Keynote Speaker Dr. Vincent Hellendoorn

Speaker Arnold Blinn

Arnold Blinn, a distinguished software engineer and technologist, brings decades of expertise from his roles as Chief Product Architect at GoDaddy and Partner Architect at Microsoft, where he shaped innovations in Windows Phone, Xbox, and Azure. A co-founder of eShop, Inc., an early pioneer in online commerce acquired by Microsoft, Arnold's career spans groundbreaking advancements in technology with over 30 patents to his name. A proud Carnegie Mellon University alumnus with a B.S. in Mathematics (Computer Science), Arnold has served as a visiting scholar and continues to guide future tech leaders as a School of Computer Science advisory board member. His topic "Ctrl-Alt-Del: Have you tried turning it off and back on again? Why rebooting your skills is the only constant." will be an opportunity to hear from one of the industry’s most influential minds!

Yazid Hamdi

"For 35 years, the MSE program has been infusing the industry with strong software engineers who significantly improve the way things are done. But it has also been connecting people, and creating long-lasting relationships between current students, alumni, faculty and staff. I’m excited to come to Pittsburgh and meet old friends, mentors, and teammates. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!"

Marat Valiev

"Graduating with an MSE in 2015 was a major stepping stone in my career, equipping me with the skills to be a successful Software Engineering professional. Ten years later, networking has become the force multiplier for the skills I gained back then. Hope to see you in Pittsburgh!"

Shanthi Subramanian

"Hey MSE class of 1997 – it has been 28 years since our graduation. I would love to see many of you at this reunion and exchange updates on our lives, the joys and triumps of applying software engineering principles and process, to the plans for the future as many are probably starting to think about retirement."

Vishwas Kumar Singh

"I am delighted that we are celebrating 35 years of the CMU MSE program—a milestone that brings us back to where it all began.

This program didn’t just teach us software engineering; it taught us how to learn, adapt, and absorb new technologies and situations, shaping us into engineers and leaders who thrive in an ever-changing industry. The sleepless nights in the cave, the relentless assignments, and the push beyond our limits forged skills that have stood the test of time.

Many of our peers have gone on to lead innovations—from the early days of software architecture to the forefront of AI and LLMs. The journey continues, but this anniversary is a reminder of the foundation that made it all possible.

Here’s to the friendships, the learning, and the impact we continue to make. Happy 35th to the CMU MSE family!"

Scott Parker

"The MSE program was a defining chapter in my career, equipping me with the skills, mindset, and network to navigate the evolving world of software engineering. As we celebrate 35 years, I’m excited to reconnect with fellow alumni and reflect on how the program has shaped our journeys. I encourage my fellow 2001 cohort members to join the celebration—it's a great opportunity to catch up, share stories, and continue building on the strong foundation MSE has given us."

Sharadha Venketasubramanian

"It warms my heart to hear about the 35th anniversary celebration of the MSE program! Even though it has been almost 20 years since I graduated, I still hold dear the wonderful memories from my time at CMU and in Pittsburgh. The experience of embracing the western mode of education, engaging in projects, and participating in lively intellectual discussions on campus truly ignited my passion for computer science. My heart is full of gratitude!"

Gabriel Zenarosa

"I still remember MSE 25 being a special gathering—with talks at the then-new Gates & Hillman Centers, visit to NREC, receptions at the Engine House 25 and History Museum, and a specially labeled souvenir MSE 25 wine bottle—and I cannot wait for MSE 35!"

Vijay Sai Vadlamudi

"Thirty five years and counting, doesn’t mean the MSE program has just been around, but, more importantly, has relentlessly adjusted to transfer skills which make us all relevant, because it knew we share two thing in common, the passion to reason, create and sustain. The program has prepared us for tomorrow, yesterday. And all of us meeting on Apr 4-6, 2025 will have the opportunity to demonstrate why we stand as the flag-bearers to digital transformation than any other of our ilk. So don’t wait, sign-up, and see you all soon."

Ajoy Chakrapani

"I am absolutely thrilled to participate in the 35th anniversary of the MSE program! It feels like just yesterday I was pulling all-nighters at the CAVE, fueled by nothing but caffeine and a questionable amount of pizza. Those sleepless nights were filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for all that this program and University has given me. This milestone is not just a celebration; it’s a reflection of our past achievements and a reminder of how far we’ve come together. Looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and reminiscing about our incredible journey!"

Marc Novakouski

"The Master of Software Engineering program was a life-changing experience that laid the groundwork for my career and life going forward. I am not the same person today that I was in 2006/7, and I am excited to see how the lives of my colleagues have evolved as well. The 35th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to see how friends have grown and evolved, and the impact Carnegie Mellon has had on our lives, the software industry, and the global community."

Mohinder Dick

"I'm excited to contribute to the legacy of the MSE program as an ambassador for the 2010 class. I'm consistently encouraged when I revisit the program. It's fun to witness the same zeal of the fosters in the students for role they can play in society through the discipline of software engineering. The fire in their eyes and the buzz of their conversations hearkens me to my experience with the program. The jargon has evolved and the studio space is more nifty. But the drive and energy remain."

Srikanta Datta

"Carnegie Mellon MSE program's rigorous curriculum and vibrant community devoted to advancing technology, immersed in cutting-edge projects and collaborative labs, have equipped me with lifelong skills for excellence, and a passion for engineering innovative products. Years later, Andrew Carnegie’s timeless words—'My heart is in the work'—continue to inspire me to push boundaries and create meaningful impact. It’s an honor to celebrate 35 years of this pioneering program, and I look forward to many more years of trailblazing brilliance and to meeting all the fellow alumni during the 35th Anniversary of the program on April 4-6, 2025!"

Peter Abowd

"Hey class of '94 lets come back together and remember a bit of the fun we had doing our Studio project, learning methods, models and architecture and of course, the ole PSP! We can relive some nightlife memories on the Southside, the Strip or Oakland the 'O' (we'll need our imagination for some of the lost Pittsburgh relics)."