Carnegie Mellon University Announces 2024 Honorary Degree Recipients
Carnegie Mellon University will award honorary degrees(opens in new window) to four individuals at its 2024 Commencement(opens in new window) ceremony set for Sunday, May 12 in Gesling Stadium. The recipients will be recognized for their public service, advocacy, business insights, award-winning talent and technological innovation.
Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation will be the Commencement speaker and receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
“In a fractured world, it is more important than ever for future leaders to transcend simplistic labels and limitations others may apply to them,” said Roy. “Now is the time to know your own values. To see opportunity in challenges and change. To seek out and share the humanity in our differences. And above all, to inspire each other. CMU’s Class of 2024 goes out into the world prepared to put their hearts in the work. I’m honored to share the stage with them.”
CMU Trustee Charles Evans, a Tepper School of Business alumnus and the retired president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. Evans will be the inaugural recipient of this new honorary degree. Actress, singer and songwriter Renée Elise Goldsberry, an alumna of the College of Fine Arts, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. Retired technology executive William D. Strecker, an alumnus of the College of Engineering, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science and Technology degree.
“This year’s honorary degree recipients have profoundly impacted our world through their contributions in business, the arts, research and engineering,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window). “Their careers set inspiring precedents for our newest graduates, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2024’s successes with the broader Carnegie Mellon University community.”
Additionally, Sarah Chen, a 2024 graduate with University Honors, will serve as the student speaker at Commencement. Chen will earn a bachelor’s of science degree in computer science with a minor in science, technology and society. She served as the president of Delta Gamma and was heavily involved in Carnival traditions and Buggy.