in many ways during my time here. Inevitably, the growth and Carnegie Mellon through their expertise innovations of the last 16 years will be associated with the “Cohon Era.” I cringe when I hear and accomplishments in their respective people use the term because all of the great things that have happened here have been the result of your superb efforts, not mine. Our reputation and impact are the result of the brilliance, creativ- fi elds of study. ity, hard work and devotion of the 18,000 faculty, staff and students and the accomplishments of the more than 92,000 alumni who comprise the Carnegie Mellon community. Even after 16 years, I am still amazed by the Jared l. cohon pathbreaking research you do, and thrilled by the art you create and perform. And, I am enormously proud of the rich educational experiences you provide and our contributions to our communities. I am proud, too, of our Cohon will be stepping down as CMU’s collaborative, can-do culture in which each of us feels respected and supported. eighth president on June 30 after leading Of the thousands of people who have contributed to our success, I must single out the deans and directors for the university to unparalleled growth their excellent leadership of our colleges and non-academic units. We purposefully operate in a decentralized during the past 16 years. manner, putting resources and authority in the hands of these key people. I like to think that CMU is more “While Jerry’s presidential contribu- than the sum of its parts, but the parts have to be excellent if the whole is to be. tions are fully appreciated by university I have had the great good fortune to work every day, closely and collaboratively, with the Management Team: professors and the entire university com- Mark Kamlet, Executive Vice President and Provost; Vice President and General Counsel Mary Jo Dively; munity, this prestigious honor is based Cheri Hays, Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Director of the President’s Offi ce; Vice President of on his truly exceptional scholarly and University Advancement Robbee Kosak; and, Vice President for Campus Affairs Michael Murphy. They are a wonderful group and the best at what they do that Carnegie Mellon has ever seen. The six of us are supported professional accomplishments outside by a terrifi c group of assistants – my thanks to the 6th Floor Crew and, for my personal sanity, Cathy Light, of and on top of his presidency,” said who has gone to amazing lengths to keep me on time and out of trouble. Provost and Executive Vice President Being the leader of this outstanding community has been an enormous honor. My wife, Maureen, who has been Mark S. Kamlet. a great “First Lady” and my life partner, joins me in saying THANK YOU and in wishing you all the best. A member of the National Academy of Engineering and the American Acad- emy of Arts and Sciences, Cohon was elected chair of the Executive Committee of the Association of American Univer- sities in 2010. In 2011, he received the National Engineering Award from the American Association of Engineering Societies. Cohon is an expert on environmen- giglio PhotograPhy Photo by harry tal and water resource systems analy- sis, a fi eld that combines engineering, economics and applied mathematics. He has worked on water resource problems in the United States, South America and Read about Carnegie Asia and on energy facility siting, includ- Mellon’s 116th ing nuclear waste shipping and storage. Commencement He is president of the Center for Sustain- activities in a special able Shale Development and chairman of pullout section. the ALCOSAN Regionalization Review Panel, a committee that provides recom- pages 5-8

C o n t i n u e d o n p a g e t w o

o n e Cohon, Epple, Just and Shreve Named University Professors C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e o n e

J a r e d l . C o h o n d e n n i s e p p l e m a r C e l J u s t s t e v e e . s h r e v e

mendations to improve water quality in Task Force. marcel Just steve E. shreve Allegheny County. After a sabbatical, Cohon will join Just is the D. O. Hebb Professor of Shreve, the Orion Hoch Professor of Prior to coming to CMU, Cohon the CMU departments of Civil and Envi- Psychology and director of CMU’s Mathematical Sciences, has been a was dean of the School of Forestry & ronmental Engineering and Engineering brain-imaging facility and the Center for member of the Carnegie Mellon faculty Environmental Studies at Yale University and Public Policy. Cognitive Brain Imaging. since 1980. from 1992 to 1997. His career started in “Marcel Just is one of the leading Working with students and col- Dennis Epple 1973 at Johns Hopkins University, where researchers in the fi eld of brain science,” leagues, including Dietrich College of he enjoyed a 19-year tenure as a faculty Epple is the Thomas Lord Professor of said John Lehoczky, dean of the Dietrich Humanities and Social Sciences Dean member in the Department of Geogra- Economics at the Tepper School of Busi- College of Humanities and Social Sci- John Lehoczky, Shreve has played a key phy and Environmental Engineering. ness and head of the economics program. ences. “His research has had tremendous role in laying the foundations for the He also served as assistant and associate “Dennis is clearly one of the leading impact on the use of brain imaging to modern mathematical theory of optimal dean of Engineering and vice provost for public economists of his generation and gain an understanding of human cogni- portfolio construction in the presence of Research at Johns Hopkins. his body of research exemplifi es the in- tion and important societal issues such market uncertainty, work that has built on President Bill Clinton appointed terdisciplinary spirit at Carnegie Mellon. as autism and dyslexia. I am sure that he that of Nobel Laureate Robert Merton. He Cohon to the Nuclear Waste Technical Combining the principles of economics will continue to have a major impact in has become internationally recognized for Review Board in 1995 and named him with other fi elds such as organizational the years to come.” this and his other work in mathematics chairman in 1997. In 2002, President behavior, operations research and politi- Just is a renowned neuroscientist applied to fi nance, including the develop- George W. Bush named Cohon to the cal science, he has expanded our ability who focuses on how language compre- ment of models for pricing exotic deriva- Homeland Security Advisory Council, to make quantitative assessments of hension and problem-solving emerge tive securities and convertible bonds. and in 2009, President Barack Obama policy where previously only qualitative from brain processes. He has contributed “Steve Shreve is among the top math- reappointed him. He has served as chair- assessments were feasible,” said Robert to understanding reading comprehension, ematical fi nance researchers in the world,” man of the council’s Academe, Policy M. Dammon, dean of the Tepper School autism, dyslexia, multi-tasking and said Fred Gilman, dean of the Mellon & Research Senior Advisory Committee of Business. computational modeling. College of Science. “While his research and was named vice chair of the Advisory “In addition to the quality of his Just’s eye-fi xation research pro- accomplishments alone would make Council’s Sustainability and Effi ciency research, Dennis is also an exceptional duced a major theory of reading. Recent- him worthy of being named a University teacher. He demonstrates a passion for ly, he developed a prominent explanation Professor, he has contributed even more his fi eld and commitment to making sure for autism, proposing that compromised by bringing his expertise to the classroom. that his work is understood by others and communication between the frontal cor- His dedication to the mathematical and that his students learn how to apply tex and other brain areas causes autistic computational fi nance programs at the fundamental concepts that they need behavior such as social and communica- university has made Carnegie Mellon one PiPEr to be successful in the marketplace,” tion disorders and restricted interests. of the best universities in the fi eld.” 5/13 issue Dammon said. Additional groundbreaking dis- In addition to his research, Shreve p u B l i s h e r Ken Walters Since joining the faculty in 1974, coveries include showing that reading helped found Carnegie Mellon’s highly Epple has made fundamental contri- e d i T o r m a n a g i n g e d i T o r remediation physically changes the white regarded bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral Bruce Gerson Heidi Opdyke butions to the fi eld of economics and matter in the brains of dyslexic children programs in computational and math-

w r i T e r s provided outstanding leadership for while improving their reading perfor- ematical fi nance. These programs bring Jocelyn Duffy Byron Spice the university’s economics program. mance, and demonstrating that listen- together the expertise of the Department Bruce Gerson Chriss Swaney Sarah Nightingale Ken Walters Combining disciplines to develop new ing to someone speak during driving of Mathematical Sciences in the Mellon Heidi Opdyke Pam Wigley approaches to policy questions, Epple’s massively decreases the brain activity College of Science, the Department of Shilo Rea research achievements are notable in associated with driving. Statistics in the Dietrich College of Hu- diverse fi elds, such as learning curves, Just and CMU colleague Tom manities and Social Sciences, the Tepper d e s i g n e r Melissa Stoebe hedonic regressions, the economics of Mitchell applied trailblazing machine- School of Business and the School of Pub- Communications Design and Photography Group education and mobility and redistribution. learning techniques to identify a person’s lic Policy and Management in the Heinz Epple is co-editor of the Journal of thought from its brain activation signa- College. The programs have been ranked p h o T o g r a p h y Ken Andreyo Public Economics and is a former co-edi- ture, culminating in a “mind-reading” among the top in the country, and the Tim Kaulen tor of the American Economic Review. demonstration on “60 Minutes.” The programs’ graduates are in high demand at Communications Design and Photography Group He also has served on the Board of Edi- research shows that the inherent organi- the world’s top fi nancial institutions. To contact The Piper staff, call 412-268- tors of several other premier academic zation of the brain shapes the structure of Shreve has authored many important 2900 or email [email protected]. publications and was elected a fellow of all human concepts (e.g. objects, num- books on the mathematics of fi nancial Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities the Econometric Society in 2003. on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or bers, emotions, social interactions) and derivatives, including “Methods of Math- disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information. Epple also has served the univer- established the fi eld of neurosemantics. ematical Finance” and the two-volume Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders. sity in a variety of offi cial capacities, Just addresses public policy issues “Stochastic Analysis for Finance.” He has Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the vice president including head of Economics and as for campus affairs, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes relevant to his research. He’s testifi ed on served as the president of the Bachelier Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-2056. Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus acting dean of the Tepper School of autism before the Congressional Sub- Finance Society, the leading professional security and fi re safety report describing the university’s secu- rity, alcohol and drug, sexual assault, and fi re safety policies and containing statistics about the number and type of crimes Business (1990-91). He is a recipient of committee on Human Rights & Wellness society for quantitative fi nance, and is a committed on the campus and the number and cause of fi res in campus residence facilities during the preceding three the school’s George Leland Bach Teach- years. You can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie and on distracted driving to the Penn- fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Mellon Police Department at 412-268-2323. The annual security and fi re safety report is also available online at ing Award, which is selected by MBA sylvania Congressional Transportation Statistics. www.cmu.edu/police/annualreports. Produced for Media Relations by The Communications Design and Photography Group, May 2013, 13-477. students to recognize excellence in the Committee. T w o classroom. University Center Addition To Expand Fitness, Recreation Space New Entrance To Face Forbes Avenue n Bruce Gerson group exercise classes, intramurals and • A black box theater for student selected from a group of 17 firms, will be free recreation. performance groups; partnering with Lami Grubb Architects Build it and they will come. She credits her staff with generating • An administrative office suite; of nearby Swissvale, Pa. He said Lami That’s the recent history Carnegie Mel- interest in fitness through various out- • An improved circulation and Grubb has completed many projects at lon is banking on as it enters the design reach efforts and exceptional teaching, equipment desk area; CMU, such as several dining facilities phase for a $22 million, 45,000 square- but believes many more will become • A pool balcony with HVAC and Entropy+. foot University Center addition that will engaged with expanded facilities. improvements; While the addition will improve include enhanced fitness and recreation “I’m very confident that by increas- • And a new entrance and lobby fitness and health for the university space, a black box theater for student ing our space for activities and offering area off of Forbes Ave. community, Bassett believes it also will performance groups and a new front door a bright, inviting environment, many Leading the addition design is enhance campus life and help to recruit and lobby area facing Forbes Avenue. more people will be encouraged to Cannon Design of Baltimore, an and retain students, faculty and staff. “The new soccer and intramural participate. architectural firm that has designed “Athletics and recreation is a key field is a microcosm of what is possible “The sky’s the limit. We will more than 250 projects for more than component of campus life and a key when we improve our facilities,” said transform campus life in terms of access 200 higher education institutions. ingredient that will help take CMU to a Director of Athletics, Physical Educa- to fitness in a way none of us can imag- “Cannon had the most impressive higher level. The addition will open up tion and Recreation Susan Bassett. “We ine,” she said. combination of experience with athlet- many new possibilities,” she said. doubled our inventory and quadrupled Project components include: ics and recreation facilities and design The design phase of the project, our activity.” • More than 8,000 square feet of fit- concepts that really were exciting for which will include university focus Currently about 1,000 individuals ness space, including free weights, this project,” said Bassett who was on groups, is slated to continue through swipe their ID cards daily to use the fit- weight machines and cardiovascular the selection committee. “They brought 2013 with construction beginning in ness and recreation spaces in the Univer- equipment; excellent creativity and an approach to spring 2014. sity Center and Skibo Gym despite the • Three exercise studios, including design that blew everyone else out of Reilly said during construction the limited resources. Bassett said since she’s a dedicated spinning studio with the water. They were clearly head and University Center turnaround may be arrived at CMU in 2005, she’s seen an a video screen to simulate biking shoulders above everyone else.” temporarily relocated and the University “exponential” increase in the amount of trails; Senior Project Manager Andrew Center entrance to the East Campus participation in recreational and instruc- • Additional locker rooms; Reilly of Campus Design and Facility Garage will undergo periodic closures. tional programs, physical education and Development said Cannon, which was

Spring Carnival Snapshots

T h e m a s c o t S c o t t y g r e e t s t h e l i v e S c o t t y a l o n g w i t h L a r r y

C a r t w r i g h t , a t e a c h i n g p r o f e s s o r i n C i v i l a n d E nvironmental

E n g i n e e r i n g , a n d h i s o t h e r S c o t t i s h t e r r i e r f r i e n d s n e a r t h e

B u g g y c o u r s e d u r i n g C a r n i v a l . Photos by K e n A d r yo J o s e p h R o b e r t s o n ( D C ’ 1 3 ) p u s h e s t h e s p i r i t B u g g y a r o u n d a t u r n .

W e c r o s s e d t h e $ 1 B m a r k .

W e c o n n e c t e d w i t h m o r e a l u m n i t h a n e v e r .

W e h e l p e d g r o w c m u ’ s g l o b a l v i s i b i l i t y .

T h a n k s t o a l l o f y o u — n e a r ly 50,000 a l u m n i , fa c u lt y , s t u d e n t s , pa r e n t s a n d s ta f f — w h o s u p p o r t e d t h e I n s p i r e I n n o vat i o n c a m pa i g n , w e a r e i n t h e h o m e s t r e t c h o f a n h i s t o r i c e f f o r t t h at ’ s a l r e a d y i m pa c t i n g e v e r y t h i n g f r o m n e w r e s e a r c h fa c i l i t i e s t o fa c u lt y a n d s t u d e n t s u p p o r t .

B u t w e ’ r e n o t d o n e y e t . H e l p u s c o n t i n u e t h e c e l e b r at i o n a s w e p r e pa r e t o c r o s s t h e c a m pa i g n f i n i s h l i n e i n J u n e .

T h r e e Master Piper Graduate Hopes To Continue Love of Scottish Heritage

n Pam Wigley enactment at Fort Meigs in their home- Super Bowl of piping. “Do you want to be a piper, or do you town of Perrysburg, Ohio. Bova spotted He also has found time to organize want to play the bagpipe?” the piper there who would later inspire and perform in benefi t concerts in his The correct answer to that question, him to pursue piping. He continued to hometown for Operation Smile, an or- the man told 12-year-old Andrew Bova, play fl ute and served as principal fl autist ganization that provides free cleft palate would determine whether he would give with the Toledo Youth Orchestra, but he surgery. Born with a cleft palate himself, the boy lessons. He was instructed to go was determined to become a piper, and Bova said without the means to have had home and sleep on his decision and re- set his sights on Carnegie Mellon. the surgery he would never have been turn the next day with an answer. More “I wanted to be part of a conserva- able to play a wind instrument — let than a decade later, Bova clearly recalls tory training program, to be immersed in alone eat or speak well. his response. my craft,” he said. “There is a pervasive “The concerts were my way of “I want to be a piper.” standard of excellence at Carnegie Mel- giving back,” he said. “Plus, you can So with that resolve, Bova followed lon, no matter what area of study you’re educate people about the instrument, and his heart, and will earn his master’s de- in. That standard is so high, you’re al- they see that there is a range of music gree in music for bagpipe performance ways pushing yourself to do better, and I you can play.”

at CMU’s commencement. Photo by michaEl roycE wanted that type of environment.” He plans to continue educating oth-

The degree is the fi rst one known to a n d r e w B o v a w i l l r e C e i v e a Outside of the university, Bova ers and has interviewed with The Royal

be granted in the United States. m a s t e r ’ s d e g r e e i n f i n e a r t s f o r performs as part of the Canada-based Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow

Bova, who received an undergradu- B a g p i p e performanCe o n m a y 1 9 . 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, to earn his doctorate. He hopes to land ate degree in bagpipe performance from which is considered one of the world’s his dream job of teaching in the United CMU in 2011, learned many years after the history and tradition of piping, and is top pipe bands. He is one of approxi- States one day. choosing to be a piper that there is a dedicated to a high standard of playing. mately 25 pipers who perform with “There’s such a thirst for knowl- distinction between playing the bagpipes As a boy, Bova began his musical snare, tenor and bass drummers. The edge here, and you can really make an and being a piper. The former does just journey playing the fl ute. He and his band regularly competes in the World impact,” he said. “That’s what I’d really that — plays the instrument. The latter older brother, who played the drums, Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, like to do.” studies not only the instrument but also were recruited to play during a war re- Scotland, which Bova referred to as the

Female Chemical Engineering Grads See More Job Opportunities

n Chriss Swaney

Carnegie Mellon women are poised to For Donnelly of Long Island, N.Y., College helped me mature and better in 2011 went to women, according to the add more oomph to the U.S. economy the CMU experience has been very understand the global economy.” U.S. Department of Education. And the as they enter a job market that remains a rewarding. This ever-improving allocation of U.S. Labor Department estimates that the wild card in the recovery picture. “I’ll be supporting the chemical female talent continues to lead to sub- engineering profession will continue to Erin Donnelly, Stephanie Engel, and coating technologies utilized in the stantial productivity. More than 57 per- rank as one of the top U.S. job creators Rocio Garay, Abby Schaeffer and Mala manufacturing of the Boeing 737, and cent of the bachelor’s degrees awarded for the next decade. Shah are among the growing ranks of I’m absolutely thrilled. My job search, female chemical engineers in a male- as a soon to be CMU graduate, has dominated fi eld working at chemical shown me that our degrees are recession plants and manufacturing facilities from proof,” Donnelly said. “I call it the CMU Green Flying Machines coast-to-coast. bubble.” She also credits her leadership The 38 women in the class of 2013 skills gained from campus organizations will hone their CMU problem-solving for advancing her career goals. skills and innovation from the plant While the economy slowly chugs fl oors of Caterpillar and Boeing to the along, Donnelly and her classmates clean rooms of Intel and PPG Industries. boast multiple job offers. Both Garay “This has been a wonderful year for of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Engel of Erie, chemical engineering with women grad- Pa., had three to four job offers during uates making up more than 50 percent the fall semester. Garay will work at of our 2013 class,” said Andy Gellman, Braskem, a supplier for consumer prod- head of CMU’s Chemical Engineering uct and automotive industries. Department and co-director of the Scott Engel, who worked at PPG last Institute for Energy Innovation. “I think summer, turned her internship into a these increases are due in part to the jobs full-time job. She will be working at a boom built on energy, and the desire for PPG plant near Barberton, Ohio, just two women to compete in areas once tradi- hours from her family home. tionally reserved for men.” “I really enjoy getting into my steel- Shah, of Elmwood Park, N.J., will toed shoes and diving into all the plant’s head to Caterpillar in Peoria, Ill., after process-oriented work,” Engel said. she snares her chemical engineering “CMU did a fantastic job of preparing diploma at CMU May 19. me for the competitive job market.”

“I’ll be an associate engineer in Not all female CMU grads are scal- cochran DaviD Photo by: Caterpillar’s leadership and technical ing the manufacturing ladder. Schaeffer, J o h n C o l l i n s , t h e g u i n n e s s B o o K w o r l d - r e C o r d h o l d e r f o r f ly - development program where I can re- a senior from New York City, opted to i n g p a p e r a i r p l a n e s t h e f a r t h e s t d i s t a n C e , K i C K e d o f f t h e s e C o n d ally put some of my classroom work to work for giant chipmaker Intel. a n n u a l s teinBrenner i n s t i t u t e e nvironmental e x p o w i t h e l a B o r a t e real-world use,” she said. “I loved CMU “You simply can’t go wrong with d e m o s o f a m a z i n g f ly i n g m a C h i n e s m a d e o u t o f p a p e r . t h e e x p o because of its multicultural values, and an engineering degree. It opens so many s h o w C a s e d t h e environmental r e s e a r C h a n d sustainaBility p r o J e C t s its atmosphere of pushing me beyond doors,” Schaeffer said. “I also think my o C C u r r i n g a t C m u . my expectations.” junior year abroad at London’s Imperial f o u r CMU Honors Cohon’s 16-year Tenure as President n Piper Staff

Jared L. Cohon deserves, and will rightfully get, the last word. Cohon will deliver the keynote address as he presides over his 16th and fi nal commencement as Carnegie Mellon’s president. He will be stepping down from the presidency on June 30 after 16 years at the helm. CMU’s 2013 commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., Sunday, May 19 in Gesling Stadium, where more than 4,200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees will be conferred. The ceremony will be webcast at www.cmu.edu/commencement. This year’s student speaker is Brian Groudan (DC’12), who graduated in December with majors in information systems and human-computer interaction. Read more about Groudan and his message on page six. Receiving honorary degrees at this Photo courtEsy of carnEgiE mEllon qatar Photo courtEsy year’s commencement are Jules Fisher a t t h e C a r n e g i e m e l l o n Q a t a r g r a d u a t i o n C e r e m o n y o n m a y 6 , d e a n i l K e r B a y B a r s p r e s e n t e d p r e s i d e n t J a r e d (A’60), Charles Geschke (S’73), Mark l . C o h o n w i t h t h e s w o r d t h a t h a s B e e n u s e d a s t h e m a C e d u r i n g C m u - Q g r a d u a t i o n C e r e m o n i e s i n appreCiation A. Nordenberg, Ratan N. Tata and o f h i s C o m m i t m e n t t o t h e Q a t a r C a m p u s . C o h o n , w h o d e l i v e r e d t h e K e y n o t e a d d r e s s , s a i d s e e i n g t h e d o h a Charles M. Vest. “ p r o g r a m s g r o w a n d t h r i v e o v e r t h e l a s t n i n e y e a r s h a s B e e n o n e o f t h e h i g h p o i n t s o f m y t i m e a s p r e s i d e n t . Learn more about the honorary i C o u l d n o t B e p r o u d e r o f w h a t w e h a v e aCComplished t o g e t h e r . ” degree recipients below.

CMU To Award Five Honorary Degrees n Piper Staff

It is a Carnegie Mellon tradition to award honorary degrees at commencement remains an innovative leader. design consultancy. He is a partner to exemplary leaders whose life and work serve as an inspiration for Carnegie His infl uence spans Broadway and with Peggy Eisenhauer (CMU 1983) Mellon students, faculty and staff. The diversity of this year’s candidates represents off-Broadway productions, fi lm, televi- in Third Eye, providing lighting for the the intersection of business, technology and the arts, a university hallmark. sion, ballet, opera, and rock concert entertainment industry. Fisher has been Receiving honorary degrees will be: tours. For example, he designed the a mentor and advocate of numerous lighting for Kevin Kline’s production young designers, extending opportuni- Fisher has. Fisher’s contributions in of “Hamlet” for WNET-TV, and lit ties to generations of Carnegie Mellon lighting design have set the standard for productions of “Porgy and Bess” at the students. theatrical lighting that brings a scene New York City Opera and Il Trittico to life, creating an ambiance that draws at the MET. Fisher was the produc- charles m. geschke (s’73) viewers as active participants in a perfor- tion supervisor for tours of the Rolling Chairman of the Board, mance, often creating new technologies Stones, KISS and David Bowie. He has Adobe Systems Incorporated to achieve specifi c artistic effects. designed lighting for Crosby, Stills and Doctor of Science and Technology Following graduation, he was soon Nash; Whitney Houston; and the Simon immersed in the off-Broadway produc- and Garfunkel concert in Central Park. Charles Geschke co-founded Adobe tion scene with “All the Kings Men.” For President Bill Clinton’s fi rst inau- Systems, one of the world’s most In 1963, Fisher broke onto Broadway, gural, he lit the Quincy Jones concert, diversifi ed software companies, in 1982 lighting “Spoon River Anthology.” Dur- which was nominated for an Emmy with John Warnock. Adobe has made an ing that season, he also lit his fi rst two Jules Fisher (A’60) Award. important impact on the digital land- musicals, Stephen Sondheim’s “Anyone Lighting Designer and Producer Fisher is a founder and principal scape with its reputation for excellence Can Whistle” and Noel Coward’s “High Doctor of Fine Arts in Fisher Dachs Associates (FDA), one and a portfolio of highly recognizable Spirits.” He has gone on to win eight of the world’s leading theatre planning software brands, including Adobe Carnegie Mellon can claim many Tony Awards, the most a lighting de- and design consultants, as well as Fisher Photoshop, Flash, Acrobat, InDesign stars among its alumni. However, signer has ever earned. In a fi eld where Marantz Stone (FMS), the internation- and Dreamweaver. few have shaped their fi eld as Jules technology change is constant, Fisher ally recognized architectural lighting C o n t i n u e d o n p a g e s i x f i v e Cool at School Student Commencement Speaker To Refl ect on Staying True to One’s Self

n Abby Simmons serving as booth chair for the Alpha has business savvy and is a team From the moment Brian Groudan Kappa Psi business fraternity’s fi rst player,” said Jeria Quesenberry, assistant (DC’12) arrived at Carnegie Mellon from Spring Carnival entry, an award-winning teaching professor for the Information Long Island, he knew college would be Blitz booth modeled after the board Systems program. different from high school. game Monopoly. Groudan’s approach to solving This place had a different defi nition “I got to experience what it was like problems calls upon his expertise in of what it meant to be “cool.” building a structure from the ground up different fi elds. “In high school, we’re taught to with an organization where everyone is “Nowadays problems that are police ourselves. It’s not cool to try so reliable and so passionate and willing presented to you aren’t presented in a hard, it’s not cool to show enthusiasm,” to stay up all night just to put on those way that’s neatly packaged. You have to Groudan said. fi nishing touches,” Groudan said. draw upon skills from all these different Rather, what passes as cool at CMU As a high school student, Groudan disciplines,” Groudan said. is working on an interesting project over didn’t know what major he wanted to This year, Groudan and three the weekend, talking with a friend on the pursue, but he chose CMU for its strong fellow seniors co-founded PayTango, black couches in the University Center or technical and creative programs. a fi ngerprint-based payment and Photo by tim KaulEn B r i a n g r o u d a n ( d C ’ 1 2 ) painting the Fence. “You don’t need to have it all identifi cation system, which has been “I felt like I’ve gotten so much fi gured out when you get here. CMU tested on campus and is making national The move to Silicon Valley has out of my student experience here helps you discover,” Groudan said. headlines. given him an early glimpse into how that I wanted to convey that and share He ended up with two majors “None of this was planned, and the world works. that with everyone,” Groudan said. — information systems and human- we’ve seen tremendous help from CMU “There are a lot of people out there “Commencement is about everyone, and computer interaction — and a minor in every step of the way,” Groudan said. just trying to be cool, kind of like what that’s what I want my speech to be about. communication design. It allowed him He fi nished his degree requirements we experience in high school. Just That shared CMU experience, and what to be curious and explore a diverse range in December and moved to Silicon be yourself, and don’t let that go,” it means to be a CMU student.” of interests. Valley in January to further develop the Groudan said. Groudan’s orientation experience “Brian is the kind of student that company at the Y Combinator startup inspired him to get involved in student you love to have in the classroom — accelerator. life. He served as an orientation counselor he is extremely intelligent and hard- “Sometimes I feel like I haven’t For more on Groudan’s work his sophomore and junior years and was working, but at the same is easy to get left Pittsburgh at all. I love this place, with PayTango, see “It Takes a resident assistant his senior year. along with. I think of him as a triple and I defi nitely want to keep close ties,” A Village” on page 9. One of his favorite memories is of threat — strong developer and designer, he said.

Honorary Degree Recipients Inspire Through Their Work C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e f i v e

Their initial innovation, the Adobe and international honors and a ranking PostScript printer language, marked in the top fi ve of all American universi- the fi rst step in a quiet revolution that ties in terms of federal research support. democratized publishing and enhanced Chancellor Nordenberg joined Pitt’s the dissemination of ideas and informa- law faculty in 1977 and later served as tion. The Portable Document Format dean of the Law School. He holds the (PDF) was launched in 1993. Today, special faculty rank of Distinguished governments, corporations and individu- Service Professor of Law. He has been als worldwide use PDFs for universal, honored for teaching excellence by reliable document exchange. both the law school and the university. In 2000, Geschke retired from his His area of specialty is civil litigation, position as Adobe’s president, remain- and he has served on the U.S. Advisory ing as co-chairman with Warnock of its Committee on Civil Rules and the board of directors. In 2009, the two were and the National Academy of Engineer- Mark A. Nordenberg Pennsylvania Civil Procedural Rules awarded the National Medal of Technol- ing, and he has been honored by the Chancellor and Distinguished Committee. ogy and Innovation by President Barack Association for Computing Machinery, Service Professor of Law, He also has been a committed Obama. They also received the Marconi Institute of Electrical and Electronics University of Pittsburgh contributor to the community, leading Prize in 2010. The American Electron- Engineers, National Computer Graphics Doctor of Humane Letters efforts focused on such key issues as ics Association honored them with the Association, and Rochester Institute the consolidation of city and county Medal of Achievement in 2006, making of Technology. Mark A. Nordenberg has served as chan- governments, the challenges faced by them the fi rst software leaders to receive Geschke was awarded an honorary cellor of the University of Pittsburgh the state’s urban schools, the workforce this medal. degree from Xavier University, his alma since 1995. Founded in 1787, Pitt is one development needs of the region, and In 2000, Geschke was ranked as the mater, in 2011, and from John Carroll of the oldest institutions of higher learn- issues of leadership and governance in seventh most infl uential graphics person University in 2012. He served four years ing west of the Allegheny Mountains. the Pittsburgh public schools. of the last millennium by Graphic as board chairman at the University of Pitt also is recognized as one of this Chancellor Nordenberg places an Exchange magazine. He is a member of San Francisco. He received his Ph.D. in country’s leading research universities especially high value on his partnership the American Philosophical Society, the computer science from Carnegie Mellon — with wide-ranging program strengths, with President Cohon and on the culture National Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1973. students who regularly claim national of institutional collaboration that they s i X Schedule of Events Commencement weekend at Carnegie Mellon involves much more than the ceremony itself. Below is a list of events for May 18-19.

Saturday, May 18 Noon - 8:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Diploma Ceremonies and Robing for Doctor’s Hooding Commencement Welcome Area 8 - 9 a.m. Department Events Ceremony Participants Wean Commons, UC Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Specific times and locations are listed Rangos Hall, UC Initiation Ceremony First Aid Area on page 8. Athletic Equipment Desk, UC McConomy Auditorium, UC 8 p.m. An optional, complimentary breakfast 12:30 - 2 p.m. Doctor’s Hooding Ceremony 8:30 - 10 a.m. will precede the ceremony at 7:15 a.m. Human-Computer Interaction Wiegand Gym, UC School of Computer Science in the Connan Room, UC. Undergraduate Presentation Breakfast 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Room 7500, Wean Hall Sunday, May 19 Perlis Atrium, Newell-Simon Hall Join the HCII graduates as they present Commencement Welcome Area 7:30 - 10 a.m. their work for families and peers. 10 a.m. Wean Commons, UC Diploma Ceremonies and Robing for Commencement 4 - 6 p.m. Department Events First Aid Area Participants CMU Graduating Student Specific times and locations are listed Athletic Equipment Desk, UC Various locations across campus. Reception on page 8. 10:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Tartans Pavilion, Resnik House 8 a.m. Procession of graduates Navy ROTC Commissioning The CMU Alumni Association will host Baccalaureate Ceremony Ceremony a reception for all graduating students 11 a.m. Wright-Rogal Chapel, UC Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and their families. Main Commencement Ceremony The Carnegie Mellon Council of (off campus) Gesling Stadium 5 - 7 p.m. Religious Advisers invites graduates 4141 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Carnegie Mellon Advising Resource and their families to attend a non- Noon - 5 p.m. 10 - 11 a.m. Center (CMARC) Reception denominational, multi-faith event. Cap & Gown Return Honors Ceremonies Singleton Room, Roberts Engineering A light breakfast will be served. McKenna/Peter/Wright Room, UC Various locations across campus. Hall 8 - 11 a.m. 12:30 - 7 p.m. 6 - 8:30 p.m. Diploma Ceremonies and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Cap & Gown Distribution Commencement Welcome Area Department Events Cap & Gown Distribution McKenna/Peter/Wright Room, UC Wean Commons, UC Specific times and locations are listed McKenna/Peter/Wright Room, UC on page 8.

have nurtured together. President Cohon pist, he is passionate about many issues, and Chancellor Nordenberg served as including improving the quality of life the founding co-chairs of such major for people in rural areas, water conserva- technology-based economic develop- tion and ocean vitality, and improving ment initiatives as the Pittsburgh Digital the nutrition of children and pregnant Greenhouse, Pittsburgh Life Sciences women. Greenhouse, Pittsburgh Robotics Found- Tata sits on the board of directors ry and Technology Collaborative. They of Alcoa and Mondelez International. also were co-recipients of such honors He also serves on the board of trustees as Pittsburghers of the Year by Pitts- of Cornell University and the University burgh magazine, Persons of Vision by of Southern California. Pittsburgh Vision Services, the Kesher Among his many honors, Tata Award from the Edward and Rose Ber- received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Rockefeller Foundation and Charles M. Vest man Hillel Jewish University Center and ing and bringing increased cohesion Ernst & Young. The Government of In- President, National Academy the Community Impact Award from the to the network of Tata companies. dia honored Tata with its second-highest of Engineering; Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee. Until 2012, Tata was the chair- civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan President Emeritus, Massachusetts man of Tata Sons and several major in 2008, and he accepted the Carnegie Ratan N. Tata Tata companies. Under his leadership, Institute of Technology Medal of Philanthropy on behalf of his Chairman, Tata Trusts the Tata Group and its affiliates were Doctor of Science and Technology family in 2007. Doctor of Business Practice able to acquire many world-renowned Tata received a Bachelor of Archi- Charles M. Vest is president of the companies. Currently, he is chairman Ratan N. Tata is one of the most accom- tecture degree from Cornell University National Academy of Engineering and emeritus of several Tata companies plished businessmen of our time. He is in 1962. He completed the Advanced president emeritus of the Massachu- and chairman of the philanthropic Tata widely respected in his native India and Management Program at Harvard Busi- setts Institute of Technology, where he Trusts. around the world for his broad operat- ness School in 1975. He has received served as president from 1990 to 2004. Serving at the helm of India’s big- ing experience. He has been remarkably honorary doctorates from universities During his tenure, MIT launched its gest industrial group led Tata to become successful at expanding the Tata con- in Asia, Europe, India and the United OpenCourseWare initiative; co-founded a global citizen and accomplished glomerate, and is credited with globaliz- States. the Alliance for Global Sustainability; innovator. Also a committed philanthro- C o n t i n u e d o n p a g e e i g h t S e v e n Diploma Ceremonies Graduates will receive their diplomas at department diploma ceremonies. Caps and gowns are required. architecture Design information systems * Product Development Saturday, May 18 Saturday, May 18 Saturday, May 18 Saturday, May 18 Ceremony: 2 p.m. Ceremony & Reception: 3 p.m. Ceremony: 6 p.m. Ceremony: 10 a.m. Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center Rangos Hall, UC Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center Reception: following ceremony Reception: following ceremony Reception: following ceremony Singleton Room, Roberts Engineering Hall Drama Great Hall, CFA Lobby, Purnell Center Sunday, May 19 Psychology art Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. materials science & Engineering+ Sunday, May 19 Sunday, May 19 Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center sunday, may 19 Ceremony & Reception: 12:30 p.m. Reception: 12:30 p.m. Reception: following ceremony Ceremony: 1 p.m. Rangos Hall, UC Reception: following ceremony Regina Gouger Miller Gallery, Lobby, Purnell Center school of computer science + Purnell Center Winchester Thurston School Auditorium Economics + Sunday, May 19 Ceremony: 2:30 p.m. 555 Morewood Ave. Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. Philip Chosky Theater, Purnell Center Sunday, May 19 Reception: 12:30 p.m. mathematical sciences Reception: following ceremony bachelor of humanities & arts/ Ceremony: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19 Carnegie Music Hall, Carnegie Museum bachelor of science & arts/ Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall Ceremony: 1 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave. bachelor of computer science McConomy Auditorium, UC 4141 Fifth Ave. social & Decision sciences & arts Reception: following ceremony Electrical & computer Engineering Sunday, May 19 Perlis Atrium, Newell-Simon Hall Sunday, May 19 Sunday, May 19 Breakfast Reception: 7:30 a.m. Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. mechanical Engineering Kresge Theater, CFA Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. Schatz Dining Room, UC Reception: 9:30 a.m. Reception: following ceremony Saturday, May 18 Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Alumni Concert Hall, CFA Wiegand Gymnasium, UC Ceremony & Reception: 2 p.m. McConomy Auditorium, UC Wiegand Gymnasium, UC biological sciences * + Energy science, technology & statistics Policy modern languages Saturday, May 18 Sunday, May 19 Ceremony: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19 Sunday, May 19 Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. Auditorium, Mellon Institute Ceremony & Reception: 8 a.m. Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Gregg Hall/Room 100, Porter Hall 4400 Fifth Ave. Singleton Room, Roberts Rangos 1, UC Reception: following ceremony Reception: following ceremony Engineering Hall Reception: following ceremony Lower Level Coffee Lounge, Skibo Coffeehouse, UC Baker Hall Social & Conference Rooms, Engineering & Public Policy * Mellon Institute Sunday, May 19 music student-Defi ned majors (Dietrich college) biomedical Engineering Ceremony & Reception: 8 a.m. Sunday, May 19 Saturday, May 18 Rangos 2 and 3, UC Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19 Great Hall, CFA Ceremony: 9 a.m. Ceremony: Noon Engineering & technology Reception: following ceremony Reception: 9:30 a.m. McConomy Auditorium, UC innovation management * Reception: 1 p.m. Alumni Concert Hall, CFA Adamson Wing/Room 136A Sunday, May 19 (upper level lobby), Baker Hall Schatz Dining Room, UC Ceremony & Reception: 8 a.m. Philosophy business administration Rangos 2 and 3, UC Sunday, May 19 Breakfast Reception: 8 a.m. (bachelor’s) + English * Seating is limited. Contact the department or Sunday, May 19 Ceremony: 9 a.m. see cmu.edu/commencement for details. Saturday, May 18 Gregg Hall/Room 100, Porter Hall + Complimentary shuttle service will be available Reception: 12:30 p.m. Ceremony: 2:30 p.m. to transport guests to the ceremony. Ceremony: 2 p.m. McConomy Auditorium, UC Physics Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall Reception: following ceremony Sunday, May 19 Walking and driving directions to off-campus sites 4141 Fifth Ave. Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. will be available at the Commencement Welcome Schatz Dining Room, UC Area. Reception: following ceremony business administration Entertainment technology center UC = University Center (master’s & Doctor’s) + Room 7500, Wean Hall CFA = College of Fine Arts Building Sunday, May 19 Saturday, May 18 Reception, followed by dinner: 4 p.m. Ceremony: 2 p.m. Ceremony: following dinner Reception: following ceremony East Club Lounge, Heinz Field Honorary Degree Recipients Inspire Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall 100 Art Rooney Ave. C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e s e v e n 4141 Fifth Ave. heinz college + enhanced the diversity of its students and faculty; established major new institutes in chemical Engineering + Saturday, May 18 neuroscience and genomic medicine; and redeveloped much of its campus. Sunday, May 19 Ceremony: 2 p.m. In 2007, Vest was elected to serve as president of the National Academy of Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. Carnegie Music Hall, Carnegie Museum Carnegie Lecture Hall, Carnegie Museum 4400 Forbes Ave. Engineering. Under his leadership, the NAE proposed 14 critical challenges for 4400 Forbes Ave. Reception: following ceremony engineers in the 21st century, which, if met, will improve the quality of life for Reception: following ceremony Carnegie Music Hall Foyer, humankind. This “Grand Challenges” program brought about summits at universities Phipps Conservatory Carnegie Museum 1 Schenley Park/ and contributed to a better understanding of the importance of engineering. Expand- 700 Frank Curto Dr. history ing internationally, NAE’s Frontiers of Engineering program included partnerships Sunday, May 19 chemistry + with China, Japan, Germany and the European Union. With the Institute of Peace, Reception: 8 a.m. the NAE addressed how the application of technology, knowledge, and methods of Sunday, May 19 Lower Level Coffee Lounge, Ceremony: 2 p.m. Baker Hall engineering and science can enhance confl ict prevention and resolution. Auditorium, Mellon Institute Ceremony: 9 a.m. Vest has played a prominent role in redefi ning engineering research, practice and 4400 Fifth Ave. Giant Eagle Auditorium, Baker Hall education, and in identifying the attributes future engineers will require to com- Reception: following ceremony Social & Conference Rooms, information networking institute pete and lead in the emerging global economy. He serves on the boards of several Mellon Institute Sunday, May 19 nonprofi t organizations and foundations devoted to education, science and technol- Ceremony: 3 p.m. civil & Environmental Engineering + ogy. He has authored a book on holographic interferometry and two books on higher Reception: 4 p.m. education. A recipient of honorary doctoral degrees from 17 universities, he was Sunday, May 19 Rodef Shalom Congregation Reception: 12:30 p.m. 4905 Fifth Ave. awarded the 2006 National Medal of Technology by President Bush and received the Ceremony: 2 p.m. 2011 Vannevar Bush Award from the National Science Board. University of Pittsburgh Alumni Hall A Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, he taught at the University of Michigan 4227 Fifth Ave. in the areas of heat transfer, thermodynamics and fl uid mechanics, and conducted e i g h T research in heat transfer and engineering applications of laser optics and holography. It Takes A Village CMU Community Helps Start Student Startup n Abby Simmons

The Carnegie Mellon community opened nology. That pushed us to work hard,” doors — literally and figuratively — to Patel said. help four seniors launch PayTango, Michael Baux, director of Dining which Inc. magazine has named among Services, has been a champion of “America’s Coolest College Startups.” PayTango. He introduced the students to Brian Groudan (DC’12), Kelly Mark Hastie, who along with his brother, Lau-Kee (A, CS’13), Umang Patel operates The Underground and Skibo (DC’13) and Christian Reyes (DC, Café on campus, and owns Gullifty’s in CS’13) developed the fingerprint-based Squirrel Hill. Their staff embraced the identification and payment system opportunity to support the entrepreneurs. to eliminate the need to carry around PayTango tested its system with 100 student identification and debit cards. students at The Underground in Febru- PayTango grew out of a project for ary. By March, all Pittsburgh-based School of Computer Science Assistant students signed up for a university meal Professor Luis von Ahn’s inaugural Tech plan or flexible dollar program were able Photo by K e n A d r yo Startup Lab course in fall 2012. to enroll, and PayTango expanded to P a y T a n g o ’ s registration p r o c e s s t a k e s a b o u t 2 0 s e c o n d s . U s e r s p l a c e “Luis von Ahn had two class rules: Skibo Café and The Exchange, operated t w o f i n g e r s o n t h e t e r m i n a l ’ s f i n g e r p a d , s w i p e t h e c a r d t h e y w a n t t o r e g - 1) Make this the primary purpose of by Mike Clarkson and Kevin Huber. i s t e r a n d t y p e i n a p h o n e n u m b e r . A n y c a r d w i t h a m a g n e t i c s t r i p e c a n b e your life and 2) Come to class. He might While Groudan, Patel and Reyes r e g i s t e r e d i n t h e s y s t e m , i n c l u d i n g c r e d i t , d e b i t , g i f t , l o y a l t y a n d i d e n t i - f i c a t i o n c a r d s . O n r e p e a t v i s i t s , u s e r s s i m p ly p l a c e t h e i r f i n g e r s o n t h e have been joking, but we took him very spent most of the spring semester at f i n g e r p a d t o m a k e a p a y m e n t . T h e s e r v i c e i s p a i d f o r t h r o u g h c o n t r a c t s seriously,” Groudan said. Silicon Valley’s Y Combinator startup w i t h m e r c h a n t s , m a k i n g i t f r e e f o r u s e r s . While the idea started as a class accelerator, Baux served as a liaison project, CMU’s culture for entrepreneur- between the company and campus ship and people helped the students dining staff in Pittsburgh. and students in Jenna Date and Vincent Paige Houser, administrative coor- move the company forward. “Michael is always there to answer Aleven’s Undergraduate Project in dinator for the Information Systems pro- Von Ahn encouraged the team to our questions. He’s given us feedback on Human-Computer Interaction course gram, set up conference calls, reserved enter the PennApps hackathon at the how to pitch this to other universities,” worked with Housing and Dining rooms and literally unlocked doors for University of Pennsylvania in September, Patel said. Services to collect and analyze user the team. That level of care continued and they won several awards. Afterward, Countless others have provided feedback in the spring semester. as the students moved to Silicon Valley the students approached CMU’s Housing technical expertise, shared advice When the students moved to Silicon — she emailed the students low-cost, and Dining Services to test their and made introductions to potential Valley, they connected with CMU easy-to-prepare recipes and checks in technology. investors. Those individuals include alumni who previously participated in on how they are doing. Randy Weinberg, director of the College of Engineering faculty member the Y Combinator program and met with “The PayTango group is a very Information Systems program, provided Marios Savviddes, School of Computer Jonathan Kaplan (TPR’90), creator of talented and appreciative set of the students with advice before making Science faculty member James Morris FlipCam and CMU’s Open Field Entre- students,” Houser said. their pitch. and Human-Computer Interaction preneurs Fund. After commencement, the entire “Dr. Weinberg told us, ‘Don’t put doctoral student Chris Harrison. “Starting a company is very team will move to Silicon Valley. them into a position where they can say Lau-Kee turned to faculty at the challenging, especially when you have PayTango plans to use the round of seed no to you. Always begin with a conversa- School of Design for their guidance a full course load. The Information funding it has raised to hire more staff, tion, learn from the people you meet and while she developed different iterations Systems Department gave us space to further biometrics development, expand adjust your product or service to meet of the PayTango terminal. work in, provided mentorship and were to additional universities and introduce your customers’ needs,’” Patel said. “The faculty has been incredibly very flexible in course scheduling,” the system to fitness centers over the The students presented PayTango to supportive of this venture. My education Groudan said. next year. Joshua Frederick, director of Information here has encouraged me to take risks Technology; Kim Abel, then-director of and always seek out challenges,” Housing and Dining Services and now Lau-Kee said. director of Learning and Development; Students in Kinshuk Jerath’s Mar- Graduation Celebration and fellow administrators. keting I course at the Tepper School of “They asked us tough questions Business developed a marketing plan from all angles — finance, security, tech- for PayTango during the fall semester,

O u t s i d e P r a i s e

Brad Keywell, co-founder of Groupon and Lightbank, mentioned CMU and PayTango in a Wall Street Journal blog on April 26. He said: “Universities must continue to build the educational struc- ture and curriculum to support students who value both a college education and creating businesses. And Carnegie Mellon did just that. It stepped up to support its students, providing three campus locations as PayTango guinea pigs. While some of the most suc- cessful entrepreneurs — founders and co-founders of Apple, Dis- ney, Facebook, Rolls-Royce, Tumblr, Coca-Cola and others — didn’t

have a college degree, those who opt for higher education need to e sy of carn gi m llon qatar Photo court take advantage of the flurry of networking opportunities and cam- S t u d e n t s a t C a r n e g i e M e l l o n Q a t a r c e l e b r a t e t h e i r g r a d u a t i o n c e r e m o n y o n M a y 6 . E i g h t y - o n e s t u d e n t s — 4 3 i n B u s i n e s s A dministration , 1 4 pus incubators like the Carnegie Mellon students did.” i n C o m p u t e r S c i e n c e , 1 8 i n information s y s t e m s a n d s i x i n B i o l o g i c a l

S c i e n c e s — r e c e i v e d t h e i r C a r n e g i e M e l l o n d i p l o m a s . N i n e “Big Brain Theory” Robotics Grad Student Competes on Discovery Channel Show

n Byron Spice Whitman, a New Jersey native who earned a bachelor’s degree in It was mid-October, the first day of film- mechanical and aerospace engineering ing for Discovery’s new reality show, at Princeton University before coming “Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius,” and to the Robotics Institute for graduate Eric Whitman and his fellow contestants school, admits some trepidation about were standing in a California desert, not how he will appear. sure what to expect. “All of these contestants were bril- Like the other nine competitors, liant people,” he explained. But most had Whitman, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in particular engineering or technical areas robotics, had answered an ad seeking of expertise. As a roboticist, Whitman people who liked to design and build drew upon a wider range of skills, which things. But the producers didn’t share a made him valuable as a generalist on the lot of details in advance, and he worried teams. The downside, he noted, is that he that the challenges would turn out to be often ended up working in areas where he rinky-dink, Tinkertoy-like stuff. claims no special expertise. “My fear is “So there we are on the first day, ry C hann e l e sy of th Discov ry Photo C ourt that I will end up looking like a mediocre and the first thing we see is two pickup E r i c W h i t m a n t o o k a s e v e n - w e e k b r e a k f r o m t h e R o b o t i c s I n s t i t u t e t o electrical engineer, rather than a really trucks have a head-on collision, with c o m p e t e o n D i s c o v e r y C h a n n e l ’ s “ B i g B r a i n T h e o r y .” good generalist,” he said. flames shooting out,” Whitman recalled. At Carnegie Mellon, Whitman “And we all said to each other, ‘They’re undertook technical challenges, such For each of the eight challenges, concentrates on developing software for serious about this.’” as stopping explosives from detonating the contestants were given 30 minutes to a Sarcos humanoid robot in the lab of For seven weeks, Whitman and the when two pickups smack each other come up with a solution. An expert panel his adviser, Chris Atkeson, professor of others lived as a group in a converted head-on; building a portable bunker that of judges chose two people with the robotics. So spending seven solid weeks warehouse in Burbank, Calif., but spent can withstand fire, high-pressure water best plans, who became team captains building stuff was a welcome diversion, most of their waking hours working and jet engine exhaust; and constructing and chose up sides from the remaining as were experiences such as sharing a on one challenge after another for the a robot to compete in athletic events. players, “the same way as middle school peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich with series, which premiered May 1 on “Given a year, these challenges dodgeball,” Whitman said. host Kal Penn of “Harold & Kumar” Discovery Channel. would be easy,” Whitman said. “But Each week, a player was eliminated fame. Cameras followed the competitors given three days, with a limited budget from contention for the show’s $50,000 “I had so much fun I’d do it again, for 12-16 hours every day — with a and limited time to design, source parts prize, but all of the players continued to no question, if I could,” Whitman said. half day off for Thanksgiving — as they and build, it was tough.” participate in each new challenge.

N e w s B r i e f s CMU Engineers To Help Sorrells Library To Close that depict human suffering raise global aware- Assess U.S. Dams Until Aug. 10 ness and may lead to humanitarian aid from governments, private donations from individuals Phone Game Provides Faculty and students are working with the U.S. Immediately following final exams this spring, and even military intervention in some cases,” Teaching Opportunities Army Corps of Engineers to help assess the the Sorrells Engineering & Science Library Aronson said. “For seasoned human rights A silly telephone game that became a viral risk of dam failures nationwide. The recently in Wean Hall will close temporarily for major activists, including many technologists, though, phenomenon in Pakistan has demonstrated released 2013 American Society of Civil renovations. Significant reconfiguration and these new forms of data also raise serious potential for teaching poorly educated people Engineers Infrastructure Report Card collec- improved lighting will create a more welcoming questions about credibility, comprehensiveness about automated voice services and provided tively gave the 84,000 dams a D grade. environment. Informal group study and quiet and analytical methods.” a new tool for them to learn about jobs, say “We are working to develop tools that study areas will be added throughout the library. will give engineers greater integration of the Contact Head of Science Libraries Matt Roni Rosenfeld, professor in CMU’s Language Nourbakhsh Named to different sources of information they use Marsteller at [email protected] or Technologies Institute; Agha Ali Raza, a Ph.D. Museum Initiative student in language technology and a native to determine this risk,” said Burcu Akinci, 412-268-7212 with questions or concerns. Pakistani; and Umar Saif, an associate profes- a professor of civil and environmental Illah Nourbakhsh, professor of robotics and sor of computer science at Pakistan’s Lahore engineering at Carnegie Mellon. Roberts Road Closed a developer of GigaPan — huge panoramas University of Management Sciences. Akinci and James H. Garrett, Jr., the Until October 2015 of digital images in vivid detail — was one of Thomas Lord Professor and dean of the five individuals chosen to explore the rapidly In the game, called Polly, a caller records a Roberts Road is now closed from the FMS College of Engineering, are leading a research changing field of photography in the Carnegie message and Polly adds funny sound effects, pedestrian bridge to the top of the drive team that includes professors working on Museum of Arts’ new Hillman Photography such as making the caller sound like a drunk near Scaife Hall through the duration of the research in the IBM Smarter Infrastructure Lab Initiative, which aims to be a living laboratory chipmunk. The caller can then forward the Scott Hall Project (October 2015). For more — part of the Pennsylvania Smart Infrastruc- for exploring photography and its impact on message to friends, who in turn can forward information and project updates, see the ture Incubator — that supports the compu- the world. it or reply to it. Scott Hall Construction website at www.cmu. tational modeling and visualization aspects of The initiative will explore the intersections Rosenfeld said it is pioneering the use of edu/cdfd/NBET/current-progress.html. entertainment to reach illiterate and low-literate this project. among artistic practices and technological research and support the development of proj- people and introduce them to the potential of Social Media Affects Andy Award Nominations ects that break down barriers to participation telephone-based services. Such phone services Human Rights could help non-affluent, poorly educated people Now Open and encourage the general public to see the Smartphones and social media are giving the museum and photography in a new light. find jobs, find or sell merchandise, become Nominate staff for the 2013 Andy Awards, world instant, first-hand accounts of human politically active, create speech-based mailing the university-wide recognition program that suffering and political repression during events lists and even support citizen journalism. honors individual staff members and teams of Zaslow Memorialized With such as the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, recent colleagues for their outstanding performance, Plaque, Scholarship elections in Kenya and the ongoing uprising Staff Picnic Planned for commitment to excellence and significant in Syria. To honor the memory of Jeffrey L. Zaslow May 22 impact on the university. Awards are given in To investigate how social media and big (DC’80), a best-selling author and longtime six categories: Dedication, Commitment to President Jared L. Cohon and Provost and data analytics are changing human rights fact- Wall Street Journal columnist, Carnegie Mellon Students, Innovation, Culture, University Executive Vice President Mark Kamlet will host finding, and to better understand the ways that unveiled a new plaque and announced a Citizenship and Community Contributions. the annual Staff Picnic from 11:30 a.m. to these technologies can advance human rights scholarship program in his name. The deadline for nominations is July 10. 2 p.m. in Wiegand Gym and Rangos Ballroom, protection in the future, the MacArthur Founda- Zaslow, who majored in creative writing in For information on the nomination process, University Center. The picnic is in recognition of tion awarded an 18-month, $175,000 grant the Dietrich College’s Department of English, go to www.cmu.edu/andyawards/nomination/ staff contributions to the university. to CMU’s Center for Human Rights Science, may be best remembered at Carnegie Mellon index.html. directed by Jay D. Aronson. for co-authoring “The Last Lecture” with the “Raw textual narratives, video and photos late CMU Computer Science Professor Randy Pausch. T e n A Creative Mind in Cannes Student Casts Heinz College Presence at International Film Festival n Abby Simmons Office and the MEIM program to cover Glittering lights, red carpet, movie the cost of attendance for a student each stars and lavish parties in the French year through a competitive application Riviera — fledgling filmmaker Taylor process. Grabowsky will be living a dream at the “This is an incredible opportunity prestigious Cannes International Film for Taylor and future MEIM students Festival (May 15-26), where his first to make an early impact among elite short film “Donor Heart” will premiere Hollywood and international filmmak- as part of the Cannes Court Metrage, or ers,” May said. “Short Film Corner.” Grabowsky will be part of a group In addition to his movie screening, of filmmakers given seven days to pro- Grabowsky (A’06, HNZ’14) is the first duce a five-minute film, which will be Heinz College Master of Entertainment judged by a panel of industry profession- Industry Management (MEIM) student als. In addition, he will attend network- to participate in the Creative Minds in ing events, workshops and Cinema Cannes program’s Filmmaker Institute. Master Classes hosted by industry icons

“I feel blessed to have these op- such as Quentin Tarantino and Martin Photo by L aur e l C harn ts k y portunities, and over-the-moon in many Scorsese. T a y l o r G r a b o w s k y m e t O s c a r - n o m i n a t e d a c t r e s s J e s s i c a C h a s t a i n a t a ways to have my first short film go to Participants also are invited to com- M a s t e r o f E ntertainment I n d u s t r y M a n a g e m e n t “ N e t w o r k N e w Y o r k ” the Cannes International Film Festival,” plete an internship at Campus Movie- e v e n t e a r l i e r t h i s s c h o o l y e a r . Grabowsky said. Fest, a Los Angeles-based collegiate film Grabowsky made a connection competition set for June 20–22. or agencies including ICM Partners, second-year students attend the Sun- with the Filmmaker Institute with help The Filmmaker Institute expands William Morris Endeavor and United dance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. from Maureen May, the Heinz College’s on opportunities for MEIM students at Talent Agency. This year’s representa- “Students who attend these festivals associate director for career services. Cannes. tives are Katelyn O’Leary (HNZ’14), come to understand the real-world His efforts helped establish a formal The Heinz College began sending Divya Joseph (HNZ’14) and Jingya Liu application of film acquisition and partnership between the university and students to another program, the Ameri- (HNZ’14). distribution in a way that isn’t possible institute. can Pavilion, last year. Students work for Attending festivals has become an by simply learning about it in the May worked with MEIM Program U.S. film companies such as Fox Stu- instrumental part of the MEIM curricu- classroom,” Green said. Director Daniel Green to secure funding dios, Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks lum. All first-year students attend South While building the Heinz College/ from the Heinz College Career Services Studios and The Weinstein Company by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and C o n t i n u e d o n p a g e t w e l v e

Dzombak To Head Civil and The plaque, revealed at a private cer- applications that involve grouping similar emony during Spring Carnival, fittingly faces variables and learning complex interactions a plaque for Pausch on “The Pausch Bridge.” between them, including those in neurosci- Environmental Engineering The “Jeffrey L. Zaslow Scholarship for Writing ence and health care. Students” was made possible by gifts from For instance, accurately mapping neural n Chriss Swaney several of Zaslow’s friends and admirers. pathways will help diagnose and treat brain pathologies at an early stage, and help under- Carnegie Mellon has named David Grievance Committee stand brain functioning. Likewise, clustering A. Dzombak to head its Department Changes Name patients and discovering disease-spreading of Civil and Environmental pathways based on few measurements of rel- The Staff Council Grievance Committee has Engineering (CEE), effective Aug. evant genetic features or indicators could help changed its name to the Relations and 1. He succeeds James H. Garrett, Jr., prevent and cure diseases, and also minimize Grievance Advisory Committee to better who in December 2012 was named health care costs. reflect its mission and vision for CMU staff. dean of CMU’s top-ranked College of The committee, comprised of Staff Engineering. CEE acting head Irving Council representatives, serves staff by Researchers Work on Oppenheim will continue to lead the providing information and resources to help Edible Electronics staff achieve an engaging, rewarding and Christopher Bettinger, an assistant professor department until Dzombak assumes supportive work experience and a successful in the departments of Materials Science and his duties. work-life balance. It strives to help all em- Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, and Since Nov. 1, Dzombak, the ployees by fostering an ethical and respectful Jay Whitacre, a professor of materials science Walter J. Blenko, Sr. University D a v i d A . D z o m b a k environment for all members of the university and engineering, are creating edible power Professor at CMU, has been serving community. sources for medical devices that can be taken as interim vice provost of Sponsored public service will be an asset as he The committee provides information about orally using materials found in the daily diet. joins the college leadership team as the grievance process, supportive listening, “Our design involves flexible polymer Programs. His experience with non-judgmental feedback and referrals to electrodes and a sodium ion electrochemical sponsored programs and research the new department head of Civil university resources. cell, which allows us to fold the mechanism compliance will be helpful in forging and Environmental Engineering,” For more information, visit into an edible pill that encapsulates the new collaborative relationships said Garrett, the Thomas Lord www.cmu.edu/staff-council/committees/ device,” Bettinger said. between the College of Engineering Professor of Civil and Environmental relations_grievance_advisory/index.html. CMU researchers report that the edible and these important administrative Engineering. “His reputation for high device could be programmed and deployed in units. quality research, passion for teaching Singh Earns the gastrointestinal tract or the small intestine undergrads and graduates, commitment NSF CAREER Award depending upon packaging. Once the battery “Professor Dzombak is an packaging is in place, Bettinger’s team would internationally recognized expert in to professional service and collegiality Aarti Singh, assistant professor of machine activate the battery. environmental engineering, and his make him an excellent choice for this learning, has received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the experience in both professional and position.” National Science Foundation to develop computationally efficient and principled methods of extracting clusters and graphs from “big and dirty” data sets. The work could have major impact on

E l e v e n Anderson Feted in Grand Fashion

n Pam Wigley

After more than 40 years of service to noted her service to CMU, particularly the School of Drama, Barbara Anderson her participation on numerous was celebrated at a reception and dinner committees. on Saturday, April 20. Nearly 150 people The reception was followed by a greeted her in the Purnell Center Lobby. private dinner in the John Wells Studio, School of Drama Head Peter Cooke which was transformed by the event welcomed the crowd and congratulated committee of faculty, staff and students Anderson on her extraordinary career at from the School of Drama. From CMU and in the field of costume design. centerpieces of glittering platform shoes “Her longevity and impact on overflowing with flowers to bright fabric the field of design in theatre, film and sashes puddling to the floor to crystal television has made her a remarkable chandeliers sparkling above the crowd, talent in the pantheon of great American the evening was the perfect tribute. designers,” Cooke said in a press release “Barbara’s influence on costume prior to the event. design, and designers in general in the Executive Vice President and spheres of theatre, film and television, cannot be underestimated. Several Photo by Erica Dilc e r Provost Mark Kamlet spoke on behalf A r e d c a r p e t m o m e n t : B a r b a r a A n d e r s o n i s a cc o m p a n i e d b y h e r c h i l d r e n , generations of designers can trace roots of the university’s leadership team and C a t h e r i n e a n d C h r i s t o p h e r .

to Barbara,” noted John Shaffner (A’76), former student and half of the award-winning team Production Design by Shaffner/Stewart. “If you were lucky enough to be one of her students, you practice, carry forward and pass along the traditions of Barbara’s teachings,” agreed Joe Stewart (A’77). Anderson was honored during her academic career with the university’s Ryan Award and the College of Fine Arts’ Hornbostel Award, both for excellence in teaching. She also co-authored the textbook “Costume Design“ with her husband Cletus, a former CMU design professor. Anderson’s prolific design career in film, television, opera and theater includes many George Romero (A’61) productions such as “Creepshow” and “Day Of The Dead”; PBS productions such as the American

Photo by Erica Dilc e r Playhouse film “The Silence At Bethany,”

G a r y K l i n e w e l c o m e s B a r b a r a A n d e r s o n t o t h e s t a g e a t a g a l a i n h e r h o n o r . the Emmy Award-winning “Leatherstocking Tales,” “Decades of Decision,” and the “Once Upon a Classic” series, among others; specialty costumes for “Mister Rogers’ Three Selected for German Fellowships Neighborhood”; and historical costumes for the John Heinz Regional History Center. n Piper Staff course, study at a German university or professional exchange program in Anderson was accompanied by her Chemical Engineering senior Nancy Ko professional school for four months and Germany and the European Union. daughter, Catherine (A’89), and son, has been selected as one of 75 people to complete a five-month internship with Following an intensive language Christopher, and her grandchildren Taylor participate in the 30th annual Congress- a German company in her career field. instruction period in their hometowns, and Madeline. She thanked the crowd for Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Alumna Faith Hall (DC’02) the fellows will spend the summer in a lovely evening and tipped her hat to all Professionals, a yearlong, federally and graduate student Riley Ohlson Berlin receiving group language train- who made the event happen. funded fellowship for study and work (HNZ’13) have been named Robert ing. In September, they will begin a “It’s been an honor to call Pittsburgh in Germany. Bosch Foundation Fellows. The fel- series of three professional seminars home, and it’s been a true privilege to While in Germany, she will attend lowship program is designed to provide across Europe and two work assign- be part of the School of Drama family,” a two-month intensive German language young American leaders with a yearlong ments at leading German institutions. she said.

Heinz College To Have Presence at Cannes C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e e l e v e n

Filmmaker Institute partnership, Grab- sake of another,” Grabowsky said. ukulele. Upon meeting and befriending Grabowksy also recently accepted owsky learned that he could obtain a His inspiration for the film came an eight-year-old boy, Owen Stout, their a summer internship with CBS Films in filmmaker accreditation by earning from a prompt for submissions to the fortunes change in the act of giving. Los Angeles. a spot at the Cannes Court Métrage, Pittsburgh-based Center for Organ “Taylor is an ambitious, smart Like all MEIM students, he will which offers a higher level of access to Recovery and Education’s “A Pledge individual who I'm proud to have in spend his second year in Los Angeles. screenings and networking events at the for Life” Film Festival, which will be the MEIM program,” Green said. “He May said Grabowsky’s experience at festival. held in June to “entertain, enlighten and also happens to be a nice guy who cares Cannes would give him a jumpstart on Working with CMU’s graduate and inspire” viewers to become a registered about the well-being of his peers and building a contact list that reads like undergraduate film clubs, Grabowsky organ donor. wants to help ensure the success of oth- a “Who’s Who” in the entertainment wrote, directed and produced “Donor The filmmaker relied on his CMU ers. That attitude may partly explain the industry. Heart” in less than two weeks this spring. connections and friends to help cast appeal of his short film. It has a timeless “It’s a visual narrative, and the mes- parts. Steven Robertson (A’15) stars as a message about hope that resonated with

T w e l v e sage has to do with self-sacrifice for the man on the street whose lifeblood is his the judges.”