Carnegie Mellon Honors Alumni at Annual Awards Ceremony
The university recognized 11 graduates for their distinguished contributions across various professional fields.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Awards
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Carnegie Mellon University held its 76th annual Alumni Association award ceremony at the Kresge Theatre in Pittsburgh. The event honored 11 alumni for their notable achievements in areas including technology, design, and public service.
Why it matters
The ceremony highlights the university impact on diverse industries and recognizes the commitment of alumni to professional excellence. These awards serve to strengthen connections between the institution and its global network of graduates.
The awards recognized 11 alumni for achievements spanning computer science and public service. Additionally, the Black Alumni Association announced an endowment fund that has now surpassed $700,000 to support campus organizations.
The players
Manuela Veloso
A distinguished academic who received the Founder's Medal for Outstanding Service and Exceptional Achievement.
Farnam Jahanian
He serves as the President of Carnegie Mellon University and led the presentation of the Founder's Medal.
Lindsay Powell
A state representative who was honored with the Recent Alumni Achievement Award.
Noah Mitz
An award-winning professional who has received three Emmy awards for his work and was recognized with an Alumni Achievement Award.
Merline Saintil
A business leader who holds 40 startups in her investor portfolio and received an Alumni Achievement Award.
The details
The celebration featured musical performances by students and alumni, alongside formal recognition of individuals such as Manuela Veloso, who received the Founder's Medal. Other honorees included Rep. Lindsay Powell for recent alumni achievement and Noah Mitz, whose professional portfolio includes three Emmy awards.
Timeline
The 76th annual alumni award ceremony took place on October 23, 2026.
Greg Gonzalez began organizing annual alumni basketball events in 2016.
Culture Shift
The 76th annual Carnegie Mellon Alumni Association award ceremony marks the latest installment in a long-standing tradition of university recognition. This year honors follow a cycle of institutional engagement that connects decades of graduates back to the university community.
The establishment of a $700,000 endowment by the Black Alumni Association provides tangible long-term support for five student organizations at the university. This funding increases resources available to campus groups, influencing the extracurricular landscape for current students.
The takeaway
Recognizing alumni achievement fosters a culture of lifelong engagement that benefits both the institution and its graduates. These awards demonstrate the professional versatility of the alumni base while reinforcing community ties through endowment support.
Further reading
For more information on university recognition programs, visit the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tartan.
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