Alumni Show the Class of 2028+ What It Means to Be a Tartan
By Kate Flynn
As the academic year begins, a new generation of Tartans embarks on their college journey. Amidst the excitement and challenges, there’s wisdom to be gained from those who have walked the halls of Carnegie Mellon over the decades.
Alumni were asked to share their advice with this year’s incoming class — lessons that transcend textbooks and capture the heart of what it means to be a Tartan. Whether it’s conquering finals week, forging lifelong friendships or finding balance, these insights offer a compass for the Class of 2028+ as they begin their CMU experience.
What does it mean to be a Tartan?
“The magic of being a Tartan is being passionate, even for niche, often overlooked, subjects. All Tartans follow their passion as well as foster and ignite passion in others. If you ever feel your passion flagging, find a fellow Tartan to reignite the magic!”
Tessa Roscoe (ENG 2015)
“It means a lot of hard work and at the same time having fun. It's about learning new things and keeping an open mind to new ideas.”
Shweta Venkateswaran (SCS 2015)
“People always trust your ability to put your heart in the work. If you can make it through CMU, you'd have experienced the joy of making something awesome and you know you can do awesome work again and again.”
Lei Wang (ENG 2015)
Class of 2015
“Tartans are a rare breed. We're hustlers — bright, scrappy, entrepreneurial and surprisingly humble at the same time. We know that success lies in the ability to work together. When I hire a Tartan, I know I'm going to get a hard worker but also a collaborative team member.”
Nisha Phatak (CMU 2010)
“Being a Tartan to me means a lifetime of success and a community of support from some of the most brilliant minds in the country.”
Nirupama Suryanarayanan (HNZ 2010)
Class of 1985
“Being a Tartan is about being proud of the legacy of CMU. I learned a lot at CMU that has helped me be successful in my long career in computer science and tech work.”
Robert Rose (MCS 1985)
“Being a Tartan means belonging to one of the most amazing brain trusts in the universe! Go Tartans!”
Stella Calobrisi (DC 1985)
“Stay curious, Tartans. CMU has such a wide variety of classes and activities that you should definitely spend the time to explore.”
Alexander Woo (SCS 1984)
“Friendships forged at the Fence last forever!”
Kymberly Helbig (DC 1980)
“As a female of color and senior tech executive, my Tartan pride shines when someone asks me where I went to school and when I say CMU, their whole demeanor changes.”
Sona Ven (TPR 2000)
“Being a Tartan is something that you carry and be proud of for life ... because what is important is to be able to graduate with honors in LIFE and not just school!”
Roy Handoko (ENG 2000)
Class of 2000
“Remember Tartans — CMU has given you a world class education and you have been trained by some of the most gifted intellectuals. Apply your knowledge to future challenges with a big wide brush!”
Sharon Curcio (DC 1975)
“Learn to love learning.”
Rahul Razdan (ENG 1985)
Class of 1990
“Being a Tartan means your heart is in the work — and you will be expected to work hard at what is important for you to learn and enjoy. Enroll in as many classes/topics that you seek — even if it means you are overloading in credits. It will be worth it — in the end.”
Ken West (TPR 1980)
“The people you meet today will knock your Tartan socks off with how they impact the world for the better. The work is worth the effort. Prepare your future self for how you will amaze and be amazed.”
Wendi Amos (TPR 1990)
“Acceptance at CMU is a gift. Be engaged with your fellow worldly students, be persistent, consistent and never complacent. Never give up on your hopes and dreams as they will be fulfilled through your energy.”
Jerry Bronstein (CFA 1975)
