Messages from the President

Announcing a Historic Investment in ��ý Mellon

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Today, we announce a historic $3 billion gift from Citadel CEO and philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin to support ��ý. This remarkable gift includes a $1 billion investment in our Pittsburgh campus, with support split evenly between the university’s highest priorities and our top-ranked School of Computer Science, now renamed the Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science. It also includes $2 billion to launch ��ý Miami, a new campus in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.

Celebrating ��ý Mellon’s Historic U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

I am delighted to share that today, U.S. News & World Report published its 2027 Best Colleges undergraduate rankings, with ��ý reaching a historic high — rising six spots to No. 14 nationally.

Community Values, Academic Responsibility and Campus Safety

Monday, September 14, 2026

We are writing to share details of a situation that goes to the heart of faculty responsibility, academic standards and the trust that is foundational to our institutional mission.

New Interim Fence Policy and Governance Guidelines

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Earlier this summer, I shared the final report of the Fence Working Group, whose members were charged with considering how the Fence can continue serving as a meaningful campus tradition and a place for student expression while ensuring clarity, accountability and respect within our diverse community.

Research Funding Update and Upcoming Information Session

Thursday, September 3, 2026

We write today with an update that notes recent progress, examines the shifting landscape of the nation’s research enterprise — one of our nation’s greatest strategic assets — and explores how we are positioning ��ý to succeed within this environment.

Welcome to the 2026-2027 Academic Year!

Monday, August 24, 2026

Each August, ��ý Mellon comes alive with the energy and promise of a new beginning. Whether you are returning to campus or joining our community for the first time, I am delighted to welcome you to a new year of learning, discovery, creativity and connection.

Call for Honorary Degree Nominations

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Each year, ��ý Mellon has the privilege of recognizing a remarkable group of individuals whose achievements have advanced knowledge, strengthened society and inspired others to imagine what is possible. I invite you to help us identify potential honorary degree recipients by nominating a worthy candidate today.

Celebrating a Major NSF Investment in Our Region's Energy Future

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

I am writing today to share some great news with our university community. Yesterday, the National Science Foundation announced their selection of the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium as one of only 12 new NSF Regional Innovation Engines.

Standing Firm Against Threats And Upholding Our Community Standards

Friday, July 3, 2026

Early this morning, the Fence was painted with another message that repeated the phrase "Death to Zionism" — the same phrase that prompted university action earlier this week. Here is what I wish to share with you about this incident.

Celebrating Independence Day and Our ��ý Community

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

With Independence Day drawing near, I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe Fourth of July.

An Update on the University's Response to Threatening Language

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

On Sunday morning, the university became aware that one side of the Fence had been painted with text in Yiddish. We consulted with academic experts, who recently confirmed the precise translation of the message as "death to Zionism."

��ý's Commitment to the City of Pittsburgh

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Today, informed by ongoing conversations with city officials, I am writing to announce ��ý Mellon's commitment of $3 million over five years to support initiatives that will benefit residents across the City of Pittsburgh.

Condemning Threatening Language on the Fence and Reaffirming Our Community Norms

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Early last week, a message was painted on the Fence referencing the history of the crisis in the Middle East and including the phrase "Free Palestine." Late Friday afternoon, we learned that a smaller section — the top of one post of the Fence — included the phrase "by any means necessary."

Release of the Fence Working Group’s Final Report

Thursday, June 12, 2026

I am writing to confirm that the Fence Working Group — representing students, faculty, alumni and staff — has sent me their final report, which includes their observations, findings and recommendations regarding the use of the Fence on our campus.

Changes To Remote Work Guidelines For Staff

Thursday, June 11, 2026

��ý Mellon’s strength has always been the people who make this university an extraordinary place to learn, discover and create. Our students have repeatedly shared how much they value in-person interactions with faculty and staff, and we believe that the exchange of ideas, the mentoring of students, the collaboration across disciplines, and our shared sense of purpose is strongest when we are working together in the same physical space.

��ý’s Financial Outlook: Discipline, Decisions and Next Steps

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

As the academic year draws to a close, I am writing to share an update on ��ý’s financial outlook, the broader environment facing higher education, and the steps we are taking to position the university for continued strength.

NFL Draft: Pittsburgh and ��ý in the Spotlight

Friday, April 17, 2026

When the NFL draft comes to a host city, it creates a national platform for that city to tell its story. This is Pittsburgh’s moment to show who we are today.

Announcing our 2026 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients

Wednesday, March 24, 2026

I am delighted to announce ��ý’s 2026 Honorary Degree Recipients, who will join us during Commencement on Sunday, May 10, as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

Caring for One Another Across our Global Community

Tuesday, March 19, 2026

I am writing to share an update on our campus in Doha, Qatar, and to acknowledge the impact of recent events in the Middle East on our university community around the world.

Announcing National Searches for ��ý’s next Chief Financial Officer and Dean of…

Monday, March 18, 2026

I am writing to share news about two important leadership searches now underway at ��ý Mellon — one to secure our next vice president and chief financial officer and the other to secure a senior associate vice president and dean of students.

A Message of Support for ��ý-Qatar

Monday, March 2, 2026

As events in the Middle East continue to unfold, we are reaching out with care and to underscore our support. For all members of our ��ý-Q community — whether you are on campus in Doha, displaced by travel during Spring Break or supporting loved ones from afar — the weight, uncertainty and anxiety that arrives with military conflict is profound.

Launch of ��ý’s 2026 United Way Campaign

Monday, February 16, 2026

Every year, ��ý partners with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to make a meaningful difference in our region and strategically cultivate a more vibrant, engaged and impactful community. I invite each of you to consider joining ��ý’s 2026 United Way Campaign, which runs from Feb. 16 to March 27.

Announcing Learnvia, a National Learning Collaborative Launched by ��ý and the …

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Today, ��ý and the Gates Foundation announce the launch of Learnvia, a new national nonprofit focused on transforming student success and workforce development on a national scale.

Leadership Transition Announcement

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

I write today to announce that Angela Blanton, our vice president for finance and chief financial officer, has shared her plans to depart ��ý on April 1, 2026.

At this pivotal time for society, I am truly in awe of all that ��ý Mellon has to offer, fueled by your extraordinary energy.
President Farnam Jahanian
Academic Year Welcome Message, Aug. 25, 2025

Celebrating the Impact of Make Possible

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

We launched Make Possible: The Campaign for ��ý seven years ago. Over 72,000 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends joined together to raise more than $2.5 billion, an investment that is transforming lives, expanding opportunity and redefining what's possible at ��ý.

Democracy Day and Opportunities for Discourse at ��ý

Monday, November 3, 2025

��ý Mellon has always been a place where people hold strong views, share ideas freely and learn from one another through open conversation. Two upcoming events offer meaningful ways to put these values into practice.

Launching the PAB on Student Well-Being, Mental Health and the Academic Experie…

Thursday, October 30, 2025

We have made significant investments in recent years to enhance student well-being, strengthen academic advising and expand access to mental health services. Much of this progress over the past decade has been supported by recommendations from the President's Advisory Boards (PAB), which provide independent expertise to help advance our mission.

Enhancing Enterprise Creation, Entrepreneurship and Industry Engagement at ��ý

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

To help ��ý maintain its edge in a rapidly evolving environment, in the fall of 2023, I convened a Presidential Advisory Board (PAB) on Enterprise Creation, Entrepreneurship and Industry Engagement. I charged the PAB with assessing ��ý's current strengths, identifying areas where we must be more agile and effective, and proposing strategies that will allow us to better support discovery, translation and a broader impact.

A Community Effort to Shape the Next Chapter of the Fence

Thursday, September 4, 2025

To ensure that the Fence's tradition continues to thrive, I am convening a working group dedicated to advancing conversations about the role of the Fence in campus life today and in the future. This group will bring forward recommendations that preserve the spirit of the tradition while addressing the realities of modern society and the needs of our diverse campus community.

Welcome to the New Academic Year!

Monday, August 25, 2025

Welcome to the start of the 2025-2026 academic year! Each fall, the return of our students, faculty and staff brings a renewed sense of energy and possibility to ��ý Mellon. I could not be more excited for the year ahead.

Meeting the Challenges of a Shifting Landscape

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

As we enter a new academic year during these uncertain times, I wish to update you on ��ý's financial outlook and how we are navigating these challenges while remaining grounded in our commitment to our people and our mission.

Next Steps for The Fence and Campus Dialogue

Monday, July 21, 2025

The Fence is open for messages once again. I want to thank Student Government for their understanding when I asked to pause Fence activity to allow me to engage with the leadership of the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, the Alumni Association Board and the Board of Trustees.

A Message ��ý the Fence and Discourse at ��ý

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Yesterday, ��ý hosted the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit at the request of U.S. Senator Dave McCormick. This major event was attended by more than 900 technology and business leaders who came to ��ý's campus for important conversations.

Tomorrow’s Energy and Innovation Summit

Monday, July 14, 2025

For the past several weeks, ��ý has been preparing to host the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, convened by U.S. Senator David McCormick. I want to provide a brief overview of tomorrow’s events.

Call for Honorary Degree Nominations

Monday, July 7, 2025

I am writing to invite and encourage you to nominate candidates to be considered for an honorary degree from ��ý. Please submit nominations no later than Sept. 5, 2025.

SEI Secures 5-year Contract Renewal

Thursday, June 25, 2025

I am writing today to highlight an important milestone for ��ý. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Defense renewed the university’s contract to operate the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) in service to the nation.

��ý to Host Energy and Innovation Summit Convened by Sen. David McCormick

Friday, June 13, 2025

As announced by U.S. Senator David McCormick and reported in the media, President Donald Trump is expected to attend a national Energy and Innovation Summit hosted on the ��ý campus on Tuesday, July 15. This Summit, convened by Sen. McCormick, will bring together leaders from government, industry and academia for a day of conversations on technology, innovation and national strategy. Given the high-profile participants already identified, the event is likely to draw national attention and planning is underway accordingly.

Statement on U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel Partnership

Thursday, May 29, 2025

For more than a century, steel shaped our communities, powered our economy and stood as a symbol of American strength. The U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel partnership marks a bold new chapter in this story and a transformative opportunity for the Western Pennsylvania region.

Renewing our commitment to ��ý Qatar

Friday, May 16, 2025

I am writing to share that, with the endorsement of our Board of Trustees, ��ý has renewed its commitment to our ��ý-Qatar campus and our partnership with the Qatar Foundation for another 10 years.

��ý125: Inspired by the past, building for the future

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Today, we’re introducing ��ý125: The Power of Possibilities, a celebration of ��ý Mellon’s impact over our 125-year history. During this yearlong celebration, a new interactive website will share some of our university’s greatest achievements and showcase the strong foundation we’ve built for seizing opportunities and rising to new challenges now and over the next 125 years.

��ý’s Response to Federal F&A Cap for NSF

Monday, May 5, 2025

I am writing to share that ��ý has joined in a new lawsuit filed by the Association of American Universities (AAU) against the federal government. This lawsuit, filed in the First District of Massachusetts, challenges the National Science Foundation’s newly announced 15% facilities and administrative (F&A) rate cap on all prospective grants.

Our Updated Strategic Framework: The Persistent Pursuit of Excellence

Thursday, April 24, 2025

A decade ago, we came together as a university community to chart an ambitious course for the future, with a strategic plan that guided us through a transformative decade of growth. Today, we are excited to share the next chapter in that journey: an updated strategic framework to shape our persistent pursuit of excellence.

Announcing our 2025 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients

Wednesday, April 02, 2025

I am thrilled to announce our distinguished honorary degree recipients and keynote speaker for ��ý's 2025 Commencement, which will take place on Sunday, May 11, in Gesling Stadium.

Navigating a Shifting Landscape

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Across higher education and beyond, we are witnessing a time of profound change — challenges that test us and opportunities that demand our boldest ideas. I know that we are all contemplating what this means for ��ý and our community members, and I want to share some thoughts on how we are approaching this moment as an insitution.

A New Deeper Conversations Focus

Monday, March 10, 2025

I am pleased to share that we will be devoting our Deeper Conversations series this semester to helping our university community traverse the role of the U.S. government in society.

Commitment to Academic Excellence and Community Standards

Friday, February 21, 2025

Yesterday, university leadership was made aware by concerned community members of fliers for an on-campus event advertising an "uncensored discussion" about the former leader of Hamas. This discussion is not approved nor endorsed by the university in any way.

Launch of ��ý's 2025 United Way Campaign

Monday, February 17, 2025

One of the most meaningful ways our ��ý Mellon Tartan community supports the Pittsburgh region is through our enduring support of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Update on ��ý's Response to F&A Funding Cap

Monday, February 10, 2025

I am writing this evening to confirm that ��ý has joined in a lawsuit filed by the Association of American Universities (AAU) against the federal government.

Messages from the President

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