Honoring the memory of Jerry Cohon

Heartfelt messages, memories, and reflections have flooded the halls of Carnegie Mellon as many mourn and honor the memory of Jerry Cohon, a profound and enduring figure at the university and beyond.

Cohon was perhaps best known for serving as CMU’s eighth president from 1997 to 2013, but to the College of Engineering community, many knew him as a beloved professor, mentor, and colleague. Following his term as president, his decision to return as a faculty member in the civil and environmental engineering and engineering and public policy departments was unique but invaluable, leaving a permanent mark on both the college and the broader community.

“Upon my arrival as dean, I reached out to Jerry, and he was quick to sit down with me to share his insights and knowledge,” said Bill Sanders, dean of the College of Engineering. “He was a gifted leader, and I am grateful for the time he spent with me offering his guidance, perspective, and friendship.”

He was a gifted leader, and I am grateful for the time he spent with me offering his guidance, perspective, and friendship.

Bill Sanders, Dean, College of Engineering

Between advising Ph.D. students, Cohon actively pursued his passion for environmental and sustainability research, conducting groundbreaking studies in water resources management, environmental policy, and energy systems analysis across the globe. He pioneered innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges, integrating environmental considerations into urban planning practices and advancing technologies for water quality improvement and conservation that will not soon be forgotten. But his work wasn't just about advancing knowledge; it was about making a tangible difference in the lives of people and the health of our planet.

"Jerry was an incredible human being, a mentor, and a role model. He cared about every individual he interacted with and was always there for his students, friends, and colleagues,” said Burcu Akinci, head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

After stepping down from his role as president of CMU and returning to the faculty, Cohon was known to dispense his considerable wisdom in a thoughtful manner.

Our students were incredibly fortunate to learn multi-attribute decision making and leadership from one of the truly greats.

Peter Adams, Department Head, Engineering and Public Policy

“In examinations, he could ask pointed questions in the most disarming way,” recalls Peter Adams, head of the Department of Engineering and Public Policy. “Our students were incredibly fortunate to learn multi-attribute decision making and leadership from one of the truly greats."

As we reflect on Cohon's remarkable legacy, we are reminded of his unwavering dedication to making the world a better place through engineering and innovation. His groundbreaking research, visionary leadership, and commitment to sustainability will continue to inspire future generations in their quest—and Cohon’s vision—of a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Read Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian’s message.

Pictured (top): Dr. Jerry Cohon at a 5 O’Clock Series faculty talk hosted by the Engineering Research Accelerator in March 2024.