Classroom Dedication a Fitting Honor for Salesforce President and COO

Keith Block (MSPPM ’84) is a member of the Carnegie Mellon University Board of Trustees and Dean’s Advisory Council at Heinz College.

As an exemplary alumnus who has devoted himself to the mission and governance of both Carnegie Mellon University and Heinz College, dedicating a classroom to Keith Block is a no-brainer. What better way to recognize the outsized impact he has had on our students?

In a May 19 ceremony, Heinz College Dean Ramayya Krishnan dedicated the Block Classroom, a state-of-the-art 60-seat classroom situated in Hamburg Hall’s newly renovated east wing.

Block, a CMU grad twice over who received his bachelor’s degree from the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and his master’s degree from Heinz College, currently serves as the vice chairman, president, and COO of software and cloud computing giant Salesforce.

Block and his wife, Suzanne Kelley, are guests of honor this week, as Block is also on campus to deliver the keynote address at Heinz College’s Diploma Ceremony.

In addition to his various leadership roles at CMU, Block established the Keith Block Entrepreneurship Fund to promote entrepreneurship among Heinz College students, and has generously supported the recent efforts to expand and refurbish Hamburg Hall.

“As an institution, we wouldn’t be who we are or where we are without the support and guidance of Keith and other alumni like him, who not only do great things after graduating from Heinz, but who commit to staying engaged with us and everything we do,” said Krishnan.

“His remarkable success in the private sector, coupled with his passion for improving education at all levels, stands as an inspiring example to all who walk through these halls.”

Dean Krishnan was joined at the Block Classroom dedication by Heinz College leadership, faculty, students and distinguished guests including CMU President Subra Suresh.

In his remarks, President Suresh recognized Block as one of CMU’s “most avid proponents.”

“This classroom is a fitting testament to Keith’s dedication to the university, to the Heinz College, and to its students,” said Suresh. “Carnegie Mellon is eternally grateful.”