The Jared L. Cohon Memorial Book

As managing editor, I oversaw the comprehensive production of a 250-page memorial book honoring Carnegie Mellon University’s eighth president. My project management responsibilities span the complete content lifecycle—from transcribing and editing his prominent speeches and memorial remarks to curating hundreds of personal stories submitted by those he touched. This also included working with University Central Marketing and the University Archives to select photos that represented his legacy, caption writing, book layout design, and implementation of a rigorous editorial calendar and approval process, ensuring the project met both university standards and family expectations.

Dr. Jared L. Cohon’s presidency from 1997 to 2013 transformed Carnegie Mellon into a global education leader through strategic prioritization of leadership education, globalization, research excellence, community engagement, economic strength, and enhanced public perception. His remarkable content legacy reflects a leader who deftly balanced organizational aspirations with economic realities during challenging financial periods. While his strategic vision visibly shaped CMU and Pittsburgh, Jerry’s most profound impact was personal—remembered for his genuine kindness and the lasting impression he made on countless individuals throughout his distinguished academic career.