JACKETS
WITHOUT
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GIVE
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SPRING 2020 VOL.96 NO.1
STUDENT LIFE THE PEOPLE, MOMENTS, AND MEMORIES T H AT D E F I N E T H E T E C H E X P E R I E N C E .
FOR THESE YELLOW JACKETS, CERTAIN MOMENTS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
“It was my honor to serve as Chair of the 50th Reunion Committee for the Class of 1969 alongside my classmates.” —Ted N. Thacker, EE 1969 Life’s milestones often cause one to pause, reflect, and take
in Marietta, Georgia, and Sandra grew up in Maynardville,
action. Ted Thacker’s 50th college reunion was one of those
Tennessee,” he said. In addition to marriage, Thacker’s
milestones. As Chair of his Georgia Tech reunion class,
post-Tech years “held numerous engineering positions with
Thacker worked tirelessly with his former classmates to set
Western Electric company” that included work “on missile
a challenging fundraising goal. “We worked and worried over
and submarine systems, as well as telecommunications
our goal of raising $17 million, but in the end we exceeded it,”
systems,” he said. Thacker describes his career as “full,
he said.
rewarding, and enjoyable — especially the later years when I
But this wasn’t Thacker’s only contribution to either the
worked in marketing and sales for AT&T.”
Reunion or the Institute. “As part of our support for my 50th,
Now retired, Thacker has time for a variety of hobbies.
my wife and I decided to contribute to Georgia Tech through
“We enjoy golf, gardening, hiking, and tennis,” he said. “But
a charitable gift annuity,” he explained. “We were able to save
our interest in tennis is limited to following the sport
on capital gains taxes and receive lifetime income while
on television.”
providing resources to endow a scholarship for deserving
The Thackers are pleased that thoughtful financial
students enrolled in the G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech
planning will provide them a guaranteed income stream
Promise Program.”
while also supporting “future Georgia Tech RATS.”
Thacker and his wife, Sandra, married four years after he graduated and have been married for 46 years. “I was raised
2
Founders’ Council is the honorary society recognizing donors who have made estate or life-income gifts of $25,000 or more for the support of Georgia Tech. For more information, please contact: 404.894.4678 • giftplanning@dev.gatech.edu • plannedgiving.gatech.edu
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
THE EXPERTS AGREE
TOP 10 U.S. RANKINGS
(public university)
Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, 2019
MBA Program US News & World Report, 2019
Full-time MBA The Economist, 2019
Evening MBA US News & World Report, 2019
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TECH SAVVY. BUSINESS SMART. As a Georgia Tech alum, you know solving problems means tackling issues from every angle and understanding technology’s impact on every situation. Scheller College of Business’ three globally-ranked MBA programs (weekend Executive, part-time Evening, and Full-time MBA) offer specialized graduate curriculum and experiential learning opportunities designed to prepare professionals to thrive in the technology-driven world of business. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of business and technology, Scheller College excels at developing innovative business leaders who are ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. We are Tech Savvy. Business Smart.
GaTechScheller.com
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
3
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
LIFE AS A YELLOW JACKET
T
T H I S S P R I N G , we set out to explore what it’s like to be a Yellow Jacket and learn how that experience has changed or remained the same. We did not yet know that student life would be significantly affected by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. As we go to press, our community faces a rapidly evolving public health emergency. The full extent of which is still unknown. I am confident that we will get through this challenge together. I have already witnessed the compassion and support of our entire Georgia Tech community swarming behind our students. We are demonstrating to the world what it means to be a Yellow Jacket. In these unprecedented times, I find myself taking solace in the memories we all share of being a student at the Institute. Our individual and collective experiences at Tech have shaped who we are today. The Institute challenged us to solve the “unsolvable” problems. It spurred our sense of responsibility and service. And, it gave us lifelong memories and friendships. When you turn the pages of this issue, I hope you find comfort in reminiscing about your own time as a student and think about the memories that connect us. I recall showing up to Folk Hall in 1987 Dene Sheheane, as a lanky freshman 1988 Blueprint 4
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
GEORGIA TECH ALUMNI MAGAZINE VOL. 96 | NO. 1 PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Dene Sheheane, Mgt 91
VP STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
from the Atlanta suburbs. Not only did residential life help acclimate me to campus, but it connected me to a new group of friends who supported me on my journey to earn that coveted Georgia Tech diploma. Little by little, every math lab, every pickup basketball game at what we now know as the Campus Recreation Center, every challenge we faced, we were connecting with each other and weaving ourselves into the tight fabric that ultimately produces proud alumni. Of course, some of the most memorable student experiences occur in places you’d least expect. What was it for you? Perhaps it was a study-abroad opportunity, Greek life, or like me, a road trip to cheer on the brave and bold. I remember piling into a mini-van in 1990 to cheer on the Jackets in Charlottesville, Va., when they stunned the No. 1–ranked Cavaliers on a last-minute field goal. I fondly recall running onto the field after the game to high-five players, coaches, and fans. To this day, I cherish that memory and many more from my time as a student. When we began delving into student life for this issue, one constant throughout the years was great people. Now more than ever, I am pleased to share some of the stories of our dedicated leaders committed to providing exceptional experiences for our students no matter the obstacles ahead.
Lindsay Vaughn
INTERIM EDITOR Jennifer Herseim
DESIGNER Karen Matthes
COPY EDITOR Barbara McIntosh Webb
STUDENT ASSISTANT Manushi Sheth
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair Brent Zelnak, Mgt 94 Past Chair, Vice Chair of Finance Bird Blitch, IE 97 Chair of Roll Call and Gold & White Jocelyn Stargel, IE 82, MS IE 86 Vice Chair of Engagement Shan Pesaru, CmpE 05 Member at Large Rita Breen, Psy 90, MS IE 92 Member at Large Garrett Langley, EE 09 Member at Large Magd Riad, IE 01
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michelle Adkins, IM 83; Clint Bailey, TE 97; Carlos Barroso, ChE 80; Amrit Bhavinani, CM 09; Trevor Boehm, ME 99, MS ME 04; Jeff Bogdan, Mgt 88, MS MOT 98; Jason Byars, ME 96; Alina Capanyola, IE 10; Aurelien Cottet, MS AE 03; Andre Dickens, ChE 98; Lizzie Donnelly, IA 08; Scott Hall, ME 96; Tim Holman, MS EE 88, PhD EE 94; Keith Jackson, Mgt 88; Joy Jordan, ChE 92; Mary Beth Lake, ID 04; Juan Michelena, TE 85; Angela Mitchell, PTCH 04; Jerald C. Mitchell, MBA 11; Alex Muñoz, Mgt 88; Anu Parvatiyar, BME 08; Blake Patton, IE 93; Debra Porter, ME 86; Albert Reeves Jr., Mgt 00; Amy Rich, MBA 12; Jean Marie Richardson, Mgt 02; David Sotto, BME 09, PhD BioE 15; James Stovall, CS 01; Betty Tong, ME 93, MS ME 95; Kate Tyler, MS CE 09; Brian Tyson, EE 10; Jefrey Wallace, Mgt 94; Kristin Watkins, Mgt 13; Samuel Westbrook, IE 99; Stephenie Whitfield, Bio 93; Bruce Wilson, EE 78, MS EE 80
ADVERTISING Justin Estes (404) 683-9599 justin.estes@alumni.gatech.edu
GEORGIA TECH ALUMNI MAGAZINE (ISSN: 1061-9747) is published quarterly by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, 190 North Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30313. Periodical postage paid in Atlanta and additional mailing offices. © 2020 Georgia Tech Alumni Association
POSTMASTER
DENE SHEHEANE, MG T 91 PRESIDENT GEORGIA TEC H ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Send address changes to: Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine, 190 North Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30313.
TELEPHONE Georgia Tech Alumni Association (404) 894-2391
VOLUME 96 A PATH FORWARD
ential pathway will connect outdoor areas and buildings in the new Georgia Tech Student Center.
COVER ILLUSTRATION
CHARLIE LAYTON
RENDERING COURTESY OF
COOPER CARRY
FEATURES
Inspired by the liveliness of Tech Walkway, an experi-
ISSUE 1
48
58
66
GIVE ME A MOMENT
BRINGING CAMPUS TO LIFE
A MINDFUL APPROACH
Got a minute? Georgia Tech
The pioneering redesign of the
Three new initiatives are
students take you into the most
Georgia Tech Student Center
improving the quality and
important moments of their
redefines the form and func-
access of mental health
days — and share exactly why
tion of this campus landmark.
resources on campus.
they make all the difference.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
5
VOLUME 96
DEPARTMENTS
ISSUE 1
THEN & NOW At Wreck Camp, new and current Georgia Tech students participate in a summer camp–style extended orientation to help with transition.
PHOTOGRAPH
TIM EDMONDS-KING
CONTENTS
8
AROUND CAMPUS InVenture Prize 10 Star Power 14 Talk of Tech 18 Research 22
26
ON THE FIELD Jackets Without Borders 28 Next Up: Masters 32
36
IN THE WORLD No. 1 Butt Kicker 38 Fashion Forward 42 Oldest Living Alumnus 46
70
ALUMNI HOUSE A Warm Tech Welcome 72 Staff Spotlight 74 Ramblin’ Roll 81 In Memoriam 90
100
TECH HISTORY Student Life: Then & Now 100 Back Page 106
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
7
VOLUME 96
AROUND CAMPUS
ISSUE 1
ELECTRO-WHAT? The ElectroSpit is a reimagined talkbox that allows musicians to easily modify the sound of an instrument using a device worn around the neck and a smartphone app. ElectroSpit’s creator, Bosko, won the 2020 Guthman Musical Instrument Competition hosted by Georgia Tech’s College of Design.
PHOTOGRAPH
JESSIE BRANDON/COLLEGE OF DESIGN
INVENTURE PRIZE
STAR POWER
TALK OF TECH
TECH RESEARCH
10
14
18
22
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
9
AROUND CAMPUS
HOW LONG’S THE LINE? QUEUES APP WINS 2020 INVENTURE PRIZE
BY JOSHUA STEWART
Team Queues won $20,000, help filing a patent, and a spot in the CREATE-X Startup Launch program.
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
“We are so grateful to all of our fans, to CREATE-X, to InVenture Prize. We’ve had so much support along the way,” said co-founder Samuel Porta. “We are so honored to be this year’s winners.” Learn about Queues and innovative products created by each of the finalists who participated in this year’s competition.
CHRISTOPHER MOORE
10
alumni—live on Georgia Public Broadcasting to make their pitch. The inventors of Queues won $20,000 in prize money, help filing a patent, and a spot this summer in the CREATE-X Startup Launch program. Through a partnership with food service vendor Aramark, the Queues app provides up-to-the-minute wait times at Georgia Tech restaurants.
PHOTOGRAPH
AN APP THAT HELPS students find the shortest route to their next meal on campus claimed the 2020 InVenture Prize at Georgia Tech. The televised competition was the culmination of months of preparations and winnowing the field of dozens to six final teams. They each faced a panel of three entrepreneurs—all Georgia Tech
2020
INVENTURE PRIZE JUDGES FOR THE FINAL ROUND
QUEUES Q U E U E S was cre-
OF COMPETITION, TEAMS
ated by computer
PITCHED THEIR IDEAS TO
science majors So-
A PANEL OF GEORGIA
han Choudhur y,
TECH ALUMNI
Jarod Schneider, Michael Verges,
SHANNON EVANCHEC, E N V E 16 CEO OF TRUEPANI, W I N N E R O F T H E 2 0 16 INVENTURE PRIZE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
G A R R E T T L A N G L E Y, EE 09, ROB FELT
CEO OF FLOCK SAFETY
PHOTOGRAPHS
T R I P P R AC K L E Y, IE 92
CEO OF KENZIE LANE INNOVATION
FIN
and Samuel Porta, plus industrial and systems engineering major Akshay Patel. They com-
Queues tablets are already in place in food and dining areas across Georgia Tech's campus.
prised one of the bigger teams among
restaurants, through a smartphone app
the finalists, but Porta said the budding
or through tablets at the end of lines.
startup needs to grow—fast: They’re on
Already, the team is processing more
the verge of expanding to three oth-
than 5,000 responses per month from
er college campuses in the southeast
dining spots across Georgia Tech.
served by Aramark. That expansion
For the restaurants, Queues’ custom
will mean almost 100,000 addition-
algorithm promises a clearer picture
al students with access to the Queues
of the ebbs and flows of customer de-
app.
mand, allowing them to have the right
Queues asks users to share how long they waited to order at campus
number of employees and to prep the right amount of food at the right times.
ALIST
A E R O DY M E SECOND PL ACE in this year’s competi-
design that can be mounted along the
tion and $10,000 went to Aerodyme,
sides of a trailer, allowing it to be in-
a self-deploying attachment for trac-
stalled on trailers with roll-up doors.
tor-trailers that cuts drag and boosts fuel economy by 5 percent. Team Aerodyme's device fits on
billions of dollars every year and elim-
the rear of tractor-trailers to stabilize
inate hundreds of tons of carbon
air flow. Unlike other solutions, Aero-
emissions.
dyme requires no effort on the part of
“This is just the beginning for us,”
the driver to manually open the attach-
said Tyler Boone, co-founder of Aero-
ment. The device has a speed sensor
dyme and a mechanical engineering
that will engage Aerodyme at high-
major.
way speeds. When it’s not in use, the device retracts. Aerodyme's device could save billions of dollars for the trucking industry.
Increasing fuel economy for tractor-trailers has the potential to save
After initial testing, the team also started development on an updated
“We’ve made so much progress. We’re going to continue that momentum and get this thing tested, validated, and on every truck in America.” GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
11
AROUND CAMPUS
FIN
ALIST
NASOLUTION T E A M N A S O L U T I O N created a device that delivers a precise dose of the drug ketamine via nasal spray and can be remotely monitored by healthcare providers. For the nearly 5 million Americans suffering from treatment-resistant depression, the drug ketamine has emerged as a powerTeam Canary won the 2020 People's Choice Award.
FIN
ALIST
C A N A RY
Nasolution's tamper-proof nasal spray delivers precise doses of the drug ketamine.
ful option, but it’s highly addictive, so
makes it available at the appropriate
doses must be tightly monitored by
time from a tamper-proof vial. Wireless
doctors.
connections allow doctors to remote-
The Nasolution device means
ly monitor patient compliance. The
patients don’t have to go to their doc-
device also shows potential for other
THERE ARE REVIEW SITES for almost ev-
tor’s office for treatment, which is
medicines delivered via nasal sprays,
erything: restaurants, products, even
currently the standard practice. The
a fast-growing segment of the pharma-
professors. Team Canary found a gap
device measures a precise dose and
ceutical industry.
in the market, thanks to their experiences as students looking for internships
Watchdog's hockey puck–sized device emits a loud noise if disturbed.
and co-op placements. The team created a website that collects anonymous reviews of those on-the-job learning
The choice often is to ask a nearby
experiences to help students avoid a
stranger to keep an eye on their lap-
wasted summer making copies or get-
FIN
ting coffee. The platform asks reviewers specific questions about how meaningful their work was, the kinds of projects
ALIST
top and other belongings or pack up and hope they can find a spot when they return.
WATCHDOG
Team Watchdog created a small de-
they completed, and even the hours
WHEN STUDENTS OR PROFESSIONALS
vice that sits atop those belongings. If
they put in each day. The site quick-
work remotely at coffee shops, the li-
it’s disturbed, the hockey puck–sized
ly amassed more than 100 reviews
brary, or anywhere with a seat and
device will emit a loud alarm, drawing
in its first weeks. Now, the team has
a power outlet, they often face the
attention to the would-be thief. Users ac-
partnered with the Center for Career
same dilemma: What to do when
tivate and deactivate Watchdog with
Discovery and Development to share
they need a refill or a bathroom
a simple radio-frequency identification
Canary with all Tech students.
break?
fob they can keep on their keychain.
The $5,000 People’s Choice Award, chosen by the live audience and viewers at home, went to Canary.
FIN
ALIST
W 8 R S YS T E M S
“We’re a platform that’s made pos-
W 8 R —pronounced “waiter”—is a
sible by people talking about their
system of overhead tracks and robots
internships to other people, so the fact
that delivers food directly to the tables
that we got the People’s Choice Award,
of waiting customers in restaurants.
we find very fitting,” said Sims Pettway,
Patrons share their phone number
the mechanical engineering major who
when they order and interact with the
created Canary alongside comput-
system by text: one text to tell W8R
idea is for the system to work alongside
er engineering major Stephen Ralph
which table they’ve chosen and one
employees, freeing them up to do the
Jr. and computer science major Noah
final text after the food is delivered
things humans do best—engage with
Waldron.
to tell the system to return home. The
customers.
ROB FELT
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
PHOTOGRAPHS
12
W8R delivers meals at Highland Bakery.
EVEN BIGGER BUZZ Degrees Certificates Courses Corporate Education Online & On-site
CONTINUE YOUR SUCCESS STORY pe.gatech.edu/alumni
AROUND CAMPUS
STAR POWER
ACROSS TECH, THESE WOMEN ARE INVESTIGATING THE GREAT UNKNOWNS OF SPACE. BY STEVEN NORRIS OUR UNIVERSE is still full of unknowns. How did it begin? Is there life beyond our planet? We don’t have all the answers—despite new discoveries and new ways of thinking about and exploring Earth, our solar system, and beyond. Across Georgia Tech’s campus, hundreds of women are crunching numbers on whiteboards, building spacecraft, running computer simulations, developing international
policy, and exploring how human experiences in space are reimagined through science fiction. The inquisitive explorers are looking skyward for answers to these and other cosmic questions, taking on the challenge to investigate the great unknowns of space. Atlanta was host city to the most recent Miss Universe competition. Now, meet the women right here at Tech who are exploring the universe, each in her own exciting way.
SARA MILLER
P H D C A N D I DA T E , DA N I E L G U G G E N H E I M S C H O O L O F A E R O S PA C E E N G I N E E R I N G understand the degradation of space-
longer, pushing spacecraft farther into
craft electric propulsion engines.
space than we’ve ever been,” Miller
“Operating these engines in the
says.
harsh environment of outer space over
In her first year of graduate school,
extended periods of time leads to a de-
she was recognized by the American
terioration of engine materials, which
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronau-
is often the life-limiting process for elec-
tics for being the only student author
IT STARTED with family vacations to
tric propulsion systems. Understanding
working with a team of full-time NASA
space centers and museums. That led to
the mechanisms behind engine deg-
employees (on research about the In-
a summer high school experience with
radation will allow us to build better
ternational Space Station’s electrical
NASA. She says she was hooked on
propulsion systems that can operate
power system).
the great beyond. Then Miller ended up at Georgia Tech. As an undergraduate, she worked on plasma propulsion engineering projwith the agency. Two took place at NASA Johnson, three at NASA Glenn, and one at NASA Marshall. Specifically, she is aiming to better 14
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
TO FIELDS WHERE THERE ARE A LOT OF UNKNOWNS.”
ALLISON CARTER
Miller has rocketed into research.
“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED
PHOTOGRAPHS
ects with NASA—one of six rotations
MARIEL BOROWITZ
A S S I S TA N T P R O F E S S O R , S A M N U N N S C H O O L O F I N T E R N A T I O N A L A F FA I R S available? What other countries can
NASA headquarters in Washington,
we work with and what are their tech-
D.C., from 2016 to 2018. Her book,
nical availabilities? Our next stop is
Open Space: The Global Effort for
probably the moon, and part of that is
Open Access to Environmental Satel-
because that’s where every other coun-
lite Data, was published by MIT Press in
try wants to go,” Borowitz says.
2017. Keeping one eye on the stars has
She looks in-depth at international
led her to a successful career.
B O R O W I T Z S T U D I E D aerospace engi-
space policy issues, including interna-
“Whatever your passion is, just keep
neering as an undergraduate at MIT.
tional cooperation in Earth-observing
following it and see where it takes you.”
She went on to earn a master’s degree
satellites and satellite data-sharing poli-
in international science and technology
cies, human space exploration strategy,
policy from George Washington Uni-
and developments in space security
versity and a PhD in public policy from
and space situational awareness.
the University of Maryland. She com-
“It looks like the commercial compa-
bines these fields at Georgia Tech as a
nies SpaceX and Boeing are about a
researcher and teacher, examining the
year away from launching humans to
intersections of international policy and
space. It will be so fascinating to see
space exploration.
what happens with that and what it
“I think having an awareness about
means for space travel.”
how decisions are made matters. What
Borowitz served as a policy analyst
is the legal structure? What funding is
for the Science Mission Directorate at
“I’VE BEEN INTRIGUED ABOUT SPACE SINCE THE 4TH GRADE.”
DA W N A N D R E W S
P H D C A N D I DA T E , A E R O S PA C E E N G I N E E R I N G D U R I N G H E R T I M E as an undergrad-
system for a satellite that will help scan
uate and master’s student at Tech,
for evidence of water on the moon.
Andrews did four rotations with
These will be some of the first small-
SpaceX. She also was a hardware-
scale satellites and scientific payloads
responsible engineer—she designed a
to be sent there.
specific component of a launched ve-
“We’re building this at a lab here at
hicle and monitored it after it was sent
Georgia Tech. We’re going through
to space.
the NASA design reviews. We are the
Last year, Andrews worked in the
responsible engineers for this mission.
Space Systems Design Lab at Geor-
It’s so exciting to say my name is on that
gia Tech and played an integral role in
and it’s going to go to the moon.”
projects that have been launched into
This year, Andrews starts a new po-
space, including RANGE—a cube sat-
sition as design criteria engineer for
ellite developed to improve spacecraft
SpaceX. “My career will start with
positioning in space.
SpaceX, and I will continue to work on
She focused on building hardware,
hardware design with the commercial
previously working on the Lunar Flash-
space program. This means I’ll be genu-
light program developing a propulsion
inely starting my dream job.”
“WE’RE GOING THROUGH THE NASA DESIGN REVIEWS.”
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
15
AROUND CAMPUS S A U M YA S H A R M A
U N D E R G R A D U A T E S T U D E N T, A E R O S PA C E E N G I N E E R I N G SHARMA is currently working on print-
from across the U.S. to be named a
ed circuit boards, the custom-created
Brooke Owens Fellow, an award given
computer components for tools used
each year to college-age women who
in space.
show promise in the aerospace field.
In particular, she is working on a LiDar satellite device that could be launched into space to gather topographical information about celestial bodies. Currently, devices such as the Mars Rover gather data in real time on the ground. Satellite devices like the one Sharma is working on could collect that same data from space.
“MY FOCUS IS IN SPACECRAFT AND LAUNCH VEHICLES—SPECIFICALLY IN STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS.”
Sharma was one of 35 individuals
SUSANA MORRIS
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF LITERATURE, MEDIA, AND COMMUNICATION
AS A Y O U N G C H I L D , Morris says she started exploring worlds beyond our own, and even outside our reality.
particularly drawn to science fiction
saw a lack of representation in science
and fantasy. I loved Stars Wars and
fiction, and her interest waned. It wasn’t
Star Trek and was generally a nerd.
until high school that she discovered
There came a point, however, when my
the work of Octavia Butler (Parable
emerging racial consciousness collided
of the Sower) that sparked Morris’ in-
with my love of sci-fi and I wondered,
terest in what she now understands as
where are all the black people in the
Afrofuturism.
future?”
“In my current book project, I am ex-
Morris says she remembered
ploring how black women in literature,
“I voraciously read everything
Nichelle Nichols, Billy Dee Williams,
art, activism, and media understand
I could get my hands on but was
and Whoopi Goldberg, but largely
and connect Afrofuturism and feminism, particularly in regard to climate change and the Anthropocene,” Mor-
“TO BE BLACK AND NOT ONLY ENVISION YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE BUT AT THE CENTER OF THE FUTURE IS AN ACT OF RESISTANCE AND LIBERATION.”
ris explains. Morris is an associate professor in Tech’s School of Literature, Media, and Communication. She is also a co-founder and contributing writer for the popular feminist blog The Crunk Feminist Collective. In these roles, she persistently questions what representation looks like in science fiction and why it matters.
16
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
TA M A R A B O G DA N O V I Ć
A S S O C I A T E P R O F E S S O R , P H YS I C S relativity, and astrophysics at Tech. “We think that pretty much every galaxy in the universe hosts a super massive black hole at the center. We know that massive stars end their lives as black holes. Black holes are so fascinating because they can affect everything else we study in space. Black holes create conditions for a lot of energy and radiation to be released. It could become so hot that its host galaxy
BOGDANOVIĆ studies how black holes interact with their environment and with each other.
can no longer form stars,” she explains.
“WE WANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW THESE BLACK HOLES WORK.”
Bogdanović collaborates with researchers in Tech’s Center for Rela-
She is a theorist, which means she
tivistic Astrophysics. She also teaches
extracting energy from gas that spirals
spends a lot of time doing calculations
in the College of Sciences and was last
into it—much more efficient than nucle-
and building models—using computer
year’s recipient of the Class of 1940
ar reaction, currently our most effective
simulations to model the things in space
Course Survey Teaching Effectiveness
way of extracting energy. Imagine if we
that we cannot see. She also teaches
Award.
figure out how to harness that capabili-
undergraduate courses on black holes,
“Black holes are very efficient at
ty from black holes.”
LAURA CADONATI
P R O F E S S O R , P H YS I C S
L AURA CADONATI is a professor in the
with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration,
School of Physics and has been fea-
helped usher in the era of multi-mes-
tured on CNN, in The Washington
senger gravitational-wave astronomy.
Post, and on the BBC for her research
The papers chronicled LIGO’s first de-
on intergalactic phenomena. She’s also
tection in 2015 of a gravitational wave
part of the Laser Interferometer Grav-
produced by the merger of black holes.
itational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
The waves, ripples in the fabric of
team from Georgia Tech that helped
space-time, were originally predicted
“Those were huge milestones. These
discover gravitational waves.
in 1915 by Albert Einstein in his general
initial detections opened a new win-
theory of relativity.
dow of the universe and gave us our
Three of Cadonati’s publications,
first glimpse,” says Cadonati. “This new chapter will allow us to create a
“THESE INITIAL DETECTIONS OPENED A
path that will bring our field to its full potential.” Cadonati was appointed as LIGO’s
NEW WINDOW OF THE UNIVERSE AND
first-ever deputy spokesperson. She
GAVE US OUR FIRST GLIMPSE.”
with partners around the world as the
also fosters new LIGO collaborations group continues to explore the data pouring in from activity in outer space. GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
17
TALK OF TECH FACULT Y NEWS
RAFAEL L. BRAS TO STEP DOWN AS GEORGIA TECH’S PROVOST
FOLLOWING A DECADE SERVING AS PROVOST, BRAS WILL STEP DOWN IN THE FALL AND REMAIN A PROFESSOR IN THE SCHOOL OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND THE SCHOOL OF EARTH AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES.
BY SUSIE IVY
GEORGIA TECH PROVOST Rafael L. Bras announced in January that he will step down from his position as the Institute’s chief academic officer in September. Bras will remain at Georgia Tech as a professor in the Schools of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. “In all my many years in academia, these 10 years of service to Georgia Tech have been a dream for me,” says Bras. “The opportunity to build relationships with my colleagues across the institution and to work
collaboratively to push the boundaries of higher education and take real risks for the benefit of our students have been true highlights of my career.” Bras has served as the provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs since 2010. He is also a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and is the first Tech faculty member to hold the K. Harrison Brown Family Chair. In his role, Bras oversees all of Georgia Tech’s academic enterprises,
including the colleges, educational innovation initiatives, the Library, international relationships, professional education, the arts, and enrollment. “Dr. Bras’ decade of leadership at Tech can be seen and felt throughout the institution,” says Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “His vision has been a driving force for Tech in bringing new programs and pedagogies to life and opening Georgia Tech to the world.” Until September, Bras will continue to serve in his current role until the next provost is selected.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING BRAS’ TENURE Hired more than 300 faculty members, many from underrepresented groups.
18
Launched Georgia Tech Arts, which brought several performances and events to the Institute and a public sculpture collection of more than 20 pieces.
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
Oversaw major international initiatives in Panama and the opening of the Institute’s global campus in Shenzhen, China.
Launched the pioneering Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program, as well as subsequent online degree programs that, together, enroll more than 12,000 students globally.
Guided Library Next, a multimillion-dollar, technology-focused reimagining of the intellectual center of the campus.
Launched the visionary Commission on Creating the Next in Education, dedicated to new pilot programs that offer on-demand, real-time solutions for future learners.
FACULT Y NEWS
KAYE HUSBANDS FEALING NAMED DEAN O F I VA N A L L E N C O L L E G E O F L I B E R A L A R T S K AY E H U S B A N D S F E A L I N G , professor
director at the National Academy of
and chair of the School of Public Pol-
Sciences in Washington, D.C. Her ca-
icy, has been named the next dean
reer began at Williams College, where
and Ivan Allen Jr. Chair of the Ivan Al-
she started as assistant professor in the
len College of Liberal Arts at Georgia
Economics Department and left after
Tech, effective June 1.
20 years as the William Brough Profes-
“I am delighted that Kaye Husbands
sor of Economics.
Fealing will be the next dean of the
Additionally, she held visiting pro-
[College],” said Rafael L. Bras, provost
fessorships at Smith College and
and executive vice president for Aca-
Colgate University, a research asso-
underserved groups in STEM fields and
demic Affairs. “In her time as school
ciate position at MIT, and served in
jobs.
chair, she has proven herself time and
several different capacities with the Na-
“The changing face of the world that
time again to be a trusted and accom-
tional Science Foundation—including
we live in means that to remain relevant,
plished leader, administrator, and
program director and science advisor
the university must have a broad strate-
scholar. Her wealth of experience will
for the Science of Science & Innovation
gic vision that addresses the needs of
be instrumental in ushering in what I
Policy Program, and program liaison
all the communities that we serve from
know will be an exciting next chapter
with the European Science Foundation.
the local level to the national and then
Husbands Fealing brings to the
more broadly to our global footprint,”
for the College.” Husbands Fealing came to Tech in
position decades of research exper-
Husbands Fealing said. “Ivan Allen Col-
2014 from the Humphrey School of
tise in science and innovation policy,
lege stands ready to put our talents and
Public Affairs at the University of Minne-
the public value of research expendi-
treasure to work for the public good.”
sota. Before that, she served as a study
tures, and underrepresentation among
—STACY BRAUKMAN
TECH SQUARE
S E C O N D N E W T O W E R I N T E C H N O L O GY S Q U A R E I I I T O I N C L U D E G E O R G E T O W E R M O M E N T U M for Technology Square
Scheller College of Business. Both new
Tech in 1964 with a
Phase III continues to grow with the
towers in Tech Square Phase III are ex-
degree in industrial
naming of its second tower in honor of
pected to open by the end of 2022.
engineering. He also
longtime supporters of Georgia Tech,
“We are incredibly grateful to Bill
received an honorary
philanthropists William “Bill” and Pen-
and Penny George for their long-stand-
doctoral degree from
ny George.
ing support of Georgia Tech,” said
Georgia Tech, award-
George Tower will be home to
Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabre-
ed in 2008. George is
the nation’s No. 1–ranked H. Mil-
ra. “The George family legacy of
currently a professor of
ton Stewart School of Industrial and
support can be seen and felt in the ex-
management practice at the Harvard
Systems Engineering, as well other
periences of our students who benefit
Business School.
programs. George
from various scholarships and fellow-
Tech Square Phase III will be a
Tower will com-
ships, and through the impact of our
400,000-square-foot multi-building
plement Scheller
faculty, made possible because of the
complex in Midtown Atlanta, locat-
Tower, also planned
generosity of Bill and Penny George.
ed on the northwest corner of West
on the site, to house
We are honored to affix the George
Peachtree and Fifth streets. Georgia
the graduate and
name to this transformative next step in
Tech opened Technology Square, a
executive educa-
Tech Square and our campus.”
thriving innovation ecosystem, in 2003.
tion programs of the
Bill George graduated from Georgia
Penny & Bill George.
—DENISE WARD
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
19
TALK OF TECH k Asho Goel
Donald Webste r
FACULT Y AWARDS
FA C U LT Y H O N O R E D FOR CL ASSROOM E XC E L L E N C E
Regents' Award for the Scholarship
of online learners,” Goel said.
of Teaching and Learning. The award
Donald Webster, the Karen and
recognizes his groundbreaking con-
John Huff Chair of the School of Civ-
tributions to the evolution of online
il and Environmental Engineering, has
learning.
been selected as the recipient of the
Widely known as creators of Jill
2020 Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame
Watson—the world’s first artificially in-
Faculty Award. The prestigious award
telligent (AI) teaching assistant—Goel
recognizes faculty for their strong
and his Design and Intelligence Lab
commitment to teaching and student
team continue to build upon the Jill plat-
success.
form to create next-generation AI tools
Webster is the only faculty member
that increase engagement, help reten-
from a Georgia research university to
tion, and improve learning outcomes
receive this system-wide award. He has
for online teachers and learners.
received many accolades for his use of
TWO GEORGIA TECH PROFESSORS have
“We’re moving well beyond answer-
“flipped classroom” instruction, where
been honored by the University System
ing questions about a particular class
students frontload the lecture portion of
of Georgia for their dedication in the
and getting closer to developing AI
a class outside of class, freeing up time
classroom.
technologies that can scale globally,
for more hands-on learning and interac-
Ashok Goel, professor in the School
work in tandem with other AIs, and truly
tion with their instructor.
of Interactive Computing, received a
be transformative for a broad spectrum
—MELISSA FRALICK & BEN SNEDEKER
TECH AWARDS
I VA N A L L E N J R . P R I Z E H O N O R S C I V I L R I G H T S P I O N E E R S W H E N AT L A N TA N AT I V E S Hamilton E.
Tech awarded them the 2020
Holmes and Charlayne Hunter-Gault
Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social
stepped onto the University of Geor-
Courage on Feb. 5.
gia campus in January 1961, they also stepped into history.
Hunter-Gault, an accomplished and award-winning
Their court-ordered enrollment inte-
journalist, said she was “blown
grated the state’s flagship university
away” when she found out she
and sparked riots. But it also sparked
would receive the prize this
other colleges across Georgia to
year.
begin planning their own desegrega-
“I never, in all my years,
tion—including Georgia Tech, which
expected to join so many of
accepted three black students months
the pioneers who have received this
Holmes, who also integrated Emory
later, peacefully and without a court
award, for I know most all of them well
University School of Medicine, died in
order.
and have been inspired by them to try
1995, so members of his family joined
to do my best to be a good servant of
Hunter-Gault for a day of events cele-
the people,” she said.
brating the pair’s place in history.
It took many more years for the state’s universities to become equally accessible to students of all races, but it started with Holmes and Hunter-Gault.
“I also stand on the shoulders of
The Ivan Allen Jr. Prize honors those
Hamilton Holmes, whose all-too-short
who have stood up for moral prin-
In recognition of their bravery—and
life remains alive as an example to all of
ciples at great risk to their careers,
the ripple effects of their willingness to
us to pursue our dreams and not to let
their livelihoods, and even their lives.
stand up for what was right—Georgia
anybody turn us around.”
—JOSHUA STEWART
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SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
C A L L I N G
A L L
ENGINEERS Keep up with your College Email us at editor@coe.gatech.edu to receive your copy of We Are Engineers magazine.
coe.gatech.edu
TECH RESEARCH
TREATMENT
MICROSCOPIC STAR PARTICLES OFFER NEW POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR SKIN DISEASES BY GEORGIA PARMELEE
S K I N D I S E A S E S affect half of the world’s population, but many treatments are not effective, require frequent injections, or cause significant side effects. But what if there were a treatment that eliminated injections, reduced side effects, and increased drug effectiveness? A skin therapy with these properties may be on the horizon from Mark Prausnitz’s Laboratory for Drug Delivery at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In a study published on March 9 in the journal Nature Medicine, Prausnitz and his team of researchers report on research using a skin cream infused with microscopic particles, named STAR particles. To the naked
eye, STAR particles look like a powder, but closer inspection reveals tiny microneedle projections sticking out from the particles like a microscopic star. A particle-containing cream could potentially facilitate better treatment of skin diseases including psoriasis, warts, and certain types of skin cancer. Following the successful study of his microneedle patches for vaccination, Prausnitz and postdoctoral scholar Andrew Tadros, PhD ChE 17, have advanced the technology with the objective of treating skin conditions by simply rubbing STAR particles on the skin. In a study in mice, skin cancer tumors were treated with 5-fluorouracil,
a cancer therapy drug that works by limiting replication of abnormal cells. Tumor growth was inhibited only when the drug was rubbed on the skin above the tumor in combination with STAR particles, whereas the drug without STAR particles was much less effective. “Andrew [Tadros] and I teamed up to adapt the microneedle technology and make it useful, especially in dermatology,” said Prausnitz, Regents' Professor and J. Erskine Love Jr. Chair in the Georgia Tech School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. “Microneedle patches are good at administering drugs or vaccines to a small area of skin, but many dermatological conditions are spread over larger areas. Rather than trying to make really big patches, which would be difficult to use, we ultimately arrived at STAR particles that can be rubbed on the skin— just like any skin lotion—and poke tiny holes in the skin to better deliver drugs.” STAR particles are mixed into a therapeutic cream or
“GEORGIA TECH HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL
IN ENABLING US TO BRING THIS RESEARCH
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CANDLER HOBBS
FIELD,” SAYS PRAUSNITZ.
PHOTOGRAPH
TO THE FOREFRONT OF THE MEDICAL
Tiny microneedle projections that stick out like a microscopic star temporarily increase skin permeability to drugs.
gel and applied to the skin, painlessly creating micropores in the skin’s surface that dramatically—but temporarily—increase skin permeability to drugs. The problem is that most drugs are not absorbed well into skin, so often a drug needs to be given to the whole body by pill or injection just to treat the skin. Exposing the whole body to dermatological drugs often leads to unwanted side effects such as nausea or organ damage. Fortunately, the barrier layer of skin—called the stratum corneum—is thinner than the width of a human hair. While STAR particles are tiny, they are large enough to poke through this barrier layer when rubbed on the skin and let drugs enter the body through the micropores without pain. More effectively delivering medicine directly to where it’s needed could improve treatments for patients dealing with many kinds of skin diseases. Skin creams that deliver drug therapies could widen the range of compounds administered topically, Prausnitz and Tadros suggested. Non-medicinal creams infused with STAR particles have been tested on humans, who generally reported experiencing a mild and comfortable tingling sensation, but no pain or skin irritation. Prausnitz said he hopes to scale the STAR particles for commercial use not only in dermatology, but for cosmetic purposes as well, where they could potentially deliver anti-aging treatments without injections or other harsh procedures. “Our research philosophy is to develop an understanding of biomedical
science and engineering technology, and then bring them together to create something that is practical and can benefit patients,” Prausnitz said. Prausnitz and Tadros have started a new company called Microstar Biotech that’s working to commercialize the STAR particle technology. “Georgia Tech has been instrumental in enabling us to bring this research to the forefront of the medical field, but universities can only do so much,” said Prausnitz. “Commercialization by a company is the mechanism to bring this novel research to the public for their benefit, and I’m hopeful for the future of STAR particles.” Results of the study are published in the March issue of the medical journal Nature Medicine. This work was supported financially by the Georgia Research Alliance and as a joint project
of the CDC Foundation and UNICEF. Prausnitz and Tadros are inventors of the STAR particle technology used in this study and have ownership interest in Microstar Biotech LLC, which is developing technology related to this study. They are entitled to royalties derived from Microstar Biotech’s future sales of products related to the research. These potential conflicts of interest have been disclosed and are overseen by the Georgia Institute of Technology.
READ MORE ABOUT RESEARCH Sign up to receive the Institute's monthly research e-newsletter Research Horizons at www.rh.gatech.edu/ subscribe.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
23
TECH RESEARCH
Icefin, engineered by Tech researchers, gives scientists first-of-its-kind footage of the Thwaites grounding line.
stability of the glacier's footing. It is the line between where the glacier rests on the ocean bed and where it floats over water. The farther back the grounding line recedes, the faster the ice can flow into the sea, pushing up sea levels. “Visiting the grounding line is one of the reasons work like this is important because we can drive right up to it and actually measure where it is,” said Britney Schmidt, an ITGC co-investigator from Georgia Tech. “It’s the first time anyone has done that or has ever even seen the grounding zone of a major glacier under the water, and that’s the place where the greatest degree of melting and destabilization can occur.” The underwater robot, Icefin, was engineered by Schmidt’s Georgia Tech lab. The Tech team was part of a greater collaboration between researchers from the U.S. and the British Antarctic
ROBOTICS
on Thwaites in December and January. “Icefin swam over 15 km (9.3 miles) round-trip during five missions. This included two passes up to the ground-
with the 200-year anniversary of the
ing zone, including one where we got
discovery of Antarctica in 1820.
as close as we physically could to the
rious for contributions to sea-level rise,
Already, Thwaites accounts for about
place where the seafloor meets the
researchers took first-ever images at
4 percent of global sea-level rise. Re-
ice,” said Schmidt, who is an associate
the glacier’s foundations on the ocean
searchers have had concerns that a
professor in Tech’s School of Earth and
floor. The area is key to the Thwaites
tipping point in the stability at its founda-
Atmospheric Sciences.
Glacier’s potential to become more
tions could result in a runaway collapse
dangerous, and in the coming months,
of the glacier and boost sea levels by
the research team hopes to give the
as much as 25 inches (63.5 centime-
world a clearer picture of its condition.
ters). By studying multiple aspects of the
The images, taken by a robotic un-
glacier, the ITGC wants to understand
der water vehicle engineered by
more about the likelihood that the gla-
Georgia Tech researchers, were part
cier the size of Florida may reach such
of a broad set of data collected in a va-
instability in the coming decades.
—BEN BRUMFIELD
riety of experiments by an international team. The International Thwaites Gla-
LINE OF CONCERN
cier Collaboration (ITGC) announced
The area of concern that the under-
the completion of this first-ever major re-
water vehicle visited is called the
search venture on the glacier coincident
grounding line, and it is important to the
24
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
These first-ever images of the grounding zone were snapped by Icefin, the underwater autonomous vehicle engineered in Britney Schmidt's Georgia Tech lab.
INTERNATIONAL THWAITES GLACIER COLLABORATION / GEORGIA TECH-SCHMIDT / DICHEK
DURING an unprecedented scientific campaign on an Antarctic glacier noto-
Survey (BAS), who lived and worked PHOTOGRAPHS
ROBOTIC SUBMARINE SNAPS F I R S T - E V E R I M A G E S A T F O U N DA T I O N O F N O T O R I O U S A N TA R C T I C G L A C I E R
The Georgia Tech Alumni Association partners exclusively with Liberty Mutual to help you save $782 or more a year on auto and home insurance.1
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For a free quote, call 888-618-2146 or visit Libertymutual.com/gtalumni Client # 5906 This organization receives financial support for offering this auto and home benefits program. 1 Average combined annual savings based on countrywide survey of new customers from 1/1/15 to 1/29/16 who reported their prior insurers’ premiums when they switched to Liberty Mutual. Savings comparison does not apply in MA. 2 Based on Liberty Mutual Insurance Company’s 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey in which more than 81% of policyholders reported their interaction with Liberty Mutual service representatives to be “among the best experiences” and “better than average.” 3 For qualifying customers only. Accident Forgiveness is subject to terms and conditions of Liberty Mutual’s underwriting guidelines. Not available in CA and may vary by state. 4 With the purchase of optional Towing & Labor coverage. Applies to mechanical breakdowns and disablements only. Towing related to accidents would be covered under your Collision or Other Than Collision coverage. 5 Optional coverage in some states. Availability varies by state. Eligibility rules apply. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. ©2018 Liberty Mutual Insurance Valid through December 13, 2018.
VOLUME 96
ON THE FIELD
ISSUE 1
BRINGING BACK ”THE BUZZ“ Junior centerfielder Cameron Stanford went 4-for-4 with a home run and double to lead Georgia Tech to a win over Ohio U. Feb. 9 at the Buzz Classic.
PHOTOGRAPH
DANNY KARNIK
JACKETS WITHOUT BORDERS
OGLETREE JOINS GOLF GREATS
FOOTBALL 2020 CLASS
28
32
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GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
27
ON THE FIELD
JACKETS WITHOUT BORDERS
GEORGIA TECH STUDENT-ATHLETES BRING A SPECIAL COMBINATION OF TRAITS TO ASSIST COMMUNITIES DEALING WITH DISASTER AROUND THE WORLD.
J
J A H A Z I E L L E E knows how a natural disaster can devastate an entire community. He grew up in Ponchatoula, La., just outside of New Orleans, and he remembers how Hurricane Katrina leveled houses and flooded neighborhoods, leaving the residents rootless and bereft. Working in his father’s construction company growing up, Lee also learned plenty about the work involved in building and rebuilding homes and businesses. And as a senior lineman on the Tech football team, Lee understands the power of teamwork. Yet nothing in Lee’s past quite prepared him for the poverty he saw last May, when he and 19 other Tech student-athletes traveled to Villa del Rio, Puerto Rico, as part of the athletic department’s Jackets Without Borders (JWOB) program to assist with rehabilitation efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria. “The only place I’ve ever been outside of the continental 48 states is to Ireland,” says Lee. “The culture in Puerto Rico was much different. I didn’t expect to see people living the way they do there.” 28
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
BY TONY REHAGEN The new and eye-opening experience is part of the point. The Jackets Without Borders program was started in 2017, by Tech Athletics Director Todd Stansbury, IM 84, as an extension of the department’s Total Person Program. The goal with JWOB was to build partnerships with communities outside of campus and Atlanta, and expand the impact of Georgia Tech Athletics. But JWOB is also a way to broaden the perspectives of the student-athletes who volunteer. “Many student-athletes aren’t able to study abroad because of their busy schedules,” says Maureen Tremblay, Total Person Program coordinator who developed JWOB. “This gives them a chance to experience something
Student-athletes from Jackets Without Borders returned to Puerto Rico to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Maria and earthquakes.
abroad while also giving back to the community.” The JWOB trip budget—around $60,000, which includes travel, lodging, food, supplies, and building
“THIS GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE SOMETHING ABROAD WHILE ALSO GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY,” TREMBLAY SAYS.
resources for the project—is raised entirely by the athletic department and the student-athletes themselves. Last May’s flight to Villa del Rio was JWOB’s third trip in three years, and its second consecutive job in Puerto Rico (the initial JWOB built a basketball court and soccer field for children in Costa Rica). The objective was to continue the previous year’s efforts in rebuilding and expanding the small homes of working-class families still reeling from the 2017 storm and subsequent earthquakes that have left them with sporadic electricity and unreliable water supply. A centerpiece of the 2019 job was
The athletics department and student-athletes themselves raise funds to cover trip expenses.
replacing a leaky roof on the house of a family that had been helping coordinate relief and rehabilitation efforts throughout the community. “They had been so busy helping other families that they hadn’t had time to take care of themselves,” says Lotta-Maj
Lahtinen, a sophomore guard on the women’s basketball team. “They were so humble and thankful. Building them a roof, it was so powerful to them. It made me appreciate and be more grateful for the little things in my life.” GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
29
ON THE FIELD
Tech football player Jahaziel Lee, pictured inset, was impressed with how tight-knit the team of students became while working together. Coming from a world-class technical institute, the students were not your average volunteers. They re-evaluated processes, assessed problems, and offered efficient solutions.
Both Lahtinen and Lee were also struck by how quickly the JWOB team of 20 meshed together as a crew, even though many of them had never met each other before the trip. Even the experienced construction worker Lee says he was impressed by how everyone—from football players to swimmers to cheerleaders—was unafraid to get their hands dirty, hauling and mixing cement six hours each day in the Puerto Rican heat and rain. Tremblay says that all JWOB groups are marked by a special combination of traits found especially in Georgia Tech student-athletes. First, as lifelong athletes, these Yellow Jackets know what it means to put in the time and toil and work with others to accomplish a common goal. “Their teamwork is very impressive,” says Tremblay. “They worked through water breaks. Everyone pitched in equally hard. No job was too small for someone and they were always doing it as a group.” Furthermore, as students at one of the world’s leading technical institutions, they are adept at assessing problems and formulating efficient and effective solutions. “They constantly want to re-evaluate the process,” says Tremblay. “They formed conveyor-style lines and protocol for how to get the equipment on the roof. They were more than just some volunteer middle-school group, they were 30
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
TOTAL PERSON PROGRAM JACKETS WITHOUT BORDERS is just one of the newest parts of the Total Person Program (TPP), an initiative of Georgia Tech Athletics to help their student-athletes grow into well-rounded graduates who will succeed in life just as they have on the playing field. This holistic approach to student-athlete development might seem obvious these days, when the NCAA itself has built its nationwide NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program. But the idea originated right here at Tech. It was the brainchild of Dr. Homer Rice, a former Georgia Tech Athletics Director, who believed that athletic achievement was only one element of an athlete’s balanced life that should also include excellence in the classroom and personal well-being. Under current Athletics Director Todd Stansbury, the TPP has evolved to meet the unique needs of Yellow Jackets. “Our student-athletes are unique,” says Maureen Tremblay, TPP coordinator. “Other institutions focus on skills development. Here, we focus more on networking and application. Our student-athletes already have the skills.” The TPP focuses on four main areas:
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
This includes a Student-Athlete Advisory Board, which acts as a liaison between fellow student-athletes, coaches, and administration, and JumpStart Jackets, a leadership academy in which student-athletes help incoming students transition into college.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Offering Market Ready programs that connect student-athletes with company site visits, mentoring, internship placement, and job-shadowing of faculty, alumni, and other professionals.
engineers.” And over the course of the weeklong journey, these 20 former strangers also became close friends. They worked together during the day and then went back to the house where they stayed to play games and music and hang out and swim at the beach. “I didn’t expect to make deep relationships, but
PERSONAL GROW TH AND WELLNESS Access to a sports dietician and the GT Sports Nutrition Center for physical health; training on topics like substance abuse, sexual assault and violence prevention, and financial literacy; and mental health initiatives to help student-athletes experience less stress and cope with
COMMUNIT Y ENGAGEMENT
This includes outreach to volunteer events on and around campus with organizations like Girls on the Run or the Michael Isenhour Toy Drive, and abroad with Jackets Without Borders international relief trips.
mental health issues.
working together, we just clicked,” says Lahtinen. “[Back on campus] we don’t see each other every day because of our schedules, but every time we see each other and connect, it’s special. We have a close bond.” More than just new friends, these student-athletes brought home lifelong lessons about themselves and
the world in which they live that will be useful to them long after graduating from Tech. “I learned you have to be grateful for what you have,” says Lee. “There are people living without roofs, with rain on their faces while they sleep. Never take what you have for granted. You never know when disaster could happen to you.” GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
31
ON THE FIELD
NEXT UP: MASTERS
ANDY OGLETREE JOINED TECH GOLF LEGENDS WITH HIS WIN LAST YEAR AT THE U.S. AMATEUR. NOW HE'S TEEING UP TO FACE TIGER WOODS. BY BILL CHASTAIN, IM 79 A N D Y O G L E T R E E won the 2019 U.S. Amateur in August, joining Bobby Jones and Matt Kuchar as the only Georgia Tech golfers to accomplish the feat. Now Tiger Woods and the Masters Tournament await. The Amateur Championship earned Ogletree several notable invitations, including a spot at the Masters in a group that includes Woods, the tournament’s defending champion. Long-time Tech Coach Bruce Heppler fell in love with Ogletree’s swing at first glance when he saw the youngster from Little Rock, Miss., play in a junior tournament in North Georgia. Ever since his arrival on campus in 2016, Ogletree’s game from tee to green has remained superb. But Heppler knew he could be better. He told Ogletree in the fall of 2018 that he had a “realistic chance to play golf for a
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USGA/CHRIS KEANE
32
good shots. If you play the best golf over 36 holes, you’ll win the match. Thankfully, that’s what happened. Just never gave up.” When asked about his date with Woods, and playing in the Masters, (which has been postponed from its original date in April,) Ogletree says he’s not one to get stage fright. Ogletree met Woods several years ago during the Junior Invitational at the Sage Valley Golf Club, just outside Augusta, Ga. Woods hosted a clinic during the day, then hung around with the golfers that night. “He probably doesn’t remember,” says Ogletree of the meeting that saw them paired as partners in a table tennis match. “And we lost two in a row. I was like, ‘Come on, man, you’re slacking.’” Ogletree doesn’t want to get ahead of himself when asked if he sees himself wearing a green jacket, the fashionable trophy awarded to the Masters champion. “Yeah, maybe in the future. It takes a lot to win a major.” He pauses. “I’m not going to sit here and say I expect to win, but I think my good golf is as good as anyone else’s good golf, so I just need to control myself and see what happens. I’ve gotten myself there and I feel like all the work I’ve put in has given me this opportunity. I’m just going to try and make the most of it.”
PHOTOGRAPH
living.” But, he needed to work on his short game. Ogletree, who carries himself with a studious vibe, accepted his coach's critique and got to work. The payoff came early in 2019. Ogletree started to sink putts. Four top-10 finishes in five events followed, including a second-place finish at the ACC Championship in April 2019. The ultimate validation of his short game came when he successfully navigated treacherous Pinehurst No. 2 to win the U.S. Amateur. Pinehurst No. 2 is “a true test,” Ogletree says. “Chipping and pitching are really tough. If my short game wasn’t as prepped as it was, I wouldn’t have had a chance.” Ogletree played Vanderbilt’s John Augenstein in a 36-hole match for the title. After five holes, Augenstein was four up. Ogletree continued to grind, closing out Augenstein on the 35th hole of the match. “Everyone keeps asking me, ‘What did you Ogletree's Amateur think when you were Championship title four down?’ I thought earned him several I was going to win. If I invitations, including a spot at the Masters didn’t think I was goTournament. ing to win, I probably wouldn’t have been there. I kept telling myself to keep hitting
ATHLETICS INITIATIVE 2020 MONTHSREMAINING REMAINING ATHLETICS INITIATIVE 2020/// /// 99MONTHS
$119.87M $119.87 M TOTAL RAISED $125M
The Alexander-Tharpe
The cornerstone of the project is the new Edge/Rice building which will be the most influential Fund has raised $89.64M project ever embarked by the GTAA since the original building. Every one of our 400 studentagainst the $125M goal athletes, coaches and staff spends their time in this building. The Edge/Rice building is the in the first halforganization of AI2020.and the most critical need in the Athletics Initiative 2020. heartbeat of our
There are still many opportunities for donors to give towards the goal. FACILITIES Donors can engage with the initiative through 74% sport specific giving, donations to the Athletic $70.93M Director’s initiative, or RAISED through scholarship $88M endowments. GOAL
GOAL
The cornerstone of the project is the new Edge/ More information about Rice building which will be the most influential AI2020 can be found on project ever embarked by the GTAA since the ENDOWMENTS The Alexander-Tharpe engage the initiative found on the Alexander-Tharpe originalwith building. Every one AI2020 of our can 400bestudentFund has raised $119.87M through sport specific giving, the Alexander-Tharpe Fund 62% Fund website at athletes,tocoaches and staffwebsite spends time against the $125M goal donations the Athletic at their atfund.org/2020 or atfund.org/2020 or by in this building. Edge/Rice building isFund the office with nine months remaining Director’s Initiative orThe through by calling the A-T AI2020. are still many scholarship at (404) calling There the A-T Fund heartbeatendowments. of our organization and 894-5414. the most $21.69M RAISED opportunities for donors to More information about office at (404) 894-5414. critical need in the Athletics Initiative 2020.
$25M GOAL
“
We talk about athletics being the front porch of a university and We’re very grateful to the donor who provided the generous matching this building is ourusfront porch.raise The the goals of$20 Athletics gift that will allow to quickly final millionInitiative needed to 2020 are simple – to ensure that we can recruit the special type move forward with the new Edge Center. We’re in the home stretch CURRENT OPERATIONS of2020, student-athlete that can excel both athletically academically of AI which will be transformative for Georgia Techand athletics. The new at Center, GeorgiainTech, provide tools andachieve technology needed to buildina 96% Edge particular, willthe allow us to our goals of bringing student-athlete once they’re heredeveloping and to reach ourinto expectations thebetter best recruits to thrive at Georgia Tech, them even better student-athletes they arrive and, ultimately,athletics. winning championships of winning at once the highest levelhere of intercollegiate Excellence $27.25M RAISED at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics, while also developing young and innovation are in our DNA. Athletics Initiative 2020 will help us people who will change the world. We thank you for your generous support and $12M stay true to those standards for years to come.” GOAL encourage you to please consider participating in the Edge Center matching - M. Todd Stansbury, IM 1984 challenge to help put us over the top and allow construction to begin as soon Director of Athletics as possible. *As of January 31, 2020 - M. Todd Stansbury No matter the size, your generosity in support of Athletics No matter Initiative 2020thewillsize, helpyour us reach generosity in support our mark. Commitmentsofmay Initiative 2020 beAthletics made over time (up to 5 years), and us canreach be completed in will help our installments. Thank you for your mark. Commitments consideration andover improving may be made time the Georgia Tech student-athlete (up to 5 years), and experience. can be completed in installments. Thank you for your consideration and improving the Georgia Tech student-athlete experience.
IM 1984 | Director of Athletics
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT AI 2020 ent YOU SUPPORT AI 2020 project or endowm a facility ent toCAN commitm Make aHOW Fund hip Scholars Athletic the Give annually to Support your favorite team with a gift directly to that program Leave Georgia Tech Athletics in your estate plans Recruit others to give
Make a commitment to a facility project or endowment Give annually to the Athletic Scholarship Fund Support your favorite team with a gift directly to that program COMMIT YOUR SUPPORT AT ATFUND.ORG/COMMIT Leave GeorgiaTODAY Tech Athletics in your estate plans Recruit others to give
TO LEARN MORE VISIT ATFUND.ORG/COMMIT
ON THE FIELD
YELLOW JACKETS SIGN HISTORIC 2020 CLASS AFTER A YEAR OF RECRUITMENT, Georgia Tech Football signed an impressive class for the 2020 season. The class was ranked No. 24 nationally by Rivals.com, making it only the second top-25 recruiting class in Tech’s history, joining the 2007 recruitment class.
TRACK & FIELD CAPTURES GOLD
25 SIGNEES Avery Boyd, WR, Tallahassee, Fla.
J U N I O R L O N G - D I S TA N C E R U N N E R Ni-
established herself as the best in the
cole Fegans and senior jumper Bria
field, hitting a mark of 13.33m to put
Jacksonville, Fla.
Matthews both captured gold med-
her in first. She would hold that spot
Devin Cochran, OL, Norcross, Ga.
als and First Team All-ACC honors
for the remainder of the event. On
Khatavian Franks, LB,
in their respective events at the 2020
her sixth and final attempt, Matthews
Fairburn, Ga.
ACC Indoor Track & Field Champion-
decided to cement her victory with a
ship Feb. 27–29, in South Bend, Ind.
13.42m jump. Her final leap was her
Fegans won the women’s 3000m
best of the 2020 indoor campaign
Beach, Fla.
run with a time of 9:06.92 to set a
thus far, ensuring that the senior
Wing Green, OL, Leesburg, Ga.
new personal record in that event.
would leave The Hoosier State with
Jalen Huff, CB, Buford, Ga.
Matthews was the clear favorite
her third collegiate conference title
heading into the triple jump as she
in the triple jump and the eighth-best
had already earned two ACC indi-
mark in the country.
Miles Brooks, CB,
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Dalton, Ga. Tucker Gleason, QB, Tampa, Fla. Bryce Gowdy,* WR, Deerfield
Jared Ivey, DE, Suwanee, Ga. Emmanuel Johnson, DL, North Charleston, S.C. Ryan Johnson, OL,
vidual championships in that event
Sophomore Olivia Moore also
prior to the competition. From the
brought home the bronze medal in
Kyle Kennard, DE, Atlanta
very first jump of the day, Matthews
the women’s pole vault.
Ryan King, WR, Loganville, Ga.
Brentwood, Tenn.
Cade Kootsouradis, OL Crestview, Fla.
TECH SWIMMERS FINISH STRONG AT ACC SEVEN GEORGIA T E C H men’s swim-
swimmers earned NCAA qualifying
mers earned NCAA
personal records, and Georgia
qualifying times,
Tech got another season-best perfor-
turning in a number
mance from its relay team.
times, eight individuals earned new
of top-10 program bests and person-
Georgia Tech junior diver Camryn
al bests at the ACC Championships
Hidalgo took home gold for the 1-me-
Feb. 26–29, in Greensboro, N.C.
ter board and silver for platform. On
Nate McCollum, WR, McDonough, Ga. Tyson Meiguez, LB, Fairburn, Ga. Michael Rankins, OL, Ruskin, Fla. Jeff Sims, QB, Jacksonville, Fla. Ryan Spiers, OL, Biloxi, Miss. Akelo Stone, DL, Savannah, Ga. Paula Vaipulu, OL, Channelview, Texas Billy Ward, TE, Locust Grove, Ga. Jordan Williams, OL, Gainesville, Ga.
the men’s diving team, freshman Ru-
Khaya Wright, OLB, Miami, Fla.
and Diving Championships held Feb.
ben Lechuga earned a silver medal
19–22, two Georgia Tech women’s
on the 1-meter board.
*Georgia Tech Football mourns signee Bryce Gowdy, who died on Dec. 30, 2019.
At the Women’s ACC Swimming
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W O M E N ’ S VO L L E Y B A L L W R A P S U P I M P R E S S I V E S E A S O N GEORGIA TECH VOLLEYBALL ended their 2019 season on a high note with the National Invitational Volleyball Championship title, shutting out South Dakota 3-0. This was the Jackets’ third sweep of the postseason and their 16th sweep of the season. The Yellow Jackets finished the regular season with a 21-8 record, its first 20-win season since 2016, when the Jackets went 24-8. In addition to claiming the NIVC crown, Georgia Tech Volleyball earned a program-record four first-team AVCA East Coast all-region selections: •Julia Bergmann was named Region Freshman of the Year.
•Head Coach Michelle Collier was named Region Coach of the Year. •Sophomore Mattison McKissock
was named First Team All-Region. •Senior Kodie Comby was named First Team All-Region.
VOLUME 96
IN THE WORLD
ISSUE 1
A MEASURE OF SUSTAINABILITY Gerogia Tech alumni are known for tackling global challenges with innovative solutions. Three alumni recently took on ” fast fashion” with a distinctly Tech approach.
PHOTOGRAPH
MARC OLIVIER LE BLANC
SUPER BOWL CHAMP
FASHION FORWARD
TECH’S OLDEST LIVING ALUMNUS
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IN THE WORLD
NO. #1 BUTT KICKER
NEWLY MINTED SUPER BOWL CHAMPION HARRISON BUTKER, IE 17, IS FOCUSED ON THE LONG GAME.
H
BY BILL CHASTAIN, IM 79
HARRISON BUTKER has a shiny, new ring. The former Tech kicker and industrial engineering graduate is the Kansas City Chiefs’ placekicker and went five-for-five on kicks— four extra points and a field goal—during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win this year over the San Francisco 49ers. Butker kicked for Tech from 2013 through 2016 and remains the Jackets’ all-time leading scorer, with 337 career points. He’ll always be remembered by Yellow Jacket fans for the Nov. 29, 2014, Tech game against Georgia. That’s the day his powerful leg drove a 53-yard field goal through the uprights to send a game thought to be lost into overtime. Tech then claimed the victory. Now, he’s making Tech fans proud again, adding another mark to the Institute’s rolls of Super Bowl champions. Following his win, Butker took time for a Q&A with the Alumni Magazine.
Q:
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CHIEFS.COM
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PHOTOGRAPHS
F I R S T , W H AT D I D I T F E E L L I K E J U S T T O G E T T O T H E S U P E R BOWL? A: It felt amazing. We lost in the AFC Championship last year at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, so during the off-season and this whole season, we were just thinking about getting back to AFC to try to redeem ourselves. So, it was great to bring the Lamar Hunt Trophy back to Kansas City for the Hunt family and was exciting to be able to go to Miami for the 2020 Super Bowl.
Harrison Butker is the Jackets' alltime leading scorer, with 337 career points. As Kansas City Chiefs' placekicker, he helped the Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in this year's Super Bowl.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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IN THE WORLD
"I was most looking forward to seeing my family after the game," Butker says.
Q: THE SUPER BOWL IS KNOWN TO BRING ITS SHARE OF CHALLENGES, PARTICULARLY OFF THE FIELD. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MORE CHALLENGING ELEMENTS YOU HAD TO DEAL WITH? A: There were a lot of distractions. For one, during the season whether it’s an away game, you’re still practicing at your facilities that whole week. With the Super Bowl, it’s a whole week of preparation at a facility that you’re not used to, so that can throw you off your rhythm. But Coach Reid is a huge process guy and kept our practice schedule basically the same every day. Then we had media obligations almost every day, so it was a little different having tons of questions coming at you when you just want to focus on your routine and what you need to do to make sure you’re successful for the game.
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R I G H T T H R O U G H T H E M I D D L E . H O W D O Y O U F E E L A B O U T T H E W AY YOU CAME THROUGH DURING THE GAME? A: If you only have extra points, a lot of people say you basically didn’t do much in the game. But now that an extra point is 33 yards, it’s just like kicking a regular field goal distance-wise. It felt good to make all of our kicks. I feel like I hit the ball really well in the Super Bowl on field goals and also felt like our special-teams unit did really well on kickoffs when it came to limiting the 49ers’ starting field position.
Q : IN GENERAL, HAS YOUR FAITH HELPED YOU DEAL WITH THE PRESSURE OF KICKING FIELD GOALS? A: Definitely. I can prepare as much as I want to be successful on the field and to make all my kicks, but I have to trust in God’s plan for my life and realize that may mean I don’t make every kick. Knowing this gives me peace with my results.
CHIEFS.COM
WHICH HAS SUCH A PROLIFIC OFFENSE? A: It’s great. It actually reminds me a lot of the triple-option style at Georgia Tech in 2014. We scored a lot of touchdowns and I had a ton of extra points. It’s awesome. I’d much rather
Q : E A C H O F Y O U R AT T E M P T S A P P E A R E D T O S P L I T T H E U P R I G H T S
PHOTOGRAPH
Q: WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A KICKER ON A TEAM LIKE THE CHIEFS,
be a kicker on a great team where I’m kicking a lot of extra points and field goals when we need them.
Q: HAS ANYTHING SPECIFIC YOU LEARNED AT TECH—IN THE CLASSROOM OR ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD—HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR BEING AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME? A: I think to be a successful student at Tech you learn to prepare well and put in the time to get things right. It’s the same with my approach when it comes to kicking. I spend a lot of time on the seemingly small details when it comes to preparation, watching film, studying my technique, and creating a process to try to improve every day. I find different ways to set and achieve goals and that stems from my time in the classroom at Tech.
Q: HOW DID IT FEEL TO HAVE THE WHOLE GEORGIA TECH COMMUNITY ROOTING FOR YOU? A: It was a great feeling. Since I got to the NFL, GT fans have been super supportive on social media through the ups and downs with encouraging messages, and it was no different leading up to the Super Bowl. I know they’ll always be in my corner supporting me along the way—very thankful for their support!
Q : AFTER THE GAME, YOUR WIFE AND YOUR SON JOINED YOU ON T H E F I E L D T O E N J O Y T H E C E L E B R AT I O N . H O W S P E C I A L W AS T H AT MOMENT? A: It was very special. Right when we won, I was most looking forward to seeing my family after the game. I know my son won’t remember this moment, but hopefully, he can look at the pictures and videos and see how much we love him. To be able to share it with my entire family was a moment I’ll never forget.
Butker is the 17th Super Bowl champion in the Institute’s rolls.
BY THE NUMBERS:
SUPER YELLOW JACKETS H a r r i s o n B u t ke r, I E 17, i s t h e l a t e s t Ye l l o w J a c ke t to join an elite g r o u p o f Ra m b l i n ’ Wr e c k s o f Super Bowl fame. Check out the number of appearances and wins Ye l l o w J a c ke t s c l a i m f r o m t h e biggest night in football.
39 Tw o - t i m e champions
2
Appearances including one head coach
3
Players with three-time appearances
twenty
Super Bowl champions
Q: WHAT’S NEXT FOR HARRISON BUTKER? A : I’m super excited to get back to work for the upcoming season. I know we just finished a long season, but I’m focused on continuing to get better. I’d love to have a long, memorable career, so I’m always striving to improve. I’m having a lot of fun and just want to keep enjoying the process of growing with the Chiefs and getting better as a team. GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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IN THE WORLD
FASHION FORWARD
TECH ALUMNI COLLABORATE TO CREATE A COMPOSTABLE, SUSTAINABLE FASHION BRAND.
F
FASHION IN THE LAST CENTURY wouldn’t be anywhere without Coco Chanel and little black dresses, Alexander McQueen and angular suits, or Diane von Furstenberg and the wrap dress. But as the negative environmental impacts of the fashion industry have come to light in the past few years, people are beginning to wonder how we can take the expressions of these artists and insert the topic of sustainability into the conversation. Architect Elaheh Demirchelie is working to do just that. In February, Demirchelie, Arch 09, MS Arch 14, with the scientific expertise of two other alumni, launched a sustainable
DESIGNING FOR GOOD But what does an architect know about fashion design? It turns out, quite a bit. When Demirchelie began studying architecture at Georgia Tech, she immersed herself in other creative disciplines as well, including poetry, art, and fashion. And when she began her career in architecture, working her way up to chief creative officer for the award-winning firm Mark Cavagnero Associates in San Francisco, she began to see her role as taking on some of the global issues that challenge our world. When Demirchelie started her own architecture and design agency in 2018, she aimed for her practice to focus on these issues through the lens of architecture and product design. A couple years ago, Demirchelie set out to use her design skills to make a small batch of shirts for a 10-year-old relative. She noticed there was a large price difference between polyester, cotton, and organic cotton, and was curious to know why. So, she began doing some research. What she discovered was the fashion industry was polluting the environment. The industry produces 10
percent of all the world’s carbon emissions, is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply, and pollutes the ocean with microplastics. Eighty-five percent of all textiles go to the dump each year, where any dyes on the clothing can leach into the ground. And then there’s the overproduction. Today’s apparel industry produces about 150 billion garments annually. Thirty percent of that is never sold and another third leaves the shops at discounted prices. Or some companies decide to destroy the unsold items instead of selling them cheap, in order to protect their brand’s value. (In 2018, Burberry burned millions of dollars’ worth of bags, clothes, and perfume.) Demirchelie was stunned. After spending 14 years engaged in sustainable design, how did she not know about this? “I had this new architecture studio, I had been trying to win architecture projects, and all of a sudden that’s on hold,” Demirchelie says. “I’m researching all these things about the fashion industry. I was looking at it so much that after a few weeks, I thought, ‘I have to go see this firsthand.’” So Demirchelie applied for a business visa to China and visited everyone from manufacturers to suppliers. When she returned, she looked at the world’s top sustainable fashion brands and discovered that most of them missed out on a portion of sustainability: for example, their products would
MARC OLIVIER LE BLANC AND NATHAN HIRSCH
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
fashion brand. LEONOEL, featuring clothing for men (LEON) and women (NOEL), as well as a neutral line (N), merges design, science, and technology to achieve the smallest environmental footprint through the entire lifecycle of a garment.
PHOTOGRAPHS
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BY KELLEY FREUND
Elaheh Demirchelie, ARCH 09, MS ARCH 14, set out to challenge the fashion world's detrimental impacts on the environment through the lens of architecture and product design.
Prior to LEONOEL, Kristen Mitchell, MS EAS 11, studied microplastics. Her experience was inspiration for the fashion brand’s reclaimed line that turns plastic bottles into regenerated fabrics.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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Elaheh Demirchelie, above, collaborated with fellow Tech alum Babak Shafei, PhD, EAS 12, to use a popular mathematical and engineering method called a fuzzy algorithm to quantify sustainability.
be made with organic cotton with no organic certifications. All this research led to one simple question: how can fashion companies achieve the smallest environmental footprint through the entire lifecycle of a garment? Demirchelie decided to launch her own sustainable fashion brand. But she needed some help. She wanted to know if it was possible to do a full lifecycle assessment on a product, and remembered a fellow Georgia Tech alumnus, Babak Shafei, PhD EAS 12, had been working on a project in grad school that might be useful. AN INTERDISCIPLINARY SOLUTION After earning his PhD, Shafei worked as a research scientist with the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, one of the largest water research institutions in the world, before eventually moving to Houston to start his own company, AquaNRG. 44
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The organization offers data-driven and physics-chemistry software platforms and hardware infrastructure for environmental and energy companies. (AquaNRG has been awarded three Small Business Innovation Research grants from the United States Department of Energy and National Science Foundation totaling $1.4 million.) Sustainability is a vague concept and is difficult to quantify. But Shafei had developed different models for calculating environmental impact while a student at Georgia Tech. The “calculator” takes the three components of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—and quantifies them with a popular mathematical and engineering method called a fuzzy algorithm. “The premise of this methodology is that it translates these vague concepts of sustainability to numbers,” Shafei says. “At the end what we have is one number that makes decision making much easier, faster, and really allows us to design better products.” Shafei decided his former PhD classmate, Kristen Mitchell, MS EAS 11, would also be useful in launching
When clothes end up at the dump, the dyes on the clothes can leach into the ground. Undyed, vegetable dyed, and non-toxic dyes can reduce the detrimental impact of discarded clothing.
LEONOEL. Mitchell, before she was a political appointee under the Obama Administration and an environmental policy advisor for various companies, spent six weeks sailing from San Diego to Honolulu, studying pollution in the ocean by collecting and counting plastic. After the research trip, Mitchell successfully completed a PhD in geoscience. “Plastic is a huge component of our lives,” Mitchell says. “It’s in almost everything you touch—including your clothes. I don’t think people think about that very much, and that’s one of the reasons this project interested me.” In her previous work to draft a bill about plastic waste in the environment, Mitchell came across the different ways that companies were trying to address the problem. One of those was collecting items and turning them into other products—even fibers for clothing. Her conversations with Demirchelie inspired LEONOEL’s reclaimed collection, which turns plastic bottles into regenerated fabrics. WHAT’S IN A LABEL? Both LEONOEL’s compostable and biodegradable collections consist of organic and natural fibers, such as organic cotton (the company works with suppliers who hold the Global Organic Textile Standard, which limits the use of chemical inputs during the production process). Each garment comes with a tag that illustrates the sustainability journey the garment has taken from seed to disposal. This transparency to consumers was important to Demirchelie, as during her early research for the company, she often found that the word “sustainable” was used as a
marketing strategy. “I don’t think anyone should go shopping and buy something that is called sustainable and not know how it’s sustainable,” she says. A LEONOEL tag includes the fabric composition, the dye process (whether it’s undyed, vegetable dyed, or non-toxic dyed), and the disposal process. Depending on the dye, a garment can be used for household compost or placed in a commercial compost bin at the end of its life cycle. As the company builds up business over the next year, LEONOEL’s next step will be inserting affordability in its model to fit the income level of the average American household, and hopefully in the process, overcome the issue of fashion waste. LEONOEL has decided to pre-sell clothes to customers at wholesale prices and plans to include their preferences in the design process prior to selecting the styles they end up manufacturing. This approach allows the company to create 100 percent sustainable pieces at affordable prices with no overproduction. Demirchelie hopes the work she is doing with LEONOEL can initiate a larger conversation and help spur a new methodology in the fashion industry. “The role of an architect as I’ve understood it is using the design capabilities we have to solve real-world issues,” she says. “That’s becoming more relevant, with all the problems we’re dealing with in the world today. LEONOEL is the byproduct of that belief—that science and design in a multidisciplinary approach can offer holistic solutions to our everyday problems.” GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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GEORGIA TECH’S OLDEST LIVING ALUMNUS
TEXTILE ENGINEERING GRADUATE GEORGE ROY BETHUNE CELEBRATED HIS 106TH BIRTHDAY IN MARCH.
BY JENNIFER HERSEIM
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
Tech graduate. He felt sorry for me and gave me the job. It was a huge experience for me. They had this big building, which was impossible to heat. They had three or four pot-bellied stoves around the room. One of my jobs was to keep those stoves going so that people could warm their hands. I think they paid me 15 cents an hour.
ON BEING A CO-OP STUDENT DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION: There was a man who was the head of the co-op department who worked hard to get jobs for the students, but at that time there were no jobs to get. The reason I got the job with Goodyear, the first co-op job I had, was because the fellow in charge of iron works was a
ON MAKING FRIENDS AND LIVING OFF CAMPUS: I made friends all right. Most of the people in my class lived in the dormitory and I lived with my aunt and uncle close to Little Five Points. There was one other fellow, two of us in my class, who didn’t live in the dormitory. One thing about living off campus
“ONE THING ABOUT LIVING OFF CAMPUS WAS IF YOU WENT HOME WITH YOUR HOMEWORK, YOU DIDN’T HAVE ANYONE TO HELP YOU WITH IT,” BETHUNE SAYS.
SCOTT DINERMAN
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ON HIS FIRST EXPERIENCE AT TECH: It seemed like a big, hard school. I remember the first time I went to the math class and the professor was an old timer. He looked out over the class and said, ‘You are the dumbest-looking bunch of students I ever saw.’ But, we turned out to be a pretty good class. I think he was trying to spur us on a bit.
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T H E S E C R E T T O A L O N G L I F E ? “Having good friends,” says 106-year-old George Roy Bethune. Born in Atlanta in 1914, Bethune celebrated his 106th birthday on March 10, making him Georgia Tech’s oldest living alumnus. Bethune says if he had to do it all again, he would still choose Georgia Tech. “It’s what I wanted from the start,” he says. But, Bethune almost didn’t make it here because his family couldn't afford to pay his first quarter tuition. A stroke of good luck made it possible. His mother entered a competition from Snow Dry Cleaning Co., in Macon, Ga., and won first prize of $50. His family scraped together the rest so that he could enroll with $100, feeling like “the richest man in the world,” he says. He entered Tech’s coop program to pay for his remaining quarters. Bethune “got out” of Tech in 1937 with a degree in textile engineering. He later worked for Goodyear and served in the military, achieving the rank of company commander. Georgia Tech’s Living History Program conducted two interviews with Bethune. Here are a few highlights from those interviews.
If he had to do it over again, George Roy Bethune says he would still pick Georgia Tech. He attended Tech as a co-op student during the Great Depression.
was if you went home with your homework, you didn’t have anyone to help you with it. There was one phone in the dormitory, and I would call it sometimes to see if someone could help me. But they didn’t always answer that phone. It would sometimes ring 30 or 40 times. ON GRADUATION: It was held in Fox Theatre. We had to do ROTC. I remember they had the graduation the first part of the summer and the co-ops had to go to a summer camp to complete ROTC, so we received a fake diploma at graduation, because we weren’t actually finished. They mailed us our diplomas after we came back from the ROTC camp. ON SPENDING SIX WEEKS COMPLETING ROTC CAMP: I was in the ordnance department and we went to Aberdeen, Md., to the Aberdeen Proving Ground. I think we were the first class to go there. The previous class went to Alabama, where there was nothing but sand and hot sun. That would have been boring. We had the opposite. Going to the Aberdeen Providing Ground was really great. ON HIS MILITARY POST AT FORT BRAGG: I was in active duty scheduled to be released December 1941 and then Pearl Harbor came along Dec. 7, so everyone who was in automatically got their time extended. I was in for four more years until the end of the war. I remember when I was at Fort Bragg, in North Carolina, we had to go out to the artillery range and clear any
shells that hadn’t exploded. One day we were out there and our company commander wanted me to go back to the post and look at something. While I was gone, they exploded a phosphorous shell and it blew up and started little grass fires. They were shoveling dirt to put out these fires. The company commander came upon a fuse on a shell that had not exploded. He had
a shovel of dirt ready to throw on it when the fuse blew up. It sent him to the hospital and nearly killed him. If he hadn’t sent me back to headquarters, I probably would have been there with him. I escaped that. I was then made company commander. We followed the rules a little more closely after that and we were a little more careful handling those shells. GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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GIVE
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MOMENT G O T A M I N U T E ? S I X G E O R G I A T E C H S T U D E N T S TA K E Y O U
I N T O T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T M O M E N T S O F T H E I R DA Y —
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ERIN PETERSON
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CHARLIE LAYTON
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A N N A R O M A N OV
A N U S H K M I T TA L
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER / VIOLINIST
COMPUTER SCIENCE / STARTUP FOUNDER
DA V I D C U R R Y
KATE BENSON
MASTER'S STUDENT / LINEBACKER
MASTER'S STUDENT / INTERNATIONAL ADVISOR
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students are busier than most. Brainy and driven, they often pack their schedules full with courses, extracurriculars, and side projects. Every minute matters. (You probably know exactly what we mean.) And for many students, certain moments in their day carry greater weight than others. These moments are the inflection points that not only represent where these students are at a single point in time, but speak to their most important values and future aspirations. In the pages that follow, we step into the shoes of six students during those critical junctures. They shared with us where they are, what they’re doing, and how they feel. We hope these snapshots remind you of your own years at Tech—whether it was the joy of finding work that would drive you for a lifetime, the endless possibility that those years represented, or simply the nose-to-the-grindstone hustle that drives nearly every student on Tech’s campus. Want to share your own “most important minute” from your years at Tech? Contact us at editor@alumni.gatech.edu.
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DA V I D C U R R Y / / 7 : 5 0 A . M .
C U R R Y, A L I N E B A C K E R F O R G E O R G I A T E C H ’ S F O O T B A L L T E A M , W I L L P L A Y H I S F I N A L S E A S O N A T T E C H N E X T FA L L . T H E B U F O R D, G A . , N A T I V E E A R N E D H I S B A C H E L O R ’ S I N F I N A N C E A N D I S C U R R E N T LY P U R S U I N G A M A S T E R ’ S I N E C O N O M I C S .
WHAT HAPPENS AT 7:50? That’s when I have to be in the weight room on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We’re expected to show up no later than 10 minutes early to our 8 a.m. session.
I have to get eight—at least eight!—hours of sleep. AFTER YOUR ALARM GOES OFF, THEN WHAT? I get dressed, and by 6:15, I’m making breakfast. Eight whole eggs, a cup of oats, peanut butter, protein powder. A banana. Some blueberries.
time and go over those notes again.
IT’S A LOT TO FIT IN... Yeah, I think my day looks different from most students’ days. But I love starting this way—getting up, breakfast, and then a great workout, DO YOU JUST ROLL OUT all before I start my classes. OF BED AND GO? Even after that, I still have to No. I have to wake up in time fit in watching game footage, to eat, stretch, and get in the AN ATHLETE’S DAY SEEMS classes, and going over my hot tub before my workout. schoolwork. But the busier my That means my alarm goes off QUITE REGIMENTED. Yes. In some ways, I’m getting day is, the more rewarding at 6 a.m. a bachelor’s degree in school it feels to get to the end of it. and a bachelor’s in football. You start with the momentum, DO YOU HIT SNOOZE? I have the workouts, and I then you keep it going. No. My alarm goes off, I get set aside extra time to watch up. game footage, things like that. DO YOU EVER WISH YOU And like most college students COULD START YOUR DAY THAT WAKEUP TIME find out, it’s not enough to just LATER? MUST MAKE IT HARD TO show up to the lecture and Later than 6 a.m.? Well, it’s BE A NIGHT OWL. not that bad. I used to have a I’m in bed before 9:30. I can’t take notes, like it might have been in high school. You’ve 5:30 workout time. On those be going to bed at 11 or 12 got to learn to separate your days, I had to get up at 4. at night. It’s not sustainable.
KATE BENSON // 8 : 3 0 A. M.
BENSON IS A MASTER’S STUDENT IN GEORGIA TECH’S S C H O O L O F P U B L I C P O L I C Y. I N A D D I T I O N T O H E R S C H O O LW O R K , S H E I N T E R N S A T T H E C A R T E R C E N T E R . SHE IS ALSO ON A TEAM WORKING FOR THE U.S. D E PA R T M E N T O F S T A T E T O P R O V I D E S C I E N C E A N D TECHNOLOGY POLICY ADVICE TO THE INDONESIAN G O V E R N M E N T.
FOUR MORNINGS A WEEK, KATE BENSON HEADS TO THE CARTER CENTER FOR HER INTERNSHIP. She admits that in some ways, she’s fighting her essential composition—“I’m not a morning person,” she acknowledges—but her destination makes it worth the effort. Inside one of the Center’s satellite office buildings, known as Kirbo, Benson sits in what once was the receptionist’s area. Her desk, decorated with a welcome note from colleagues and a container of bubbles, sits just in front of shelves filled with books written by the former president and brochures detailing the work of the Center. The cube-filled office space—though modest by nearly any standard—is one of the most joyful places she’s been, says Benson. “Anytime anyone walks in, I see them and get to say good morning and smile,” she says. “And without fail, they say hello and smile back. Everyone seems like they genuinely want to be here.” As a development intern, Benson spends much of her time learning from gift
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officers or helping plan events. She finds ways to share the impact of The Carter Center’s work, from supporting human rights initiatives for women and girls around the world to eradicating the devastating Guinea worm disease. For Benson, these early mornings represent a key step forward in a dream she’s had since 2013. While she was an undergraduate student at Georgia College & State University, a mentor who was on the Center’s Board of Councilors took her to a meeting. Benson was captivated by the scope and scale of the Center’s work and was determined to find a way to get involved in the organization. When she arrived at Tech, she continued to hold tightly to that goal. With the support of her family, friends, and Tech faculty, she applied for and got the internship. Within weeks of joining The Carter Center, she felt confident that she had found a path she could travel for years. “I knew I wanted to intern here, but I didn’t know if I’d want to do this work,” she says. “Now, I’m 100 percent certain that’s my goal.”
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A N N A R O M A N O V / / 3 : 0 0 P. M .
R O M A N OV I S A S E N I O R B I O M E D I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G STUDENT AND VIOLINIST FROM ROSWELL, GA. SHE HAS BEEN DOING RESEARCH ON CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH ASSISTANT BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PROFESSOR GABE KWONG FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS.
MY FAVORITE MOMENT IS WHEN I’M JUST STARTING A NEW EXPERIMENT. Usually, that’s in the afternoons after my classes are done, but sometimes I’ll start on a Saturday morning and go from early in the morning, like 8 or 9 a.m., until later at night. When I’m about to start, I’ll be in the lab. All of my reagents are lined up and all of my handwritten notes are in front of me. I might be formulating nanoparticles, working with cells, or treating mice. Whatever the case, I take a deep breath and try to go through everything I have coming up over the next few hours in my head before I actually do it: What’s my hypothesis? What results should
I expect? What are the potential problems I might run into? A lot of experiments take a few days to see whether or not they worked. If I’m working on a mouse study, it might be a month or more, but the moment that I am ready to get started, that’s when I feel the shift. I’m always very curious to see if something will work, and if it does, that’s awesome. But even if it doesn’t, it allows me to ask new scientific questions. I’ll write that down, too. Is it hard to stay motivated? Not really. Nobody is forcing me to do this. I have the freedom to plan experiments out myself. I plan to pursue a PhD program so I can continue to do biomedical research.
G E O R G E P. B U R D E L L / / 5 : 0 0 P. M .
I F YO U D O N ' T K N O W B U R D E L L , T E C H ' S M O S T FA M O U S S T U D E N T, D I D YO U R E A L LY A T T E N D T H E I N S T I T U T E ?
WHERE AM I AT 5:00 P.M.? Well, by five o’clock, I’ve already finished several degrees at Tech’s campuses on multiple continents. I’ve completed a handful of marathons,
played in mutliple football games, and answered a dozen paging requests at airports around the country. So, at 5 p.m., all I want to do is sit down and relax.
J O S E P H I N A O B I / / 9 : 3 0 P. M .
O B I I S S T U DY I N G I N T E R N A T I O N A L A F FA I R S A N D J A PA N E S E . S H E I S S P E N D I N G H E R S P R I N G T E R M IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AS AN INTERN AT THE COLEGIO BILINGÜE NEW HORIZONS, AN OPPORTUNITY SHE LEARNED ABOUT WITH THE HELP OF TECH PRE-GRADUATE AND PRE-TEACHI N G A D V I S E R S U S A N B E L M O N T E . O V E R T H E S U M M E R O F 2 0 1 8 , S H E W A S I N VA L E N C I A , S PA I N , A S PA R T O F A C O C A - C O L A F I R S T G E N E R A T I O N S C H O L A R S H I P S U M M E R P R O G R A M .
In my head, I go through the AT THE END OF THE DAY, list of things that I had to do I BRUSH MY TEETH IN MY APARTMENT HERE IN SAN- that day. I ask myself, “What did I actually do? How well TO DOMINGO. I’m staying do I think that I did it?” If I here in the capital city while I didn’t finish a task that day, I work as a teaching assistant. ask myself, “How can I do it I work with students in grades three, four, and five on English tomorrow?” On not-so-good days, I say and social studies. to myself: “Who did you help I live in a small apartment near a busy intersection. There today, specifically?” I try to think of the individual students are always cars honking and that I’ve helped during the people yelling. But when I’m standing in my very small bath- day, even if it’s as small as teaching someone what a room by the sink, it’s quiet. pronoun is. me in front of my mirror. | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE 54Just SPRING 2020
Even saying, “Hi, how are you doing today?” to students can be enough. I know I definitely needed that when I was in high school. This is my moment to relax, reflect, and say, “Okay, you deserve this.” I’m pretty scheduled and very methodical. I try to think of everything ahead of time. My goal, once I graduate, is to become an educator—a professor. I want to be a person who can reflect and find ways to help.
A N U S H K M I T TA L / / 1 1 : O 0 P. M .
IN 2017, COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT MIT TAL DEVELOPED AN APP CALLED MEMEOIS THAT CREATES A PERSONALIZED FEED OF MEMES FOR USERS. THE APP EARNED SIGNIFICANT AT TENTION AS ONE OF TECH’S INVENTURE PRIZE FINALISTS. MIT TAL HAS SINCE TAKEN H I S A P P, W H I C H H A D A L R E A D Y A T T R A C T E D T E N S O F THOUSANDS OF USERS, THROUGH CREATE-X, WHICH H E L P S S T U D E N T S L A U N C H S T A R T U P S S U C C E S S F U L LY. M I T TA L N OW L E A D S A F O U R - P E R S O N T E A M WO R K I N G T O S T R E N G T H E N A N D G R O W T H E A P P.
WHAT HAPPENS AT 11 P.M.? Well, my last class is on Friday afternoon. When it ends, I know I don’t have any specific obligation for the rest of the weekend and I can do what I want to. And that’s when I think to myself: “Back to grinding.” It’s a good kind of grinding! After class, I go back to my apartment and get out of my school mindset and into the working mood. I talk on the phone with my teammates, I have some food, I think about what I
need to get done over the weekend to stay on track and make progress. I like that work. But I’m an inventor. I like having solitude—just me and my computer, where I can focus on the problem at hand for hours if I need to. Sometimes I work in my apartment, sometimes I get bored and go to the library. I’m also a night owl. On Friday nights I know I don’t have to do anything else except for the work. When I start, I can go straight through for hours.
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HOMER MCEWEN // 1 : 0 0 A. M.
MCEWEN IS A STUDENT IN THE ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM AND IS A DA TA BA S E A D M I N I S T R A TO R F O R B C D T R A V E L . H E IS MARRIED WITH THREE KIDS, AGES 6 TO 19, AND WRITES AND PERFORMS TECHNOLOGY SONGS AS KILLADBA. LAST JUNE, HE PERFORMED FOR AUDIENCES AT MICROSOFT’S BUSINESS APPLICATION SUMMIT AT THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER.
MY LIFE? IT CAN BE CRAZY. IT’S ALL ABOUT FINDING BALANCE. When I spend time with my boys, that’s exciting. When I see my wife after work, that’s exciting, too. My family is the most important thing to me. There’s also a moment at night, after I lie down in bed, quiet, and I’m still thinking about a problem for my classes or from work. It’s almost meditative. It happens when I’ve been researching and contemplating a complex problem. I’ve gone into a maze and bumped into every wall. My wife will tell me she can tell when I’m struggling with a project—I’m obsessing, I’m quiet. That can feel very frustrating to
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me. I ask myself, “Can I really do this?” But when I lie down, it’s like I’m seeing the maze from afar. I can see the right direction. So many answers come to me then. I’ll think: “What if I use this “OR” statement or this “AND” statement?” I’ll find a way to resolve the problem. It just happened this week! And when it does, I might run downstairs with the solution in my head and code it before I forget. That moment of clarity is an amazing feeling. It keeps me challenged and eager for what’s next. See more of McEwen’s work at youtube.com/ user/playmore3 and https://twitter.com/ KillaDBA.
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A Smart Meeting Facility with Built-in Technology.
That’s so Tech! Choose the Global Learning Center on the cutting edge of campus.
Visit us for a site tour. pe.gatech.edu/glc/alumni2018
MEETINGS. CONFERENCES. TRAINING.
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THE PIONEERING
REDESIGN OF THE GEORGIA TECH STUDENT CENTER REDEFINES THE FORM AND FUNCTION OF THIS CAMPUS LANDMARK.
F O U R
N E W
B U I L D I N G S A C R O S S 2 0 A C R E S
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T
Thinking outside of the box might be a good start for an ordinary construction project. But the long-anticipated redesign of the Georgia Tech
Student Center is anything but ordinary. Instead, the Campus Center Project is completely blowing up the box, overhauling the original building, and expanding the center’s services and facilities into four new buildings across a 20-acre site. “The idea was to take this concept of the traditional student center and explode it,” says Tim Fish, Arch 81, MS Arch 83, principal at Atlanta architecture firm Cooper Carry, which partnered with Milwaukee-based Workshop Architects on the groundbreaking design. Gone are the labyrinthine corridors, extra steps between the original part of the building and the Stamps Commons, and fierce competition for meeting space that became the norm in a center built 50 years ago for a student body of 7,000 students. What has come to be viewed by many students as merely a transactional building—where you stop for your mail and a quick lunch and move on—is being transformed into a vibrant, welcoming, and forward-looking collection of indoor and outdoor spaces that encourage today’s entire Georgia Tech community—all 30,000-plus—to reset, restore, and refuel. 60 SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
FROM DANCE M A R AT H O N S TO DIWALI TO D E B AT E S
Since opening in 1970, the Student Center has brought campus to life. “It hosts more than 9,500 events a year, from dance marathons to the Diwali celebration,” says Lindsay Bryant, senior director of the Student Center. Over the years, overflow crowds have packed in to hear presentations
I N D O O R & O U T D O O R S P A C E S T H A T C O N N E C T C A M P U S
by legendary Tech Football Coach Bobby Dodd, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, and real-life hero Paul Rusesabagina, whose story was the basis for the movie Hotel Rwanda. Bands such as the Indigo Girls and Drivin’ N Cryin’ performed pop-up concerts on the center stairs in their early days. The center garnered the national spotlight when it hosted the 1992 vice presidential debate. With only five days’ notice, staff scrambled to
address the media’s myriad requests, set the debate stage, and provide equal accommodation for the three candidates. “It was a very complex, high-profile event,” says Richard Steele, director of the Student Center from 1992 to 2010. “But we pulled it all together.” The whole world was watching in 1996, when Tech served as the Olympic Village for the Summer Olympics. As with the rest of campus, the center
was transformed. The bookstore’s inventory was cleared out to make room for a general store to serve the daily needs of the 15,000 athletes. The ballroom became a two-story cutting-edge fitness center. The food court was promoted to a VIP dining room for heads of state. Such headline events, however, account for a small percentage of the activities taking place under the center’s roof. From the start, the center GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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A N E W F I R E S I D E L O U N G E , G R A D L O U N G E & C A F E
has served as an incubator for student programs, many of which have since become Tech institutions. Outdoor Recreation at Georgia Tech (ORGT), TEAM Buzz, and FASET all originated in the center. Midnight Breakfast, Take-A-Prof, and Ramblin’ Nights events remain perennial magnets to the center. On any given day, there might be pottery classes at Paper & Clay, a dance team practice in one meeting room, a Muslim Students Association meeting in another, a team-building event in Tech Rec, and a Student Center Programs Council (SCPC) brainstorming session in the group’s office. “The center became a home away from home for me,” says Sangita 62
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Sharma, AE 14, who served as SCPC president in 2012 and helped launch the Student Center Expansion Committee (SCEC). “Because I spent so much time there, it opened my eyes to how much students relied on the space and just how constrained we were.”
WATC H T H I S S PA C E Space has been a constant struggle. Just one year after the center opened, a white paper addressed the need for expansion. The perpetual drive to serve as a one-stop shop that provides as many services as possible—multiple dining outlets, post office, hair salon, eye doctor, notary, welcome desk— vied for space with the vision of the center as a campus living room, where
people can congregate and build community. As the Tech community grew steadily over the decades, even the addition of the Stamps Student Center Commons in 2004 couldn’t keep pace with students’ increasing and changing needs. A meager six office spaces existed in the center to serve more than 500 student organizations. The center’s 13 meeting rooms were often reserved a year in advance. “A lack of space can be an existential issue for student organizations,” says Sanjana Basker, IA 19, a former SCPC and SCEC president. “If your group is based around fostering a community, that is really difficult to do if you don’t have a consistent space where you can meet.” The completion of Phase I of the Campus Center Project this summer opens up that much-needed breathing room. The Exhibition Hall features 11 meeting rooms and a
12,000-square-foot ballroom, itself divisible into five smaller rooms. “It’s extremely versatile,” Fish says. “You can have drone races or a wedding in there.” The Pavilions include a standalone café, additional student services, and a new location for Paper & Clay that’s three times as large as the current studio. During Phase II, which starts this summer, the original building will be reconfigured from the ground up to align with the new three-story addition replacing the Stamps Commons, allowing continuous access from end to end on each floor. The third floor, and much of the second, will be devoted to student organizations. The Black Student Organizations and LGBTQIA Resource Center will have dedicated
offices. There will be a multicultural space and multiple huddle and meeting rooms. “I love that all of these organizations are going be on the same floor, because that’s how you build relationships,” Sharma says. “I’m excited for the connections that students will make by being in such a collaborative, cohesive space.”
R E S E T, R E S T O R E , AND REFUEL
The Campus Center Project is not merely about space (although it will almost double the area of the existing student center). It’s also about balance. “The idea behind the design is for students to reset, restore, and refuel,” Fish says. “As an alumnus, it’s refreshing to
1 1 N E W R O O M S & A 1 2 , 0 0 0 S Q . F T . B A L L R O O M
see that concern for students and their success not just in the classroom but beyond.” Walls of windows will let in abundant natural light and provide sweeping views of the new landscape. Spacious patios and outdoor seating areas, including a fireplace lounge, activate the outdoors and invite students to relax. An experiential pathway connects all of these elements. “It was inspired in part by the liveliness of Tech Walkway between the Library and Student Center,” says Amanda Jones, Arch 07, MS Arch 09, senior planner in Georgia Tech’s office of Capital Planning and Space Management. “The pathway will extend that activity west to the Campus Recreation Center and stitch together these new buildings and outdoor areas into one continuous experience.” Inside the new student center building, a dedicated lounge for graduate students will draw them out of their academic silos and encourage fellowship across disciplines. But perhaps
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T H E N E X T C H A P T E R F O R C A M P A N I L E P L A Z A Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Kessler Campanile remains an integral part of Georgia Tech’s identity. The 80-foot stainless-steel obelisk, depicted on Tech’s logo, is a nexus of activity on campus, especially before home football games. The redesign of Campanile
D E S E L E M T H I N V R E L A X
I G N E N T S A T I T E A T I O N
Plaza as part of the Campus Center Project will respect and preserve the storied traditions associated with this place of pride while providing much-needed improvements in accessibility and functionality. During the two years the Campanile will be hidden behind construction barriers, the amphitheater will be torn out. The terrain will be regraded to create wider terraces and a series of broad, sloping walkways. The grade changes will not only provide wheelchair access to Campanile Plaza at all levels but also unify the landscape between the Student Center and Tech Green. “The space will have a lot more flexibility,” says John DuConge, senior project manager with Georgia Tech Facilities Design & Construction. “Instead of fixed seating, there will be freestanding tables and chairs that can be moved in and out to allow more standing room for events and more room for the band to play.” The fountain will be replaced by a more accessible water feature at grade, which can be turned off to provide even more event space or turned on to cool off Tech students in the Atlanta heat. The end result of the redesign will be a Campanile Plaza that can better serve and engage the entire Georgia Tech community. “We recognize the importance of this icon to Tech,” DuConge says. “The Campanile is central to the success of the Campus Center Project.”
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one of the best reflections of the mission of the entire Campus Center Project is, aptly, the reflection space. This much-requested room, with two ablution stations and inspiring campus views, will serve as a tranquil retreat where people of all faith traditions can pray and meditate—restoring their mind, body, and spirit. It’s fitting that the farewell party for the Student Center is scheduled for April 27, to coincide with the last Midnight Breakfast of the school year. As students refuel during finals, at one of the most cherished campus traditions, they’ll honor the center’s first 50 years and celebrate the reset that will perfectly position the Student Center to bring campus to life for the next 50 years.
GEORGE P. BURDELL is everywhere
The Georgia Tech legend's 112th birthday is coming up on April 1, 2020. Join in celebration by posting a photo of your own George sighting and tagging it with @gtalumni #gtalumni. We will be featuring our favorites on our social media channels!
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Creating healthy Yellow Jackets is a fundamental component of Georgia Tech’s Creating the Next mission. There’s growing advocacy and awareness that school-life balance and mental wellness are critical to the success of students on the Tech campus and beyond. “Georgia Tech’s students face the same developmental challenges that any young adult would: figuring out who they are, being more independent, learning to adult,” says Tiffiny Hughes-Troutman, director of the new Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE). But the demands of college and, for international students, the stressors of adapting to a new culture can add layers of complexity, she says. Through three major new initiatives—CARE, satellite counselors, and a partnership with the Jed Foundation—Georgia Tech is taking its mental-health services to the next level. These pioneering programs will streamline the care process, improve students’ access to services, and incorporate the latest best practices into the Institute’s growing array of resources.
TAKING CARE With the opening last August of CARE, Tech students now have a streamlined process for accessing mental-health resources and services on campus and in the community. “When students come in, they’re seen that day,” says Hughes-Troutman. “After a brief rapid-access assessment, they’re given a recommendation and they leave with their next appointment.”
I’M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BECAUSE IT CREATES A NATURAL BRIDGE OVER TO THE ACADEMIC SIDE OF THE INSTITUTE, STEIN SAYS.
Previously, it took students multiple appointments, sometimes in different locations, and perhaps several weeks to accomplish what CARE now provides them in one visit to its clinic in the Smithgall Student Services (Flag) Building. “When you’re having a mental-health concern and you decide to take that brave step to seek help, you need help that day,” Hughes-Troutman says. That intervention is especially crucial during the college years. “Many mental-health concerns emerge between the ages of 18 and 20,” says Hughes-Troutman. “While some students might have had treatment in high school, for many of our patients this is the first time they’re seeking support. So our motto is ‘Come to CARE.’ No matter how big or small the concern, we’ll point you in the right direction.” More than 1,000 students came to
”
CARE between its opening day last August and the start of the spring semester. “We take a holistic approach to well-being,” Hughes-Troutman explains. “For example, international students or graduate students who work to support themselves face stressors that impact their well-being just as much as a clinical diagnosis. We can connect them with campus resources beyond the Counseling Center, such as a time-management or financial well-being class, to help with their work-life balance.” CARE’s triage approach to overall well-being has helped some students overcome their reservations about seeking assistance. “A student told me that he had resisted going into the counseling center because he thought that meant there was something wrong with him,” says John Stein, vice president for Student Life and BrandtFritz Dean of Students Chair. “It was
COUNSELOR:
SCOTT LASALLE, LPC
DEPARTMENT:
COLLEGE OF COMPUTING
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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COUNSELOR:
SHIRAZ KARAA, LPC so much easier for him to go to CARE because students were going there for all kinds of reasons: stress, a bad test grade, breakup of a relationship, etc. That made it much more comfortable for him to follow through and seek help.”
REACHING STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE The new satellite counselor program connects students with mental-health services where they spend most of their day: their colleges. “I’m very excited about this program because it creates a natural bridge over to the academic side of the Institute,” Stein says, “and supports students where they’re studying, learning, and spending a great deal of their time.” Since October, three counselors have taken up residence outside of the Counseling Center: one in the College of Computing, one in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomechanical Engineering, and one in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical
“ 68
DEPARTMENT:
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Engineering. “The counselors not only provide therapy to students but are available to assist faculty and staff with workshops, outreach programs, and any concerns they have about student welfare,” says Carla Bradley, director of the Georgia Tech Counseling Center. Mechanical engineering students have been finding their way to counselor Shiraz Karaa, who offers both appointments and walk-in hours at her office in the advisors’ suite. “They often come in looking unsure about what to ask,” Karaa says. “As the conversation unfolds, you can see their eyes light up as they realize, ‘This is great information. I can get services; this is how I do it.’ They feel great relief at having that information and empowered to take that next step.” The program has been so well received that it’s already slated for
IT’S REWARDING TO SEE HOW THE ADMINISTRATION IS REALLY LISTENING TO STUDENTS ABOUT THE CHANGE THEY WANT TO SEE ON CAMPUS, FERGUSON SAYS.
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
expansion. Funding for four additional counselors—one for each of the remaining colleges—has been dedicated for the 2020–2021 academic year. “That brings Tech up to almost 50 licensed mental-health professionals working with our students,” Stein says. “That’s a wonderful thing, to be able to provide these resources that students need to address this very important issue.”
BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION Georgia Tech is renewing its commitment to best practice standards by entering a four-year partnership with the Jed Foundation. This highly respected national nonprofit works with colleges and high schools to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs. “This partnership with the Jed Foundation highlights Tech’s level of commitment to student well-being,” Bradley says. A 26-member Tech multidisciplinary team dedicated two months to completing the JED Campus baseline assessment of the Institute’s current mental-health resources. In addition, Tech conducted the Healthy Minds Study of approximately 8,000 students to evaluate their mental health and utilization of resources. In the spring, a Jed Foundation advisor as well as a subject-matter expert who has worked
CARE
SQUARED ////
It might look like a take-out container, but instead it’s a take CARE (Comfort, Assistance, Resource, Evidence-based) package. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) has created and distributed 150 of these CARE pack-
An impromptu
ages around campus as
wall of
part of its initiative
encouragement
to increase
was created
residents’
dent Center ran out of kits
access to
in two days,” says Emmett
mental-health
Miskell, RHA president.
anonymously at a pedestrian bridge on campus.
resources. The kits contain tangible sensory tools to help ease stress: chewing gum, an eye mask, ear plugs, a foam stress reliever. There’s also a magnet with contact information for campus resources and a set of reminder cards students can use to assess their current state of mind. “They’ve been well received; the Stu-
with Tech’s peer institutions will visit the Institute. They’ll conduct focus groups with students, meet with the faculty and the multidisciplinary team, and present their preliminary overview of Tech’s strengths as well as areas for improvement. A formal strategic plan will then lay out goals to be implemented over the next three years. “It’s exciting to have Tech become a JED Campus,” says Katie Ferguson, president of the Mental Health Student Coalition. “Our organization has been wanting Tech to be part of their
program for a few years. It’s rewarding to see how the administration is really listening to students about the change they want to see on campus. I look
forward to seeing the positive impacts from all of these mental-health initiatives over the next few years.”
COUNSELOR:
MELISSA MASSEY, LPC
DEPARTMENT:
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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VOLUME 96
ALUMNI HOUSE
ISSUE 1
CELEBRATING EXTRAORDINARY Alumni and honorary alumni were recognized at the annual Gold & White Honor’s Gala on Feb. 13. The evening also supported Georgia Tech Alumni Association’s student programs.
A WARM TECH WELCOME
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
RAMBLIN’ ROLL
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74
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ALUMNI HOUSE
A WARM TECH WELCOME F R O M S AV A N N A H T O L . A . , this spring, alumni showed Georgia Tech’s new president, Ángel Cabrera, MS Psy 93, PhD Psy 95, the meaning of true Wreck hospitality. Hundreds of alumni have gathered at events across the country to meet Cabrera as he begins his tenure as Tech’s 12th president. “As I’ve met alumni who gather together all over the U.S., I’m incredibly grateful for the warm hospitality and welcoming spirit,” says Cabrera. “I’ve seen an enthusiasm for connecting with fellow alumni that is energizing.” S A V A N N A H , G A . 12/8
S E A T T L E , W A S H . 1/21
A U G U S T A , G A . 12/16
“EVERYWHERE I GO, I SEE ALUMNI DOING AMAZING WORK—IT MAKES ME VERY PROUD OF THE IMPACT OUR ALUMNI HAVE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THE WORLD.” –PRES. CABRERA MOUNTAIN VIEW, C A L I F . 1/22
N E W Y O R K C I T Y 12/3
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L O S A N G E L E S , C A L I F . 1/23
The Georgia Tech family showed up from all 50 states and across the globe to participate in the fourth annual Giving A L U M N I Hstaff O Ustationed SE Day. On March 3, Alumni Association in “Giving Day Command Central” monitored the 24-hour Giving Day challenge, which supports Tech’s Fund for Excellence. This year, we added some friendly competition to the mix. Find out which college earned the ultimate bragging rights with the most #GTgives donors.
BY THE NUMB ERS
Do n o rs
D o l l a rs
DONORS FROM 5 0 STAT ES & 1 7 CO UN T R I ES
8,309
Vi s i t s to g tg i ve s .o rg
Belgium Canada
Panama Philippines
China Ecuador France Germany India Lebanon Nigeria
Portugal Singapore Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom United States
9,947 MILES Fur t h est gift f rom c ampus
COLLEGE CHALLE NGE
$143
Avera ge Gift
Scheller College of Business College of Computing College of Design College of Engineering
Scheller College of Business
College of Engineering
Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
College of Sciences Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
VEN MO - 1 1 % FAC EB OOK - 4% O N L I NE - 80% OT H E R - 5%
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
CATCHING UP WITH OUR AWARD-WINNING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM
BY JENNIFER HERSEIM
SOME MIGHT BE SURPRISED to find the Alumni House bustling with current students. But walking into the historic building at 190 North Avenue, you’ll find dozens of Yellow Jackets from the Association’s nationally recognized student programs. The student engagement team— Abbey Callahan, Emily Laurence, and Morgan Long—are the driving forces behind the Georgia Tech Alumni Association’s three student programs: the Student Alumni Association (SAA), the Student Ambassadors Program, and the Georgia Tech Student Foundation (GTSF). The trio strike the impossible balance of always being around and always being on the go. “We have to be available when our
STUDENTS SOUND OFF
Abbey Callahan, senior manager for Student and New Alumni Engagement, and Student Organizations Coordinators Emily Laurence and Morgan Long are advisors for the Alumni Association’s student programs.
students are,” Callahan says. That can mean late nights or weekends to accommodate the hectic schedules of
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE ASKED STUDENTS TO SHARE WHAT STANDS OUT MOST ABOUT EACH OF THE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM ADVISORS.
STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION “Emily’s made my college experience at Georgia Tech incomparable and an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. A memory that stands out
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Tech’s busiest students. And yet, the three are rarely at their desks. They are out working behind the scenes
SAA EDUC ATES MEMBERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING PROFESSIONAL NET WORKS THROUGH ALUMNI CONNECTIONS. SAA ALSO INCLUDES GTAA'S MENTOR JACKETS AND EXPERT JACKETS.
is the 2019 Gold & White Honor's Gala, where I had the distinct honor of being a student host for Ron Johnson. When it came time to give the speech, I saw her in the audience
smiling and giving me support from the ground.“ —DARREN ZACK VOGEL, SAA MEMBER AT L ARGE, GT STUDENT AMBASSADOR
facilitating events and programs that foster alumni-student engagement such as Expert Jackets, where alumni share advice with groups of students; GTSF, which allocates money to student organizations; or Ambassadors, who provide tours to Institute guests. The engagement team's investments have earned numerous accolades. This year was no exception. GTAA earned five regional Council for Advancement and Support of Education awards, including Outstanding Advisor, recognizing Laurence. Callahan
STUDENT AMBASSADORS AS THE OFFICIAL HOSTS OF THE INSTITUTE, AMBASSADORS HOLD C AMPUS TOURS, PARTICIPATE IN CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE, AND REPRESENT THE INSTITUTE AT EVENTS ON AND OFF CAMPUS.
“What stands out most in my mind is Abbey’s ability to lighten the mood, brighten a room, and make everyone laugh! She is caring and genuinely wants what is best for each of us. “One of my favorite things she does is during our general body meetings she includes a photo, and she’s transitioning to make all our executive board follow a certain theme for their photos. The latest idea was ‘Most Embarrassing Prom Photo’.” —NICOLE ELISABETH SCHUSTER, GT STUDENT AMBASSADOR
won Outstanding Advisor in 2018. More importantly, students cherish their work. “They are on the front lines creating leaders every single day that embody ‘Progress and Service,’” says Darren Zack Vogel, an ambassador and SAA Member at Large. INSTILLING A SENSE OF PHILANTHROPY AND ENGAGEMENT You may wonder why the Alumni Association has student organizations at all. But what better way to create alumni who understand the benefit of staying engaged with the Institute than by showing the impacts of those contributions to current students? “Research supports that when a student understands the culture of giving back while they’re a student, they’ll turn around and give back themselves,” says Callahan. “We see it all the time: A student ambassador is mentored, and then graduates and becomes a Mentor Jacket.” Students in GTAA’s programs experience firsthand the benefits of alumni giving, mentorships, and alumni-student engagement. “We get to showcase how much our alumni care about Georgia Tech,” says Laurence. “We only get to do what we do because our alumni are so willing to give back.” BEHIND EVERY GREAT STUDENT LEADER… The engagement team also has a direct and long-lasting impact on Tech’s student leaders. They work hand-in-hand with students to create innovative programs that connect Yellow Jackets of all ages. At the same time, the team recognizes the pressures facing Georgia Tech students. Callahan, Long, and Laurence all have master’s degrees in
GEORGIA TECH STUDENT FOUNDATION GTSF PROMOTES A SPIRIT OF PHIL ANTHROPY AND GIVING BACK ON CAMPUS. EACH SEMESTER, MEMBERS ARE INVOLVED IN THE SELECTION PROCESS TO ALLOC ATE FUNDS FOR ON-CAMPUS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS.
“Morgan pushes me to constantly question if the traditional way things have been done is the best way. At the same time, she provides tireless support to help GTSF student leaders improve current processes. “Something I truly admire about Morgan is that she never lets us lose sight of the ‘why’. She constantly reminds us to keep the purpose of GTSF woven into every action we take for the foundation.” —NIKITA DANI, GTSF’S STUDENT MARKETING AND COMMUNIC ATIONS DIRECTOR
student affairs for higher education, which comes in handy daily as they help students navigate college life. “They’re looked upon as the best of the best, which can create a lot of pressure,” Callahan says. “We always try to keep things light and help them understand that they can have fun, too.” Seeing students develop and make lasting connections with alumni is the best part of their work, the three say. “I love celebrating the students’ wins,” Long says. “When they get through a difficult event, we all celebrate.” GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS THE GEORGIA TECH ALUMNI ASS O C I A T I O N re c e nt l y w e l c om e d Kimberly Bowden as vice president of annual giving/Roll Call and Lindsay Vaughn as vice president of strategic communications. “We are incredibly grateful to have Kim and Lindsay join our Alumni Association family. They each bring with them extensive expertise from other non-profit and higher education institutions that will be invaluable to our team,” says GTAA President Dene Sheheane, Mgt 91. A native Atlantan, Bowden joins the Alumni Association with more than 20 years' experience in the non-profit and higher education communities. In her previous position as executive director of annual giving at Emory University, she led a team that grew annual giving revenue 44 percent in a nine-year period. In addition, Bowden is an active member and speaker with the Annual Giving Directors Consortium, Council for the Advancement and Support for Education (CASE), and Academic Impressions. In her new role, Bowden is responsible for leading overall strategy and 76
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
Kimberly Bowden
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR INAUGURAL 40 UNDER 40 PROGRAM
Lindsay Vaughn
development of the association’s annual Roll Call, which supports Tech's Fund for Excellence. “The passion and commitment to Tech shines through in everyone I have met,” says Bowden. “It’s clear our alumni have a strong sense of pride and are deeply invested in our future as an institution.” Vaughn joins the Alumni Association’s Strategic Communications team with more than 15 years’ experience in marketing, public relations, and communications strategy. Most recently, she served as vice president of marketing for the Arthritis Foundation’s headquarters in Atlanta. Vaughn has developed numerous brand campaigns for major corporations and provided oversight of print and digital media communications. She will lead the Alumni Association’s digital strategy, publications, marketing, social media, and internal communications efforts. “It is a privilege to be part of this internationally recognized community, and it is an exciting time to build a future that rivals the Institute’s rich legacy,” says Vaughn.
D O Y O U K N O W an outstanding alum under 40 making a difference in the world? The Georgia Tech Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for Tech’s inaugural 40 Under 40 Program. These impressive young alumni represent the best and brightest of Tech’s innovators, trendsetters, and change makers. They are making lasting impressions in fields such as business, research, the arts, leadership, the community, education, and philanthropy. If you know a Georgia Tech alum under the age of 40 (as of June 30, 2020), consider submitting a nomination form to recognize their accomplishments and induct them into Tech’s inaugural 40 Under 40 class. Honorees will be recognized this fall and will have the opportunity to participate in campus experiences throughout the year to inspire the next generation of Yellow Jackets. Learn more about the selection criteria and submit a nomination form at gtalumni.org/40under40.
ALUMNI HOUSE
Y E L L O W J A C K E T S , A H OY ! ON MARCH 10, Yellow Jackets along the coastal region of Georgia re-
largest single container facilities of its kind in North America.
One of the proud Yellow Jackets who witnessed the gold-and-white
ceived a welcome sight. A 20- by
The flag represents a strong part-
above the Savannah River was alum-
30-foot Georgia Tech flag flew atop
nership between Georgia Tech and
nus Will McKnight, BC 79. McKnight
a ship delivering a large crane to the
the Georgia Ports Authority. Since
has served on the Georgia Ports Au-
Georgia Ports Authority in Savan-
July 2018, the Institute has had a mem-
thority Board since 2014. He was
nah, Ga.
orandum of understanding with the
appointed board chair in 2019.
The ship-to-shore crane will be used to move containers at one of the
Georgia Ports Authority on supply chains and logistics research.
CAREER DISCOVERY
LEVEL UP YO U R C A R E E R C A R E E R D E C I S I O N S can happen at
FINDING YOUR CAREER SWEET SPOT
MAY 30 – JUNE 29
INTRODUCTORY SESSIONS OFFERED IN MAY AND SEPTEMBER
step-by-step process, participants will identify
Finding the most rewarding jobs requires you to discover your talent and apply that talent to your career.
any stage of your life, whether you’re
In this online program, career coach Kene
navigating your first job or contem-
Iloenyosi will help participants identify those
plating a mid-career change. The Georgia Tech Alumni Association offers online professional development courses that provide real-world strategies from expert career coaches. Choose a program that fits your schedule and needs.
GEORGIA TECH ALUMNI CAREER CHANGE FELLOWSHIP
interests using the Highlands Ability Battery as a foundation for the program content. PROGRAM DETAILS: 4-SESSION ONLINE PROGRAM. PARTICIPANT S COMPLETE THE HIGHL ANDS ABILIT Y BATTERY. FEE: $299 PER PERSON
Considering a career change? Through a strengths, transferable skills, interests, and outcomes desired from a career and find options that align. Participants will choose top potential career paths to explore further. The program requires approximately five hours of commitment per week. PROGRAM DETAILS: 30-DAY ONLINE PROGRAM. S E L F - PAC E D CO N T E N T A N D W E E K LY INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION FORUMS. F E E : $ 24 9 P E R P E R S O N ( E A R LY B I R D BEF ORE MAY 2); $299 PER PERSON (REGUL AR ENROLLMENT BEF ORE MAY 29).
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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ALUMNI EVENTS
BUILDING COMMUNITY AFTER COLLEGE? WE CAN DO THAT.
RAMBLIN’ WRECKS STAY CONNECTED THROUGH MORE THAN TWO DOZEN REGIONAL NETWORKS, AFFINITY GROUPS, AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. HERE ARE FOUR RECENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS THAT KEEP THEM AS BUSY AS…YELLOW JACKETS.
1
PORTL AND, ORE: INTEL BROWN BAG SERIES
ALEX BERRY, IE 17, moved to Portland the summer after his graduation. He and a few other industrial engineering alumni in the area quickly realized two things: One, there are a lot of Georgia Tech grads in Portland, and two, the GT PDX Regional network could use a revitalization.
And Intel’s Brown Bag series was
in senior leadership and frequently
born. The Network realized that small-
use part of the hour to work through
We can do that, they thought.
er, more intimate gatherings were
any issues participants bring them, Berry says.
After running analytics on mem-
more meaningful than larger, chaotic
bership, GT PDX also discovered
networking events. They ended up cre-
“This is the first working environ-
that about one-third, or 200 alumni,
ating a lunch-and-learn series where
ment I’ve been in where you have that
worked at Intel. “Wouldn’t it be amaz-
10 to 15 alumni listened and met with
level of senior leadership spending
ing to get them together on a regular
a senior Intel leader. They host these
an hour and getting right down to it,
basis?” Berry and the GT PDX lead-
Brown Bag events quarterly.
asking what issues you have and how
ers thought. 78
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
Speakers share how they ended up
they can help solve them,” says Berry.
2
CHINESE AFFINITY NETWORK: MENTORSHIP K I C KO F F
S U N C OA S T : S P R I N G D I N N E R THE SUNCOAST ALUMNI NETWORK’S annual Spring Dinner on May 5 in Tampa, Fla., combines dinner, drinks,
3
prize drawings, and an engaging talk
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with
on swarm robotics from Tech’s Electri-
alumni and friends and hear how
cal and Computer Engineering Chair
Georgia Tech uses teams of ro-
Magnus Egerstedt.
bots to address the world’s biggest challenges. Tickets are $50
F R O M T R A D I T I O N A L Chinese dump-
per person and in-
ling-making to indoor rock climbing,
clude a 3-course
Georgia Tech’s Chinese Affinity
dinner, program,
Network stays active doing what
and a ticket for the
they love.
drawing. Register
“As an alumni group, we want to
at https://www.
do things we find interesting and that
gtsuncoast.gta-
we’re passionate about,” says Char-
lumni.org/.
lene Smith, Mgt 89, GT CAN’s vice president. Mentoring Tech’s Chinese students is high on that list. GT CAN hosted a dinner and career panel on Feb. 27 to kick off a mentorship program between alumni and the Chinese Student Association. Smith says the mentorship program, which pairs Chinese-speaking
4
C H A T TA N O O G A : 21 S T A N N U A L G O L F T O U R N A M E N T
alumni with current students, helps
A B E A U T I F U L D AY on the greens with
ease some of the cultural stress of be-
the Chattanooga Georgia Tech Club
ing a Chinese student in the U.S. and
helps support a world-class education
helps show students that finding a job
for students from within and around
post-graduation is possible.
Chattanooga, Tenn. Join fellow alumni
GT CAN invites alumni to join them
and friends at the 21st Annual Schol-
at the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR)
arship Golf Tournament May 19 at the
Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road in At-
Course at McLemore. Located at Look-
lanta on April 25.
out Mountain, Ga., the picturesque
For more information, contact charlene.marykay@gmail.com.
course at McLemore has been called one of the best finishing holes in golf. Proceeds from the tournament support the Chattanooga Georgia Tech
friends throughout the tournament. In
Club Scholarship Fund, which fund-
addition, special guests include Char-
ed five partial scholarships last year to
lie Rymer, Mgt 91, who covered golf
men and women from the Chattanoo-
for more than 20 years for the Golf
ga area.
Channel and various media outlets.
Buzz and Tech’s cheerleaders will be cheering on players, family, and
Learn more and register at gtalumni.org/chattanoogagolf.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
79
AALLUUMMNNII EHVOEUNST ES
SEPT. 3 GT FOOTBALL HOME OPENER Cheer for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as they take on longtime ACC rival Clemson at Bobby Dodd Stadium, kicking off the 2020 football season. Georgia Tech plays seven home games this season.
O C T . 15 – 17 HOMECOMING AND REUNION WEEKEND From Oct. 15 to Oct. 17, Tech alumni and friends from around the world will converge on campus for a full weekend of homecoming events including campus tours, speakers, and milestone reunion parties.
N O V. 14
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MAYHEM AT MBS Join the Mayhem! The Yellow Jackets square off against Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
HONORING TECH’S TRAILBLAZERS For Black History Month, the Atlanta Board of Education recognized William J. Stanley III, Arch 72, for
PHOTOGRAPHS
KEITH GLASS
being the first black student to graduate from Georgia Tech’s School of Architecture. Stanley is an Atlanta Public Schools graduate. Also honored were Georgia Tech’s first three black students, Ford C. Greene, Ralph A. Long Jr., and Lawrence Williams, and Georgia Tech’s first black graduate, Ronald L. Yancey, EE 65.
RAMBLIN’ ROLL
CL ASS NOTES & ALUMNI UPDATES
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
81
RAMBLIN� ROLL
CLASS NOTES VIRGINIA C HU, BIO 11, received her PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University at Albany, SUNY and the Wadsworth Center. ROGER GRABMAN , MS MGT 88, was elected 2020 president of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers. Grabman, a registered Professional Engineer (PE), is principal of Grab Innovations and Services, a professional engineering firm with expertise in product and production equipment design and related safety issues. HEATHER HEINDEL, MS ENVE 99, was named partner at global law firm Perkins Coie in Seattle, Wash. She is a member of the Construction and Real Estate Litigation practice.
CLOUGH HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD GEORGIA TECH PRESIDENT EMERITUS AND ALUMNUS G. Wayne Clough
student body and established the G.
received the 2020 Elridge McMil-
ise Scholarship, enabling hundreds of
lan Lifetime Achievement Award for
financially disadvantaged students to
extraordinary service to higher ed-
graduate debt-free.
Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Prom-
ucation in Georgia. The University
Following his tenure, Clough served
System of Georgia Board of Regents
as the secretary of the Smithsonian In-
honored Clough at the USGA Re-
stitution from 2008 to 2014.
gents’ Scholarship Gala in February.
Clough has received numerous
Clough, CE 64, MS CE 65, Hon
recognitions for his service to higher
PhD 15, was the first alumnus pres-
education, including being inducted
ident of Tech, serving from 1994 to
into the Georgia Tech Engineering
2008. During his 14-year tenure, Tech
Hall of Fame and earning the 2009
rose to a top 10–ranked public uni-
Joseph M. Pettit Alumni Distinguished
versity. He oversaw an increase in the
Service Award.
DOUGL AS JOHNSON , ME 85, was appointed senior vice president and senior project director for Sargent & Lundy. Johnson is responsible for directing engineering and design services for various operating nuclear reactors in the U.S., focusing on upgrades, modifications, and analysis. MARTHA A . MIL AM, MS C HEM 92, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. In October 2019, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive this award granted by the National Science Foundation. Milam has taught chemistry for 16 years and currently teaches at East Coweta High School in Sharpsburg, Ga.
WANT TO SHARE YOUR NEWS? Send your Ramblin’ Roll submissions to: Editor, Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine, 190 North Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30313, or editor@alumni.gatech.edu. You can also submit your personal news, birth and wedding announcements (with photos!), out-and-about snapshots, and in memoriam notices online at gtalumni.org/magazine.
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RAMBLIN� ROLL appointees: Cade Joiner, Everett Kennedy, T. Dallas Smith, and Lowery May. “For many years, I have worked closely with each of these individuals and found them to be honest, hardworking, and committed to our state's long-term success. I am truly honored to name them to the Board of
REYNOLDS JOINS USG BOARD OF REGENT S
Regents to serve our top-notch university system with integrity and lead by example,” said Gov. Kemp. Reynolds is chief executive of Bank-
HAROLD REYNOLDS, IE 82, was appoint-
South Holding Company in Greene
ed to the University System of Georgia’s
County, Ga. The company owns and op-
Board of Regents, which serves as the
erates BankSouth, BankSouth Mortgage
governing and management authority
headquartered in Atlanta, Coldwell
for the state’s 26 public higher educa-
Banker Lake Oconee Realty, and other
tion institutions.
subsidiaries.
Reynolds, who began his term in
Reynolds earned his bachelor’s de-
January, represents the 10th Congres-
gree in industrial engineering from
sional District on the Board of Regents.
Georgia Tech in 1982. In 1998, he was
Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced Reyn-
inducted into the Council of Outstanding
olds’ appointment along with four other
Young Engineering Alumni.
PA R K E R H O N O R E D WITH NAVY’S MERITORIOUS CIVILIAN SERVICE AWARD LONNIE PARKER, PHD ECE 12, received
M I L L E R TA P P E D F O R S TA T E T R A N S P O R TA T I O N P L A N N I N G D I R E C T O R
the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the third-highest civilian service award given in the U.S. Navy. Parker was recognized for multiple
J A N N I N E M I L L E R , M B A 1 3 , was nomi-
contributions, including serving as a prin-
nated to serve as state planning director
cipal investigator for unmanned systems
for the Georgia Department of Trans-
research sponsored by the Office of Na-
portation (GDOT) by Gov. Brian P.
val Research, managing an investment
Kemp. Miller is senior advisor to U.S.
portfolio of basic and applied research
Department of Transportation Secretary
projects, and fostering collaborations
Elaine Chao.
between other organizations within the
The state House and Senate Transpor-
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAV-
tation committees must confirm Miller’s
SEA) and across the Naval Research &
nomination before she can assume
Development Enterprise (NRDE).
the role, which was vacated by former
In January, Parker left federal service
Georgia Rep. Jay Roberts last Septem-
to join the Aerospace, Transportation
ber. As a gubernatorial appointee, the
and Advanced Systems lab at the Geor-
state planning director is a member of
be responsible for setting the long-term
gia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) to
the GDOT executive team who works
strategic goals for Georgia’s infrastruc-
continue applied research work as a
alongside the commissioner and depart-
ture investments as well as coordination
member of the GTRI Robotics and Auton-
ment leadership. If confirmed, Miller will
at the federal, state, and local levels.
omous Systems Division.
84 SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
CLASS NOTES JIANG XIE, MS ECE 02, PHD ECE 04, from Charlotte, N.C., has been named a 2020 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow. Xie is being recognized for contributions to mobility and resource management of wireless networks. The IEEE grade of Fellow is conferred by the IEEE Board of Directors upon a person with an outstanding record of accomplishments in any of the IEEE fields of interest.
OUT & ABOUT
Four GT alumni gathered from different locations around the East Coast to complete a joint ride together in New York City at the Peloton Cycling Studio in December. From left to right: CHRISTINA FREDERICK, a Tech postdoctoral fellow from 2015 to 2017, coming from New Jersey, BRIAN HAYES, MS ECE 09, PHD ECE 18, coming from Maryland, MARCUS BELLAMY, MS IE 10, PHD MGT 15, coming from Massachusetts, Peloton Instructor Alex Toussaint, and LONNIE PARKER, PHD ECE 12, hailing from Rhode Island.
F O R M E R T E C H P R E S I D E N T, A L U M N I T O J O I N S TA T E I N N O VA T I O N TA S K F O R C E G . P . ' B U D ' P E T E R S O N , former presi-
Georgia on the map when it comes to
Management, LLC, and other business-
dent of Georgia Tech, and several Tech
technology and making our state as im-
es including, Principal. He co-founded
alumni and affiliates have been selected
portant as Silicon Valley,” Duncan
construction firm FS360 and was previ-
as members of Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan's
says. “I want Georgia to be a national
ously the founder and CEO of SciHealth,
Georgia Innovates Taskforce. Peterson
leader in technology research, develop-
a healthcare decision support software
was named as co-chair to lead the task
ment and implementation and allow for
company.
force, which is a panel of more than a
growth and evolution across all parts of
dozen Georgia leaders aimed at ac-
Georgia.”
Lam founded the Georgia Smart Communities Challenge, the first state-
celerating Duncan’s vision of making
Peterson, president emeritus and
wide effort in the country to empower
Georgia the “Technology Capital of the
regents professor of mechanical engi-
communities of all sizes to operate
East Coast.”
neering, served as Georgia Tech’s 11th
smarter.
Among those selected for the task
president from 2009 to 2019.
The task force is set to be divided
force are Tech alumni Paul Judge,
Judge is co-founder and executive
into four subcommittees exploring pub-
MS CS 01, PhD CS 02, and Jeb
chairman of Pindrop and co-founder
lic innovation; education and training;
Stewart, Cls 91; and Managing Di-
and partner of TechSquare Labs. He
entrepreneurship and start-ups; and ru-
rector of Tech’s Smart Cities & Inclusive
has co-founded three acquired com-
ral initiatives. Each committee will issue
Innovation, Debra Lam.
panies and invested in more than 60
recommendations to the lieutenant gov-
tech-enabled companies.
ernor’s office on potential legislative,
“I have asked this group of leaders to come up with big ideas to put
Stewart is chief executive of Xana
administrative, or other actions to take.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
85
RAMBLIN� ROLL
BIRTHS 1.
MICHELLE DALE, CE 11, AND CHRISTOPHER DALE, AE 10, welcomed son George Zohn Dale on Jan. 9. George joins big brother William and big sister Caitlin. The family lives in Huntsville, Ala.
1
2
3
4
5
6
2.
ALLISON DUBLINSKI-CLARKE, ARCH 06, and BEN CLARKE, EE 07, MS ECE 09, welcomed the birth of Julian Ambrose on Aug. 8, 2019. He joins big brother Rowan.
3. TELLEEN GEGNER, IAML 08, and
GREG GEGNER, IE 07, welcomed their son, Gavin William, on Sept. 29, 2019. He joins big sister Tenley Joy, completing G+T=G+T.
4.
ALFIE GRANT, IE 05, and SEAN GRANT, EE 06, welcomed their daughter, Noa Giana Grant, on Feb. 11, 2019.
5.
ALISON POWERS, ME 08, and AARON POWERS, ME 08, welcomed their second son, Simon Nicholas Powers, on Dec. 6, 2019.
6.
BRIAN TYSON, EE 10, and KENDALL TYSON, IE 11, welcomed baby girl, Gabrielle, on Dec. 24, 2019.
86 SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
DOWNLOAD THE
GT ALUMNI APP FEATURES INCLUDE: GTAA Alumni ID GTAA Events Calendar Alumni Directory Game Watching Notifications Important News and Updates Social Media Connection
TO FIND THE APP, SEARCH FOR “GT ALUMNI” GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
87
RAMBLIN� ROLL
WEDDINGS 1.
WILSON HARMOND, IE 18, and DANA PAULITA FRANCISCO, CHBE 19, got married in Atlanta on Nov. 23, 2019. (Almost a year to the day that they got engaged on the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium!)
1
2
3
4
5
6
2.
STEPHANIE KALMAN, IE 09, MBA 15, and BRIAN TOMASCHIK, CHEM 09, got married at the Atlanta Biltmore on Nov. 9, 2019. Stephanie works for The Home Depot and Brian works for The Coca-Cola Company. The couple lives in Atlanta.
3. AHSAN KHAN, AE 14, and ARIEL
M. WHEELOCK, AE 14, were married in Lynchburg, Va., on Dec. 28, 2019. Ariel works for Delta Air Lines as a data specialist and Ahsan is a medical student at the Morehouse School of Medicine. The couple met at Tech in 2009 and began dating in 2013. They live in Atlanta.
4.
STEVEN PUBILLONES, BME 17, married Leah Teague on Sept. 8, 2019. Leah works as a nurse at Mobile Infirmary, and Steven works at the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. In December, they celebrated their first holiday with their pet chinchilla, Ember.
5. ELIZABETH WALL, BA 13, and
JHORDAN GIL, BME 11, married on Sept. 3, 2019, in Santorini, Greece. Elizabeth is a digital strategy and innovation manager at KPMG Australia, and Jhordan is an APAC senior solutions advisor at JDA Software. The couple lives in Sydney, Australia.
6.
SHAUN ZHANG, MSE 10, and Christina Hecker wed on Aug. 31, 2019, at the Swan House Gardens of the Atlanta History Center. They loved incorporating Georgia Tech into their special day. The Tech Trolley transported their group, and their getaway car was the one and only Ramblin' Wreck! 88 SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
THIS IS NOT JUST A STUDENT. This is a future Industrial Engineer. A world traveler to places like the Shenzhen University in Shenzhen, China. An inspiration to future students who aspire to pursue their dreams. This is a Georgia Tech student, and with your gift to Roll Call you can provide even more opportunities to students like Yumi.
Yumi Rivas 4th year Industrial Engineering Major, Engineering and Business Minor
outstanding students, world-class programs, top-notch instructors and state-of-the-art facilities.
Give to the 73rd Roll Call, Georgia Tech’s Fund for Excellence gtalumni.org/giving GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020 89 GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020 89
ROLL CALL, GEORGIA TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | 190 NORTH AVE, ATLANTA, GA 30313 | 404.894.0756
WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS
PHOTOGRAPH
On April 7, the Georgia Tech community will honor the memory of those enrolled students and employees of the Institute who have died during the past year. At the close of the ceremony, each family receives a replica of Tech’s iconic steam whistle, which is designed and created on campus. The bottom of the base bears this inscription: Blow on, stern Monarch of Tech's mighty crew, Be always firm and staid: To your compelling call we'll e're be true Til each his part has played.
ROB FELT
IN MEMORIAM 90
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
WE REMEMBER & HONOR THE FOLLOWING
FORD C. GREENE, CLS 65: GEORGIA TECH TRAILBL AZER & BUSINESS LEADER
FORD C. GREENE, WHO WAS ONE OF THE FIRST BLACK STUDENTS TO ENROLL AT G E O R G I A T E C H , D I E D O N J A N . 2 5 , AT A G E 76.
this campus took a bravery like most
“This is a great loss for Georgia Tech
of us will never have to know. We hon-
and for Betsy and me personally,” God-
or his memory and mourn his loss. He
bold said. “Unfortunately, it took me
is a part of our history, and we pledge
nearly 50 years to understand better the
that his story of courage will never be
adversity Ford Greene faced at Tech—
forgotten.”
to have those deep conversations about
Greene studied chemical engineer-
breaking down racial barriers and his
ing at Georgia Tech after graduating
finding the strength to persevere through
from Henry McNeal Turner High School
difficult times. We will never forget his
in Atlanta. He completed a bachelor’s
place in Georgia Tech‘s history.”
Along with Ralph A. Long Jr., Cls 65,
degree in mathematics and comput-
At a discussion before the sculpture
and Lawrence Williams, Cls 65, Greene
er science at Morgan State University,
dedication in September, Greene re-
started classes at Tech in 1961. Last fall,
working for years at IBM and eventually
called being the only black student in
all three returned to campus, where they
co-founding several telecommunications
the band. After a visit to the University
were honored for their courage and me-
companies. He was a well-respected
of Georgia for a competition, the band’s
morialized with a new sculpture near the
leader in the wireless communication
bus stopped at a restaurant.
campus’s iconic Tech Tower. A second
industry, testifying before Congress
“They wouldn‘t take my order,”
sculpture honored the first African Amer-
and the Federal Communications Com-
Greene said. “I was told to go to a little
ican graduate, Ronald Yancey, EE 65.
mission and contributing to the federal
window outside to be served ‘because
Telecommunications Act of 1996.
we can’t serve you here.’”
“It’s important to look back and see your history,” Greene said that day,
By virtue of an alphabetical seating
When he heard Greene wouldn’t be
“measure yourself and see what prog-
chart, Francis S. “Bo” Godbold, IE 65,
served, the band director ordered ev-
ress has been made, and also look at
sat in front of Greene in some classes in
eryone back on the bus.
what progress needs to continue to be
1961. Decades later, Godbold and his
“ I t m a d e m e f e e l l i ke I h a d a
made and move forward.”
wife, Betsy, provided the gift to Geor-
bunch of brothers who really cared
In the wake of Greene’s death, Geor-
gia Tech that made the sculptures of
about me. That was the first time I
gia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said,
Greene, Long, Williams, and Yancey
felt like I belonged in the group.”
“We have lost a true Georgia Tech hero.
possible.
—JOSHUA STEWART
Because of Ford Greene and the other trailblazers who integrated Georgia Tech in the ’60s, thousands of people of all backgrounds have been able to learn, grow, and contribute to our mission of Progress and Service.” Rafael L. Bras, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs and the K. Harrison Brown Family Chair, said, “The fortitude of Ford Greene and his classmates so many years ago changed Georgia Tech forever. Those first steps onto
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
91
IN MEMORIAM
CL AUDE HENRY BOOKER JR., IM 55, of Brunswick, Ga., on Dec. 25,
HOWARD LEE HALL JR., IE 59,
of Henrico, Va., on Dec. 20, 2019.
2019. WILLIAM SHAPARD “SHEP”
19 4 0S
HERBERT MURRAY BARNUM, CE 48, of Rome, Ga., on Nov. 18,
2019. JOHN “JAC K” PAINTER BOYD SR., IE 49, of Knoxville, Tenn., on
Nov. 24, 2019. ROBERT STUBBS DEBORDE, IM 49, of Atlanta, on Nov. 4, 2019. CECIL WINSTON GAYLER, MS C HEM 40, of Cape Coral, Fla., on
Nov. 8, 2019. PAUL EUGENE GEORGE, ME 42, of Chattanooga, Tenn., on Nov.
28, 2019. CARL FREDERIC K HORNE SR., CLS 47, of Tucker, Ga., on Nov. 3,
2019. THOMAS EDWARD PERRIN , CE 49, of Tallahassee, Fla., on Nov. 9,
2019.
C HARLES WILLIAM BRADY, IM 57, of Atlanta, on Dec. 7, 2019.
Va., on Nov. 17, 2019.
BENJAMIN HAYDEN COOK, IE
WILLIAM J. HOGAN JR., IM
58, of Marietta, Ga., on Nov. 8, 2019.
52, of Decatur, Ga., on Nov. 25, 2019.
RIC HARD “DIC K” FLOYD FIND-
C HARLES MERRILL HUTC HES-
L AY, IE 53, of Eatonton, Ga., on Nov.
ON JR., IM 57, of Ocala, Fla., on
5, 2019.
Jan. 7.
COLLIER JAC K FOUNTAIN , EE
JOHN PETER “PETE” KEENAN ,
52, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., on Dec. 17,
C HE 57, of Richland, Wash., on Nov.
2019.
1, 2019.
EDWARD MCADAM FRISBEE
JOHN PAUL KITC HENS, TEXT
SR., CE 58, of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.,
59, of Dahlonega, Ga., on Dec. 30.,
on Jan. 9.
2019.
LINTON E. GAY JR., CLS 56, of
RIC HARD WALL ACE KOHL, IM
Savannah, Ga., on Nov. 23, 2019.
54, MS IM 58, of Roswell, Ga., on
July 26, 2019. JIM GAZAWAY JR., IM 56, of
Owens Cross Roads, Ala., on Nov. 20, 2019.
WENDELL B. L AWING SR., CE
ROBERT D. “BOB” GILBERT,
PLEASANT HARVEY LEWIS JR.,
C HE 52, of Houston, Texas, on Jan. 1.
IM 58, of Bloomington, Ind., on Sept.
JOHN FRANKLIN GILLESPIE,
WILLIAM C. SL AUGHTER, EE
HANNER JR., IE 54, of Richmond,
IE 50, of Savannah, Ga., on Nov. 1,
50, of Tucker, Ga., on Nov. 20, 2019.
25, 2019. JOHN AL AN NEAL, IE 56, of At-
2019.
lanta, on Dec. 27, 2019.
ROBERT SIMPSON GOULD, CE
R. WAYNE PATTERSON , IE 59,
56, of Decatur, Ga., on Dec. 13, 2019.
of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Nov. 5, 2019.
C HARLES MORGAN ANDER-
RIC HARD A . “DIC K” GRIMES,
C HARLES “C HARLIE” AUSTIN
SON , AE 50, of Costa Mesa, Calif.,
MS IM 59, of Stockbridge, Ga., on
PERRY JR., IM 52, of Jacksonville,
48, of DeBerry, Texas, on Jan. 25.
19 5 0S
on Jan. 3.
Nov. 11, 2019.
STEVE HERREN BOMAR JR.,
GEORGE WILLIAM HALEY,
C HE 59, MS C HE 61, PHD C HE
ARC H 51, of Atlanta, on Dec. 25,
67, of Atlanta, on Nov. 20, 2019.
2019.
Fla., on Dec. 10, 2019. BRUCE ROBERT PINCUS, EE 56,
of Huntsville, Ala., on Jan. 1.
EDITOR’S NOTE We have changed the format for the In Memoriam section of the Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine. We will include an abbreviated version of each obituary in print, while publishing the full obituaries on our website. To read these full obituaries, please visit gtalumni.org/magazine.
92
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
KIRBY M. PL ATTER, IE 58, of
Rock Island, Ill., on Jan. 13. JOHN EDWIN ROLLER, CE 55, MS CE 56, of Mount Vernon, Ga., on
Dec. 21, 2019. THEODORE “ TED” MASON SC HMIDT, CLS 57, of Mebane,
N.C., on Jan. 3. HARRY LYNN SPRING JR., IE 55, of Brunswick, Ga., on Jan. 9. GEORGE EDWIN SMITH JR., IM 55, of Columbia, S.C., on Nov. 20,
2019. JAMES C. TAYLOR, EE 51, of Sen-
ecaville, Ohio, on Jan. 6.
C H A R L E S W I L L I A M B R A DY, I M 57: FOUNDER OF INVESCO
JAMES ELLIS “JIMMY” THOMPSON SR., IM 57, of Co-
lumbus, Ga., on Dec. 21, 2019. WILLIAM WILLIFORD VIC KERS,
C H A R L E S W I L L I A M B R A D Y , O F AT L A N TA, DIED ON DEC. 7, 2019. Born May 11,
professionals established Invesco Inc.,
1935, Brady was seen as a visionary
stitutional clients outside the Southeast.
leader in the financial management in-
Widely regarded as a “people person,”
dustry. Upon graduating from Georgia
Brady exuded warmth and confidence
Tech in 1957, he served two years in the
and was known for his support of a col-
U.S. Navy as a reserve officer based in
legial culture at Invesco and at each firm
THOMAS JAMES “JIMMY”
the Mediterranean.
it acquired.
WESTBURY JR., EE 57, of Sumter,
with $400 million of assets from U.S. in-
In 1964, Brady interviewed with Mills
Throughout his life, Brady was a qui-
B. Lane, Jr., the Chairman of Citizens &
et philanthropist and a recipient of many
Southern National Bank (C&S), and was
prestigious awards. Chief among them,
hired on the spot. Brady believed that it
he donated the Invesco Chair in Inter-
was possible to build an investment man-
national Finance at Georgia Tech‘s
agement company in the Southeast, as
College of Management. In 2004, he
he saw enormous opportunity to pro-
was entered into Georgia Tech‘s Col-
vide investment management services
lege of Management Hall of Fame. He
from independent money managers
also received the prestigious Geor-
rather than bank trust departments. He
gia Tech Alumni Distinguished Service
persuaded Lane, a great mentor of his,
Award.
to set up an SEC-registered investment
Brady served as a member of the
advisory division. So began C&S Invest-
Board of Councilors for The Carter Cen-
ment Counseling, the first bank-owned
ter, as a trustee emeritus of the Georgia
investment management firm in the Unit-
Tech Foundation, as a member of the
ed States.
advisory board for the College of Man-
Brady acquired the business from
agement, and as chairman emeritus of
C&S, and in January 1979, he and
the Board of The National Bureau of
eight other former C&S investment
Asian Research.
IM 59, of Albuquerque, N.M., on
Nov. 18, 2019. EDWIN M. WALKER, EE 56, of
Mount Pleasant, S.C., on Nov. 11, 2019.
S.C., on Oct. 28, 2019. FRONTIS BURBANK “ WIG” WIGGINS JR., IE 50, of Arlington,
Va., on Oct. 29, 2019. ROBERT B. WRIGHT, IE 58, IM 58, of Washington Crossing, Pa., on
Dec. 31, 2019.
19 6 0S
JAVIER D. ALCORTA , C HE 65,
of Columbia, S.C., on Dec. 3, 2019. JOHN BAUGUS, EE 60, of Ros-
well, Ga., on Nov. 15, 2019. STEPHEN RAYMOND BRENNER, IM 61, of Houston, Texas, on
Jan. 2.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
93
IN MEMORIAM L E O N H A R D E M A N , I M 5 5 : T E C H F O O T B A L L S TA R most of his life in the Atlanta and North
first lieutenant in Germany. After the
Georgia area before moving to Ross-
military, he had a 30-year career with
ville in 2012.
Owens-Illinois, Forest Products Division,
Hardeman was an All-American football star who played in two undefeated
retiring as National Vice-President of the Southeast Region.
seasons under coach Bobby Dodd. In
Hardeman was preceded in death
1952, he was voted SEC Player of the
by his parents, his former wife, Susan
Year and All-American. At the 1953
Adams Hardeman, and daughter, Lynn
Sugar Bowl, he was named MVP. Har-
King Hardeman. Survivors are his wife,
deman has been inducted into five Halls
Margaret; three sons, David (Cath-
of Fame, including the Georgia Tech
erine) Hardeman, IE 79, of Atlanta,
Hall of Fame.
Richard Hardeman, and Matthew (Car-
LEON HARDEMAN, OF ROSSVILLE, GA., DIED ON DEC. 9, 2019. He was born June
The Baltimore Colts drafted Har-
oline) Hardeman, of Kennesaw, Ga.;
deman in 1954, but he declined in
and step-son, Richard (Leslie) Helton, of
6, 1932, in Ft. Payne, Ala., and lived
order to serve in the U.S. Army as a
Chattanooga, Tenn.
GERALD “GERRY” P. CARSON
LEE H. ENLOE II, TEXT 60, of
JAMES “CARL” PIRKLE JR., C HE
JR., BC 60, of Melbourne, Fla., on
Newnan, Ga., on Jan. 10.
61, MS C HE 62, PHD C HE 67, of
Clarksville, Tenn., on Oct. 28, 2019.
Oct. 30, 2019. WILLIAM STEWART HALLMAN , JOHN WESLEY CAPPS, PHYS
CE 68, of Lancaster, S.C., on Dec. 25,
JAMES ALTON PURVIS JR., IM
65, of Atlanta, on Nov. 6, 2019.
2019.
61, of Juliette, Ga., on Jan. 14.
MIC HAEL C HEAVES, C HEM 65,
THOMAS EARL HENDRIC KS,
WILLIAM ROGER RINELL, IE 63,
MS IM 67, of Social Circle, Ga., on
C HE 6 4, of Dallas, Texas, on Dec. 5,
of Roswell, Ga., on Dec. 30, 2019.
Sept. 17, 2019.
2019.
JAMES O. CL ARKE JR., IM 67,
RONALD ELLIOT HUSKEY SR.,
VER JR., CERE 60, of Alpharetta,
MS IM 69, of Dunwoody, Ga., on
IM 67, of Birmingham, Ala., on Dec.
Ga., on Nov. 6, 2019.
FREDERIC K WASHINGTON STO-
Jan. 5.
26, 2019.
TERRY JOSEPH DELPH, AE 67,
WILLIAM BL ANTON “BL AN”
IM 62, of Statesboro, Ga., on Dec. 15,
of Coopersburg, Pa., on Dec. 24, 2019.
MCBRIDE, IM 62, of Tallahassee,
2019.
MARSHALL ROY THIGPEN JR.,
Fla., on Nov. 22, 2019. ROBERT LINWOOD WADE, AE
MARVIN LEROY DOERR, C HEM 67, of Clemson, S.C., on Nov. 4, 2019.
MIC HAEL JEFF MILLER, MS CE
61, of Macon, Ga., on Dec. 2, 2019.
69, of Durham, N.C., on Nov. 24, JOHN PETER DOLFIS, EE 62, of
2019.
Seneca, S.C., on Dec. 5, 2019. WILLIAM “BILL” L AW TON PATJEROME “JERRY” DUNCAN
TERSON , ME 63, of Savanah, Ga.,
GOODRIC H JR., ME 63, of Austin,
on Nov. 14, 2019.
Texas, on Jan. 14. CARLTON “DON” PENN , ME 62, of Palmdale, Calif., on Dec. 6, 2019.
94
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
JAMES SMITH WHITTEN , ARC H 63, of Greenville, S.C., on Oct. 20,
2019.
19 7 0S
COLIN E. BARKER, IE 71, of
Seabrook Island, S.C., on Dec. 15, 2019.
FRED DOUGL AS BETTRESS III, IM 74, of Snellville, Ga., on Dec. 5,
2019. RONALD SMITH EDMONDSON , IE 71, of Saint Marys, Ga., on
Nov. 27, 2019. GREGORY A . FIELD, IM 70, of
Annapolis, Md., on Nov. 1, 2019. WILLIAM WYLIE GASTON IV, ARC H 74, of Atlanta, on Nov. 6,
2019. RIC HARD GEORGE HOLDEN , EE 73, of Cumming, Ga., on Nov. 28,
2019. GEORGE W. HOLL AND, MS CE 73, of Hernando, Fla., on Jan. 2.
J A M E S N A R L DA V I D S O N : B E L O V E D T E C H PROFESSOR & ADMINISTRATOR JAMES NARL DAVIDSON OF ATLANTA DIED ON DEC. 12, 2019 . He was born in Dallas,
emeritus, George W. Woodruff School
Texas, the son of John Narl and Eugenia
he addressed issues—and there were
Phillips Davidson.
plenty of them given his position—in such
of Mechanical Engineering, “was how
MARION REED “C HIP“ KAYS
Davidson came to Georgia Tech in
a thoughtful, quiet, yet deliberate way.
III, IM 70, of Atlanta, on Nov. 27,
1973 from Texas A&M and spent the
When he reached a decision, I never
rest of his career with Tech, both in the
doubted it was the correct one because I
Woodruff School and during a variety
knew him to be thorough but fair.”
2019. RAYMOND SHAW RAWCLIFFE
of stints in the College of Engineering
Davidson also generously gave of his
Dec. 24, 2019.
Dean’s office. He served as interim dean
time for student organizations, advising
on three occasions and retired as an as-
student organizations and serving on
NELSON F. SAYFORD, IE 71, of
sociate dean in 2006.
the advisory boards of both the Wom-
JR., ME 79, of San Carlos, Calif., on
Augusta, Ga., on Dec. 16, 2019.
From 1973 to 1983, Davidson served
en's Leadership Conference and the
as an associate professor in the nucle-
Women's Center. As an educator, he
ar engineering program. In 1983, he
was honored with outstanding teach-
became an associate director in me-
ing awards at Texas A&M (1973) and
chanical engineering and was elevated
Georgia Tech (1977), along with the En-
to associate dean in the College of En-
gineer of the Year in Education Award
gineering in 1990. In recognition of his
from the Atlanta section of the ASME
service to Georgia Tech, he was be-
(1988), the Omicron Delta Kappa
stowed the title of professor emeritus
Friend of the Student Award (1992),
Dec. 13, 2019.
when he retired.
and the Good Guy in Education Award
RALPH STEVENS DOOLIT-
istrator, Davidson served on many
TLE III, IM 83, of Macon, Ga., on
committees, including chairing the Tech-
In retirement, Davidson’s favorite
Nov. 22, 2019.
nical Safety Review Committee for the
activities were piloting small planes,
decommissioning of the Neely Nuclear
bicycling, and volunteering in the kitch-
Reactor and the removal of Co-60 from
en at The Friendship Center at Holy
the Neely building and serving on the fa-
Comforter Episcopal Church. During
cilities program committees for MRDC I
vacations, he was always in the ocean
& II, ES&T, and several labs.
body-surfing with his wife, Edi, and sons.
GLENN ROY WIENKOOP, CERE 70, MS CERE 71, of Indian Rocks
Beach, Fla., on Nov. 30, 2019.
19 8 0S
ROBERT C HRISTOPHER BOWEN JR., EE 88, of Austin, Texas, on
ANN BL AC K FREEBURN , MGTSCI 80, of Virginia Beach, Va., on Nov.
22, 2019. DENISE CL ARISSA (KOTC H) HALL, EE 81, of Riverside, Ohio, on
Dec. 3, 2019.
A respected educator and admin-
“ What I remember best about Narl,” recalls Ray Vito, professor
from the Georgia and Atlanta Women’s Political Caucuses in 1997.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Edi Guyton, and five children.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
95
IN MEMORIAM
ALVAH A . HARDY II, ARC H 79, MS ARC H 82, of Smyrna, Ga., on
Jan. 10.
Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Air Medal, among others.
MATTHEW G. MCGOFF, ME 86,
of Milford, Ohio, on Dec. 25, 2019.
After leaving the military, Clift moved his family to Madison, where he be-
19 9 0S
gan farming with his uncle, Frank Clift. He lived in the same house, where they
PATRICIA ANN (SPISAK) CAR-
reared their four children, for 74 years.
SON , EE 97, of Dallas, Ga., on Dec.
He and the Clift farm have been recog-
15, 2019.
nized numerous times, including being designated as an Alabama Heritage
C HRISTIE MARTIN HUNEY-
Farm, an Alabama Century Farm, and
CUTT, CE 91, of Concord, N.C., on
Alabama Conservationist of the Year.
Nov. 18, 2019.
2 010S
FORRESTER “FORREST” WRIGHT MERCIER, EE 17, of At-
lanta, on Nov. 5, 2019.
FRIENDS
JON CARR BARBOUR, of
Waynesville, N.C., on Nov. 28, 2019. EDWARD MAXWELL BUGG, of
Forsyth, Ga., on Jan. 14.
J A C K T. C L I F T, I M 41 : DECORATED COMBAT VETERAN & AWARD-WINNING FA R M E R
Clift was also active in the Madison city government, serving as city councilman in the 1960s. He was active as a member of First Baptist Church of Madison, where he served as a deacon. Clift and his wife, Lillian, were founding members of the Auburn University Tal-
JACK T. CLIFT, OF MADISON, ALA., D I E D O N D E C . 6 , 2 0 1 9 , at age 100. Clift
on Society.
was born in Decatur, Ga. He graduat-
wife of 72 years, Lillian; sister, Caro-
ed from Georgia Tech, where he was a
lyn Anderson; and grandson, Ernest
member of the track team, with a bach-
Kilgore. Survivors include his sister,
elor’s degree in industrial engineering.
Martha Brooks; children, Charlotte
He was preceded in death by his
He enlisted in the U.S. Army during
Campbell (Jonathan), Jack Clift, Jr.,
JUDITH EILEEN HULL CL ARK-
WWII, serving in the 11th Airborne Divi-
Kathleen Steigelman (Terr y), and
SON , of Atlanta, on Jan. 5.
sion in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to
Anne Clift; grandchildren, John Clift,
1945, attaining the rank of captain. He
Scott Kilgore, Laura Beth Barnes, Amy
was instrumental in the liberation of the
Lynn Baker, Julie Clift, and Joshua
Philippines, where he was deployed be-
Clift; 13 great-grandchildren; and one
hind enemy lines, and was awarded the
great-great-granddaughter.
JAMES HAROLD SHEPHERD
DORSEY MILL ARD WATSON
Dec. 2, 2019.
JR., of Atlanta, on Dec. 21, 2019.
JR., of Roswell, Ga., on Nov. 15, 2019.
JEAN KIRKL AND, of Atlanta, on
FRED A . TARPLEY JR., of Wash-
RONNIE MARTIN WHEELESS,
Nov. 12, 2019.
ington, D.C., on Nov. 30, 2019.
of Harlem, Ga., on Nov. 10, 2019.
DIANE DORSETT SCRIPPS, of
FENTRESS CL AIRE BOONE
Hoover, Ala., on Dec. 20, 2019.
WAITS, of Atlanta, on Nov. 9, 2019.
RIC HARD EMORY DARBY, of
Sandy Springs, Ga., on Nov. 4, 2019. ALVIN CL AUD FOWLER, of Cum-
ming, Ga., on Nov. 10, 2019. SHIRLEY JEAN BRUNDAGE JARRETT, of Stone Mountain, Ga., on
96
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THEODORE “TED” TOMASOVICH, IM 69: S TA N D O U T T E C H B A S E B A L L , B A S K E T B A L L S TA R THEODORE “TED” TOMASOVICH, OF WASHOUGAL, WASH., DIED ON JAN. 26, AT AGE 73. Tomasovich grew up in Weirton,
league contract for two years. Later, he
W.Va., attending Weir High School,
real estate.
where he was a star athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball.
worked at Cabot, Cabot & Forbes and then with PYJ Corporation in California He and his wife, Beth, raised their family in San Marino, Calif., for 30
Tomasovich went on to attend Geor-
years. More recently, they moved to
gia Tech on an athletic scholarship and
Washougal, Wash., and enjoyed the
lettered in basketball and baseball.
beauty of living by the river. Tomasovich
He was a standout outfielder and pitcher, becoming a Triple Crown win-
enjoyed long walks, wine, his family, and friends.
ner, leading the team in batting average
Tomasovich is survived by his loving
(.381), home runs (five), and RBI (38)
wife of 37 years, Beth Gary Tomasovich,
for one season. In 1986, he was induct-
and by his daughter, Jessie, and son,
(Kim) Carey of Morgantown, W.Va.;
ed into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame
Trent, both of Los Angeles. He is also sur-
Marcia (Bob) Newbrough; and Mishal
for baseball. After graduating, he was
vived by his brother, Michael (Nancy)
(Mike) Hawthorne of Weirton. He is also
signed by the Cincinnati Reds to a minor
Tomasovich of Atlanta; sisters Sandra
survived by 11 nieces and nephews.
C E C I L O . A L F O R D , E E 5 6 , M S E E 6 0 : D E VO T E D TECH PROFESSOR & RESEARCHER from 1968 to 1998.
He was the author of numerous ar-
In 1975, he founded the comput-
ticles and publications in his fields of
er engineering research laboratory at
expertise. Prior to joining the Tech
Georgia Tech, where he conducted and
faculty, he held teaching positions at Ten-
directed research in robotics and missile
nessee Tech and Mississippi State.
defense.
Throughout his distinguished career
“He single-handedly created the com-
and in his personal and professional life,
puter architecture program within the
Alford showed great kindness, patience,
electrical engineering department,”
and generosity toward others. Tan, who
says Wei Tan, EE 83, MS EE 84, PhD EE
is from Indonesia, says Alford believed
89, one of Alford’s former PhD students.
in him, hiring him for work on the Star
“It was very revolutionary for electrical
Wars project when others would have
engineering.”
been reluctant to hire a foreigner.
In 1975, Alford and a PhD student
“People talk about America being
designed a prototype computer called
the land of opportunity. It wouldn’t be
SPOCK 1. His research helped Geor-
so if not for people like Dr. Alford,”
C E C I L O . A L F O R D , O F L AW R E N C E V I L L E , G A . , D I E D O N D E C . 1 8 , 2 0 1 9 , at age 86.
gia Tech earn the largest research grant
says Tan.
of its history in 1985, a $21.3 million
Alford is survived by his wife, three
Alford was a professor of electrical and
contract from the Strategic Defense Ini-
children, seven grandchildren, and three
computer engineering at Georgia Tech
tiative, also known as Star Wars.
great-grandchildren.
GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
97
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TECH HISTORY
STUDENT LIFE
NOW
BY JENNIFER HERSEIM 100
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
PHO T O ASSIS TANCE FROM ROB FELT, TAMARA WILDER, AND GEORGIA TECH LIVING HISTORY
A lot has changed since John and Stephanie Hull were industrial engineering students at Georgia Tech in the late 1980s. “For starters, we didn’t have A/C in our dorms,” says John, IE 90, who lived in Towers Residence Hall, just west of the downtown connector. How did they stay cool? “We didn’t,” he says. Now, more than 30 years later, the air conditioning is humming in Towers and the Hulls are still closely tuned into student life, but as parents of a first-year Yellow Jacket. Their son J.R. lives in the same Towers Hall that his father lived in as an undergraduate. He’s also pursuing an industrial engineering degree like his parents. (They told J.R. that he could be any kind of engineer that he wants to be.) There are many ways that student life has changed over the years at Georgia Tech, but also countless aspects that remain the same across generations of Yellow Jackets. One constant is the deep sense of traditions and school pride that continues to characterize Georgia Tech student life. “Here’s a test, J.R. What’s the good word?” says his mother, Stephanie, IE 89. “To hell with Georgia,” he responds. Some things never change. In the next few pages, we compare what student life looked like in Tech’s earlier days to what it looks like today.
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101
TECH HISTORY
DIVERSIT Y & INCLUSION
THEN ONE OF THE MOST NOTABLE changes has been the increase in diversity and inclusion of the Institute’s student body. In 1952, the Board of Regents voted to admit women at Tech. That year, Elizabeth Herndon, IE 56, and Diane Michel, IE 56, became the first two “co-eds" to enroll on campus. In 1961, Ford C. Greene, Cls 65, Ralph A. Long Jr.,Cls 65, and Lawrence Williams, Cls 65, became the first African American students to integrate Tech.
NOW DEDICATED TO CRE ATING A CULTURE of belonging, involvement, and leadership education for all students, Tech’s Student Life Division offers a wide variety of student engagement and resource centers. One such program is GOLD Route. Launched in 2019, GOLD Route equips students who currently hold leadership roles or who hope to hold leadership positions with the skills to make meaningful change as student leaders. Diane Michel, IE 56 (left), was one of the first women to graduate from Georgia Tech. Oluwaferanmi Adeyemo, ChE 19 (right), who graduated in December, was Tech’s 100,000th Living Engineering graduate.
SCHOOL WORK THEN
NOW
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF “UNCLES,” a
T O D AY , Yellow Jackets conduct re-
term of respect used for Tech’s shop
search at state-of-the-art research
teachers, students produced railroad
facilities on campus, such as the
nails, small motors, ceramics, and
Marcus Nanotechnology Research
wooden bookends in mandatory shop
Center. The building includes 30,000
classes. These goods gained national
square feet of clean room space. It’s
recognition at the 1895 Cotton States
the largest facility of its kind in the
Exposition. Soon after the expo, how-
southeastern U.S. Ev-
ever, local shop owners put an end
er yone entering the
to the sales, complaining that Tech’s
clean room must wear
free labor undercut their business. This
full gowns, face masks,
1909 foundry (top right), was housed
booties, and hair nets
in the Shop Building, which was rebuilt
to preserve the sterile
after burning down in 1892. The build-
conditions.
ing was demolished in 1968.
102
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1909 foundry (top) Marcus Nanotechnology Center (bottom)
STUDYING THEN G E O R G I A T E C H L I B R A R Y opened in 1907 with a $20,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie. The first library was located in the Carnegie Building, which today houses the President’s Office, Provost’s Office, and senior administration.
NOW AS PART OF THE LIBRARY NEXT PROJECT, Georgia Tech Library underwent a renewal in response to the changing needs of students and campus. The completed space will be tailored to suit a wide range of students’ study and research habits, with areas dedicated for quiet reading, collaboration, and brainstorming. Most of the 1.8 million items in the Institute’s collection are now housed four miles off campus at the joint Emory–Georgia Tech LiThe Georgia Tech Library in the 1960s (top), and after undergoing renewal (bottom), which will be completed this year.
brary Service Center.
Dorm room decorations in Harris Hall from 1961 (top) and in Harris now (bottom).
DORM LIFE
OPERATION BOOKS In 1953, the library was relocated from the Carnegie Building to the Price Gilbert Memorial Library, where it exists today. Under “Operation Books” students formed brigades to move 150,000 books by hand, tractor, and any way they could.
THEN A S L I D E R U L E , a print of Tech Tower, a radio, and a dictionary were typical accessories for dorm rooms in the ’60s. Deloye Burrell, Cls 65, took this 1961 photo of his room in Harris Hall.
NOW SLEEP SERIES
Regardless of the decade, you can always find a few Ramblin’ Wrecks who succumbed to sleep while studying at the Georgia Tech Library.
T O D A Y , laptops, band posters, string lights, ample power cords, and maps are some of the common items adorning Tech’s residence halls. GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
103
TECH HISTORY
CLASS REGISTRATION THEN F O R M O S T O F T E C H ’ S H I S T O R Y , registering for classes was done in person, often with students waiting in long lines outside the Heisman Gymnasium. Your place in line could impact whether you were able to graduate on time. If a student needed a certain class to graduate and that class filled up before they got to the front of the line, they were out of luck. As a result, students often bartered or traded goods for better spots in the line to guarantee they could register for the classes they needed.
NOW T O D AY , students register for classes online. FASET counselors, pictured below, assist freshmen signing up for their first courses.
In 1932, students raced around Grant Field in the first Ramblin’ Wreck Parade (top). The parade has been an annual tradition ever since, except in 1942 and 1943 during WWII.
TRADITIONS & PARADES THEN THE FIRST RAMBLIN’ WRECK PARADE was in 1932. Professor Floyd Field, dean of students at the time, came up with the idea for the Wreck Parade as a replacement for the Old Road Race, which Field had cancelled earlier, citing concerns about students’ safety.
NOW O V E R T H E Y E A R S , the Ramblin’ Wreck Parade, which is held before homecoming, has evolved into a showcase of Tech students’ ingenuity. Categories include classic cars, themed cars, and contraptions, which are student-operated. 104
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GREEK LIFE Tug of War is a Greek Week tradition for Georgia Tech fraternities and sororities as seen here in 1972 (top) and in 2009 (bottom).
Navigating traffic is nothing new for Yellow Jackets. In the 1930s, students took street cars (top). Today, they ride Tech Trolley (bottom).
GETTING AROUND TOWN THEN IN 1930, STUDENTS often used street cars for transportation. This tongue-incheek column from the 1930 Blueprint detailed the finer points of boarding:
THEN
NOW
“There are three methods of properly
G R E E K L I F E has been an integral
TODAY, approximately 25 percent of
boarding a street car. The ‘Hammer
part of Georgia Tech since its found-
Tech’s student body participates in a
and Nails’ system is one that is fast
ing. The first fraternity was established
fraternity or sorority. “Fraternity life,
becoming popular, especially with
in 1888, the same year that Tech
contrary to the stereotypes, was very
the younger set. If there
opened its doors to students.
helpful for me in being able to stay at
are several persons to
Tech was the first major engineering
Tech,” says John Hull, IE 90. Tech’s
assist you this is per-
school to have a sorority. In 1954, the
students who are affiliated with Greek
haps the best plan. The
Gamma Eta chapter of Alpha Xi Delta
life consistently perform better aca-
procedure is as follows:
was established.
demically than other students.
Secure a hammer for each person boarding. Secure twenty-pennies worth of nails. Secure boards. Secure a street car. Then using hammer and nails secure boards.”
NOW TODAY, there are a variety of options for getting around campus, including Tech’s earlier initiations for new fraternity members could involve elaborate pranks. Fraternity house mothers, such as the 1956 Mothers’ Club (above), were often in charge of reining in these initiations among other unofficial duties, says Marilyn Somers, HON 08, director of Georgia Tech’s Living History Program. “They filled all the roles—counselor, nurse, mother. They were truly unsung heroes.”
bikes, MARTA, and electric scooters. A free Tech Trolley, pictured above, began operating on campus when Tech Square opened in 2003. GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
105
BACK PAGE
TOM HORAN’S MAP
IN 1926, TOM HORAN, CLS 26, DREW THIS WHIMSICAL MAP OF CAMPUS. WE THINK BURDELL WOULD APPROVE.
A giant lobster on the wood shop pays homage to Uncle Heinie’s first lecture on safety. According to Images & Memories of Georgia Tech: 1885-1985, Heinie told students: “Gentleman, a lobster is better than you. He can grow another claw, but you can’t grow another hand.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: This map has been edited for some content. 106
SPRING 2020 | GTALUMNI.ORG/MAGAZINE
GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH | INNOVATIVE CAMPUS BUILDINGS | S T U D E N T S C H O L A R S H I P S
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Give to Roll Call today at: gtalumni.org/giving Gifts can be mailed to: Roll Call, Georgia Tech Alumni Association, 190 North Ave, Atlanta, GA 30313, 404.894.0778
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