Carnegie Mellon University will award honorary degrees to five individuals — recognizing their pioneering vision, industry-leading business acumen, award-winning talent and commitment to service — at its 2023 Commencement ceremony set for Sunday, May 14 in Gesling Stadium.
Intel Corporation CEO Patrick Gelsinger, who will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science and Technology degree, will be the keynote speaker.
“In today’s digital norm, the pace of change is so rapid that the ability to gain new knowledge is becoming more valuable than the knowledge itself. This is especially true today as technology fundamentally reshapes the nature of our world,” Gelsinger said. “As a Pennsylvania native, I’m so honored to be able to celebrate with the world-changing graduates of Carnegie Mellon. They are the innovators of tomorrow and will define the new era ahead; may they never lose their excitement and drive!”
Fred Eversley, a Carnegie Mellon alumnus and engineer-turned-artist whose distinctive and prolific work has captivated generations of people, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, a CMU and ROTC(opens in new window) alumnus who became the first woman personnel chief in U.S. Air Force history, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. Judith Light, a graduate of CMU’s world-renowned School of Drama and winner of three Tony Awards and two Emmy Awards, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. David Shapira, director, Board of Directors, Giant Eagle, Inc., and chairman of the David S. Shapira Foundation will receive an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.
“Our honorary degree recipients and keynote speaker are among today’s most exemplary leaders,” said Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window). “Showcasing the honorees’ impact and extraordinary contributions to our society will help to make this year’s commencement a truly inspiring occasion for our entire CMU community.”
This year’s student speaker will be Prithu Pareek, who is earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. Pareek has contributed widely to CMU through his undergraduate research and as an active member of the student body. He serves as president of the Undergraduate Student Senate and as a member of numerous advocacy and advisory committees, including the University Leadership Student Advisory Council.
Additionally, Sharon Lovell, who is earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in dramatic writing from the School of Drama, will present a reading during Commencement. Lovell has been involved with the Graduate Student Assembly and served as an instructor, teaching assistant and academic coach.
Learn more about this year’s honorary degree recipients below.
