T-Book 2023 - 2024

T-BOOK 2023–2024

The T-Book is an official publication of the Board of Student Publications at the Georgia Institute of Technology. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission of the Board of Student Publications. The ideas expressed herein are those of the respective editors or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute, the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, the Board of Student Publications, alumni, students, staff, faculty, affiliates of Georgia Tech or the University System of Georgia.

Dedicated to President Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter is the only U.S. President to be born in the state of Georgia and the only President to have attended Georgia Tech. In the span of just three years, he attended Georgia Southwestern College, transferred to Georgia Tech, and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science degree. After serving in the Navy’s nuclear submarine program, President Carter returned to his hometown of Plains, Georgia and became a community leader. He went on to serve as a Georgia State Senator, as the Governor of Georgia, and as the 39th President of the United States. During his term, President Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaties and the Camp David Accords and established diplomatic relations with China. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, with the committee citing his “decades of untiring efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” President Carter’s philanthropic work continues today through his deep involvement with Habitat for Humanity and through the Carter Center, a non-profit he started with his wife dedicated to addressing national and international public policy and human rights issues. The Carter Center is located minutes away from Georgia Tech's campus and houses the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

Dear RATS (Recently Acquired Tech Students):

Welcome to the Georgia Tech Family. Much planning has occurred in preparation for your arrival. My staff and I are excited that you have chosen to pursue your education and your dreams at Georgia Tech. I am sure it will not take you long to realize that it is truly an exciting time to be a Yellow Jacket.

The Dean of Students Office is delighted to welcome you. We have been supporting and assisting students for many years. Our office is located in the Smithgall Student Services Building (the Flag Building) on the 2nd floor. Please feel free to stop by and say hello over the next few weeks and months.

The Division of Student Engagement and Well-Being is comprised of several different programs and departments. These departments and programs are in place to assist students in finding ways to get involved both at Georgia Tech and the greater Atlanta community and offer the services you need to be successful. To learn more about our programs and services, visit our website at: studentlife .gatech.edu

Please also know that staff is always available to talk to students about various issues and topics. If you would like to speak with a staff member in a particular office, stop by that office or visit their website to schedule an appointment.

I know your first year at Tech will be filled with many new experiences. Take advantage of all that Tech has to offer—attend a fall football game, participate in Family Weekend or Homecoming, join an intramural team, or get involved in one of the 600 clubs on campus. One great way to learn about Tech is to read your official T-Book. This book is filled with important and interesting information.

I look forward to meeting you in the future. And by the way, if you see George P. Burdell on campus, tell him I send my regards.

Go Jackets,

John M. Stein

Associate Vice President for Student Life & Brandt-Fritz Dean of Students Chair

THE T-BOOK

In 1904, the Georgia Tech YMCA published the first T-Book to help students acclimate to campus life. The first T-Books included information such as biographies of faculty members, a list of student organizations, and day-to-day information. For the duration of World War II, Georgia Tech’s Navy ROTC program assumed responsibility of the T-Book since most students were affiliated with the program. When the YMCA reduced its role on campus in 1970, the T-Book ceased publication, later returning as a website in 1997. It was not until 2008 that the Ramblin’ Reck Club revived the tradition of distributing physical T-Books at Convocation, returning the T-Book to its printed form. Ever since, the publication has continued to act as a valuable resource for first-year and transfer students alike. T-NIGHT

Every fall, the Ramblin’ Reck Club organizes the annual Traditions Night, also known as T-Night. The event includes a festival and show that allows students the chance to interact with the history and traditions of Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jacket Marching Band, Georgia Tech Athletic Association, and many student organizations come together to celebrate Georgia Tech’s legacy. Community vendors also produce complementary food and treats. All members of the Georgia Tech community are invited to attend this year’s T-Night on Sunday, August 27.

RAT CAPS

In addition to a T-Book, new students also receive a gold hat called a RAT Cap. The term “RAT” originally stood for “Recruit at Tech,” but today, “RATs” now stands for “Recently Acquired Tech students.” When RAT Caps were first introduced by ANAK in 1915, freshmen were required to wear them throughout campus until the Georgia Tech football team beat u[sic]GA. If Tech lost the game, then RAT Caps had to be worn through the end of the school year. While the associated RAT Rules are gone, Georgia Tech continues to give out RAT Caps as a nod to the tradition.

FILLING OUT YOUR RAT CAP

On the bottom of the bill, write “RAT” in the center, leaving room for your name above, your major on the left, your intended graduation year on the right, and your hometown below. On the back panel, write “TO HELL WITH georgia,” writing “georgia” as small as possible. Throughout the year, write the final scores of all Georgia Tech football games on the other side panels. If Tech wins, write “TECH” and our score above the other team’s name and score. If Tech loses, do the same, except write upside-down. Reserve the back panel for the ACC Championship game and the front panel for a bowl game. If you plan to complete a co-op, circle the top button and wait to fill it in until you complete your co-op.

BUZZ

A human Yellow Jacket first appeared at Georgia Tech in 1972 when Judi McNair performed at football games dressed in a homemade costume. However, it was not until 1980 that Buzz would become an official mascot of Georgia Tech, after student Richie Bland stormed the field dressed in a $1,400 Yellow Jacket costume he had commissioned from a designer at Six Flags. Bland attended mascot camp at Virginia Tech, setting the standards for the lovable and mischievous mascot we love today. On October 1, 1980, Buzz made his first appearance as a member of the cheerleading squad.

The crazy antics Buzz is known for include shaking his stinger and performing his classic Buzz flip on the football field. Multiple students split the duties of Buzz, and their identities are kept secret until graduation when Buzz himself carries them across the stage. This past year, Buzz earned first place in Daytona, becoming the 2023 NCA College Mascot National Champion!

THE RAMBLIN’ RECK

The Ramblin’ Reck is Georgia Tech’s one-of-a-kind mechanical mascot––a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe. The very first Ramblin’ Reck was a 1914 Ford Model T, driven daily around campus by Dean of Men Floyd Field from 1916 until its demolition in 1929. Despite its dilapidated condition, the student body had come to adore Dean Field’s car as much as the man himself.

Decades later, Assistant Dean of Students Jim Dull, seeking to honor Georgia Tech’s rich engineering heritage, began his year-long search for an official Ramblin’ Reck mascot. In the fall of 1960, he found it in an immaculately restored Ford Model A miraculously parked outside his dorm in Towers. The Old Ford, then owned by Chief Delta Pilot Ted Johnson, was sold to Dull in May of 1961 for $1,000. Johnson repaid this unbelievably low sum to the Institute in 1983, making the car a true donation. The Ramblin’ Reck belongs to the student body, and in 1967, care and maintenance of the Reck was entrusted to the Ramblin’ Reck Club.

The Ramblin’ Reck has led Georgia Tech onto the football field at every home game since its debut on September 30, 1961. Today, the Reck can be seen across campus–available to all student organizations for events–and beyond, often appearing at weddings and galas throughout Georgia. The Reck Garage, opened in early 2023, is a display pavilion and working garage that acts as the first permanent home for the Ramblin’ Reck. In keeping with one of the infamous RAT Rules, first-year students are barred from touching the Reck until the end of spring exams, otherwise, they will face bad luck throughout their college career and curse Georgia Tech’s football team to lose to u[sic]GA.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Before Georgia Tech had established an official mascot or team name, the team had many nicknames over the years, among which were the Engineers, the Blacksmiths, the Techity Techs, and the Golden Tornado.

RAMBLIN' WRECK

While there is no definitive record of the first time “Ramblin’ Wreck” was used, many historians attribute the name to the chaos that ensued following Tech’s first football game against u[sic]GA in Athens on November 4, 1893. On Tech’s way back home, the train they were traveling on was involved in a serious accident, crashing into the back of a freight train. With their train derailed and with a heavily damaged engine, the team was forced to board the freight train as it continued back to Atlanta. A news report covering the incident wrote how the “wrecks rambled back to Tech.” and the nickname was born. Note that the name for a Tech student is a “Ramblin’ Wreck” while the mechanical mascot is the “Ramblin’ Reck.”

YELLOW JACKETS

A scarcity of gold fabric during Tech’s early days meant it was hard to faithfully portray the official White and Old Gold color scheme. As a result, fans would often wear yellow jerseys and jackets to show their support, and in a news article on October 29, 1905, head football coach John Heisman declared that the team should be referred to as the Yellow Jackets.

CLEAN, OLD-FASHIONED HATE

Georgia Tech's rivalry with the university [sic] of Georgia officially began after their first football matchup on November 4, 1893, the same game that sparked the nickname “Ramblin’ Wrecks.” After Tech’s 28-6 win, furious u[sic]GA players began throwing rocks at the team’s train as they traveled home, the birth of an everlasting feud.

Although Georgia has since built an edge in the ongoing series, Georgia Tech holds the record for longest win streak, going undefeated against the Bulldogs eight times between 1949 and 1956 under Coach Bobby Dodd. The two teams are tied for total National Championship wins.

The schools continue the tradition with a football game played the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, alternating between Atlanta and Athens. During the week leading up to the game (known as Hate Week), the rivalry is in full force with campus becoming especially hostile toward anything red. Today, Georgia Tech fans will write the school name with “university” in lower-case and followed by “[sic],” refusing to acknowledge the school’s status as a university. Additional taunts include referring to u[sic]GA as the “cesspool of the South” and the “school to the East.”

The best way to get a Yellow Jacket’s attention is to ask “What’s The Good Word?” to which you should always respond proudly with “To Hell With georgia!” After repeating this three times, ask “How 'bout them dogs?” and respond “Piss on 'em!”

TECH TOWER

Built in 1888, Tech Tower was one of Georgia Tech’s two original buildings. It was then known as the Academic Building and was the school’s only classroom building, with the Shop Building next door (in a space now occupied by Harrison Square). In 1918, the freshman class added the “TECH” sign to the tower, lending it its current name. While the letters were first made of wood painted white and gold, the modern neon lights and metal frames were added later. Although Tech Tower no longer rises above the Atlanta skyline as it once did, it remains an iconic piece of Georgia Tech history and the most easily recognizable piece of campus.

STEALING THE "T"

The tradition began when, in 1969, a group of fraternity brothers who called themselves the “Magnificent Seven” stole one of the “T”s off of Tech Tower. They had performed the feat to commemorate then President Edwin D. Harrison’s retirement, leaving the “gift” on his front lawn. For decades, student groups emulated their theft, stealing the east-facing “T” and returning it during halftime at that year’s homecoming game. At one point, students resorted to stealing the “H”s due to the number of groups attempting the feat. While President John Patrick Crecine once said that “stealing the ‘T’ off the Tech Tower is among the all-time greatest rituals,” Georgia Tech has since struck down the tradition out of concern for student safety, making it an expellable offense to climb any campus structure. Tech Tower is now rumored to be equipped with pressure-sensitive roof tiles, fiber optical cables connecting the letters, and a silent alarm. Vandalism and theft of any kind are not tolerated at Georgia Tech, yet “T”s across campus are still known to mysteriously disappear.

MICKEY MOUSE CLOCK

This clock was introduced in the fall of 1978 by two alumni, Lindsey Smith and Henry Claxton (notice the brand name, “Smaxton”), when it was hung as a prank. It has since remained on campus, keeping a watchful eye on Tech students. As a RAT, it is a rite of passage to discover the location of the clock on your own, so keep your eyes peeled when you're walking around campus.

THE WHISTLE

A part of day-to-day life since 1892 —making it the oldest recorded Tech tradition—this historic steam whistle attached to Georgia Tech’s power plant blows throughout the school week to signal class changes. It has been the second most desirable prize on campus (behind the Tech Tower “T,” of course), having been stolen numerous times. Most recently, a group of students had stolen the whistle on the eve of President Clough’s inauguration in 1995, disrupting a planned administrative ceremony. The students later presented the whistle to Clough to “commemorate” his inauguration, a gift he went on to proudly display on his desk. In addition to class changes, listen out for the whistle anytime the Yellow Jackets score a touchdown or victory at home football games.

WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS

When the Whistle Blows is an annual Georgia Tech ceremony honoring members of the community who have passed away in the previous year. The ceremony began in 2001 and has continued to take place at the culmination of each spring semester. Following a bagpipe processional led by the Ramblin’ Reck, a candle lighting ceremony involving family and friends of the deceased honors and celebrates the memory of those that have passed. To end the ceremony, the whistle lets out a series of long blasts—one for each of the honored community members.

ANAK

The ANAK Society is a secret society composed of campus leaders. When ANAK was founded in 1908, its members focused on creating resources that the campus desperately needed, later establishing the Student Government Association and the Technique. Additionally, ANAK played a major role in the peaceful integration of campus. Today, the ANAK society supports the initiatives of its members and other campus leaders by allocating funding and facilitating collaboration and networking. For example, ANAK recently played a role in creating the Progress Pride Staircase at Klaus and helped with planning for the new Student Center. ANAK members work on both new initiatives and projects they were already working on prior to joining.

Membership in ANAK is limited to juniors, seniors, faculty, and alumni who have shown true love for Georgia Tech and have excellent leadership capabilities. Today, one’s membership in ANAK is kept secret until graduation or retirement from Georgia Tech. Maintaining their anonymity allows members to focus on their work without seeking recognition. Contrary to popular belief, ANAK does not choose to tap students solely based on their holding of a specific leadership position. ANAK looks for campus leaders, even those with niche interests, that can make a positive impact on the community. Members contribute their diverse perspectives, their unique goals, and their personal networks. Whereas ANAK was founded by eight White men, today, the ANAK Society is proud to report a diverse membership of about twenty members.

GEORGE P. BURDELL

In 1927, incoming student William Edgar “Ed” Smith was mistakenly sent two student enrollment forms. He filled out the extra form as a joke on his strict high school principal and alumnus of u[sic]GA, George P. Butler, taking the name Burdell from a family friend. At Tech, Smith completed an extra set of work for each of his classes in the name of Burdell, changing just enough of his answer to avoid being caught. The prank paid off when, in 1930, Burdell successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Science. After Smith graduated, other students took up the task of keeping the hoax alive, allowing Burdell to earn his Master's degree.

The earliest reported prank in the name of Burdell occurred when, after a student was snubbed by a fraternity he had hoped to join, he ordered a truckload of furniture to be delivered cash on delivery to the fraternity addressed to Burdell. In the years since, Burdell’s legacy and list of accomplishments has continued to grow to include:

• Being listed as a member of the ANAK graduating class of 1930

• Attending Harvard from 1940-1941

• Serving with the U.S. flight crew of a B-17 bomber, completing twelve missions over Europe with the Eighth Air Force in England during World War II and serving in Korea, Vietnam, and every military event since

• Registering for every possible course–upwards of 3,000 hours–when Georgia Tech digitized registration in 1969 (and again in 1975 and 1980)

• Earning a varsity letter from Georgia Tech's football and basketball teams

• Serving on the board of directors of MAD Magazine from 1969-1981

• Leading as top runner-up for Time Magazine's 2001 Person of the Year

MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST

On the Monday night of finals week, members of Georgia Tech’s faculty and staff partner with Tech Dining and SCPC to serve you a free, late-night breakfast. Midnight Breakfast is a great excuse to take a break from studying and to unwind before final exams. The event is completely free but tickets get claimed quickly. Midnight Breakfast started after the undergraduate Executive Vice President Nate Watson brought the idea to life in the Fall of 1998. It was so popular that it remains a Georgia Tech tradition today, though it no longer takes place at midnight.

MIDNIGHT BUD

Dating back to the Fall of 1999, Midnight Bud is the tradition of nothing happening on the Monday evening of finals week. Hardly anyone directly acknowledges the existence of Midnight Bud, instead vaguely referring to taking a “stroll past Brittain” to see a group of “unaffiliated musicians” perform some of Georgia Tech’s greatest hits.

The fun begins outside Brittain Dining Hall, followed by a dash to the courtyard between Glenn and Towers. The main event of the night is the sprint to the North Avenue Apartment Courtyard for even more performances. North Avenue residents with windows facing the courtyard flick their lights on and off to the music playing below.

DEAN GRIFFIN

No one loved Georgia Tech as much as George C. Griffin. Often known as “Mr. Georgia Tech” for his seven decades of service to the institute, Dean Griffin most notably served as Dean of Students from 1946 to 1964. However, Dean Griffin’s legacy extends far beyond his role as Dean. He taught mathematics, led Georgia Tech’s Navy ROTC program, and served as secretary of the Alumni Association for 40 years. As a student, Dean Griffin played on the football team, returning to coach tennis, track and field, and cross country and also served as an assistant football coach. Dean Griffin had to pause his time at Georgia Tech twice, once as a student and once as a faculty member, to serve in both World Wars. Dean Griffin’s legacy continues to impact students today. He generously founded the Georgia Tech Placement Center, now known as the Alumni Career Center, with his own money and also established a 0% interest loan program for students in financial need, known as the Hip Pocket Fund. Through his love of athletics, he helped found the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame and the State of Georgia Athletic Hall of Fame.

WHISPERING TO DEAN GRIFFIN

A statue of Dean Griffin sits just outside of the Smithgall Building, home to the Office of the Dean of Students. Dean Griffin was known to remember the names of every student he met, and it is now tradition to whisper your goals into his ear. As a nod to the Hip Pocket Fund, you can find two dollar bills sticking out of his pocket.

GEORGE C. GRIFFIN ROAD RACE

Originally three miles long and first run on May 26, 1973, the George C. Griffin Race was established in honor of former track and cross country coach Dean Griffin. One of Atlanta’s longest continually running races, the race was modified to be pi miles long in 1976 and then shortened just barely to five kilometers in 2002. Now sponsored by the Alumni Association, the Pi-Mile 5K Road Race features many different categories of runners including the ghost category: entrants, all of whom named George P. Burdell, who pay the entrance fee but do not actually run.

TYLER BROWN PI-MILE TRAIL

A portion of the Griffin Race is run along the Tyler Brown PiMile Trail, a well-lit 3.14 mile loop around campus. This trail is named after First Lieutenant Tyler Brown, a former Georgia Tech student who ran daily for ROTC. During his time as SGA President, Brown was a strong advocate for establishing a safe running trail through campus. After graduating in 2001 with degrees in Management and History, Science & Technology, Lt. Brown was commissioned into the U.S. Army. Lt. Brown was killed in action in Iraq in September 2004. The trail was completed and dedicated in April 2005 in his honor.

ANIMALS AT TECH

SIDEWAYS

In March of 1945, an eight-month-old puppy was thrown out of a car window at The Varsity. She was then taken in by Mrs. Schofield, the owner of a North Avenue boarding house. The puppy underwent an operation that caused her to walk diagonally instead of straight, giving her the name “Sideways”.

Mrs. Schofield’s home was torn down to make way for new student dorms, and Sideways became a part of Georgia Tech’s campus. The entire community adored Sideways. She spent her time with students in their dorms, attending classes, dining at frat houses, marching drills with the ROTC program, and leading the football team onto the field. Sideways was even once stolen by students from u[sic]GA.

ANIMALS AT TECH PENNIES FOR SIDEWAYS

When Sideways passed away in the Fall of 1947, the students of Georgia Tech buried her beside Tech Tower. Today, it is tradition to place a penny on Sideways’ grave for good luck during final exams.

HELLUVA SOCRATES

When Dr. Daniel C. Fielder, an Electrical Engineering professor, found an abandoned litter of nine puppies near the architecture building in 1965, he gave away all but one and began caring for the puppy—a mix between a collie and a golden retriever—he named “Socrates”. Socrates went everywhere with Dr. Fielder, attending lectures and proctoring exams together as the “Soc and Doc” team. Socrates lived a long life, passing away in 1981, and is now buried on the lawn of the Van Leer building.

CLIFFORD THE LION

In 1961, Tech football player Joe Auer purchased a small lion cub from an Emory fraternity and brought him back to Tech, naming him Clifford. Clifford lived with Joe in Cloudman Residence Hall, rode around town in Joe’s Ferrari and enjoyed special meals from the chef of the football team and at The Varsity. However, as Clifford grew, several students complained about his growling, so eventually, Clifford was moved to a vet clinic in Decatur, Georgia.

STUMPY’S BEAR

When Georgia Tech won the 1929 Rose Bowl, the football team was given a commemorative black bear cub. Player Stumpy Thomason agreed to take the bear, naming him “Bruin.” Bruin lived on campus under the East stands of the football stadium where Stumpy taught him to drink Coca-Cola and moonshine, and even how to climb trees. Eventually, Bruin got into trouble with the law for “drunk and disorderly behavior” as well as for stealing the pants off of a Tech student while chasing him up a tree. While Bruin stayed with Stumpy for a few years, his final whereabouts are unknown.

ANIMALS AT TECH

THE ALBINO SQUIRREL

This white-coated Eastern gray squirrel likes to hang out on campus and enjoy the many trees. “The Albino Squirrel” is exceptionally rare! Only about 1 in 100,000 gray squirrels are born with a white coat, so if you see him, consider it an omen of good luck.

COMMUNITY CATS

Georgia Tech’s campus acts as home to dozens of community cats, most of whom are named for their colorful coats or after Georgia Tech icons. These cats have been part of Georgia Tech’s campus for over 50 years, but they have not always been taken care of. After recognizing this need, a team of faculty members formed Campus Cats, a group dedicated to leaving food and water in sheltered locations, spaying and neutering unfixed cats, and rehoming and adopting kittens or cats that have been abandoned on campus.

HOMECOMING

First celebrated on June 7, 1920, Homecoming is an annual, week-long celebration of Georgia Tech traditions and culture that occurs each fall. Many students compete as part of a Greek chapter, student organization, or residence hall, but most events are also open to unaffiliated enthusiast teams.

FRESHMAN CAKE RACE

The Freshman Cake Race is a half-mile “race” held on the morning of the Homecoming Game. The race is optional and is open to all first-year students. The top competitors receive full-sized cakes, but all participants receive a cupcake. Many students arrive dressed in pajamas, ready to walk the length of the race with their friends. Others arrive with an earnest desire to bring home a cake.

The race began in 1911 as an open-invitation cross country run. A couple of years later, some faculty members’ wives and student sweethearts began baking cakes for the winners. In 1935, the Freshman Cake Race became an official Georgia Tech tradition. All freshmen who were “physically able to run” were required to participate. Dean Griffin would attend the race to scout out new recruits for the cross country team. When women were first allowed to enroll as full-time students, they were originally made to run an alternative 100 -meter dash. It was not until the 1970s that all freshmen could participate equally.

MINI 500

First held in 1969, the Mini 500 is an eight (formerly twenty-five) lap miniature tricycle race around Peters Parking Deck held on the evening before the Homecoming Game. Many teams risk scrapes and bruises just for a chance to cross the finish line and bask in the cheers of the crowds of alumni and students that line the entire race route.

Although the Ramblin’ Reck Club orders a tricycle on behalf of each participating team, the tricycles arrive covered in red paint, so teams must redecorate them before racing. While teams are not required to make any further modifications to their tricycle, it is highly recommended—a tricycle without reinforcements or modifications is doomed to move slowly and fall apart quickly.

RAMBLIN' WRECK PARADE

The Ramblin’ Wreck Parade originated in 1929 as the Old Ford Race, a race of classic cars from Atlanta to Athens, but was shut down in 1932 when the administration deemed it too dangerous. To preserve the tradition, the race was adapted into the much safer procession it is today. The inaugural Wreck Parade in 1932 consisted of just two vehicle categories: Classic Cars (like the Ramblin’ Reck) and Fixed Bodies (similar to parade floats). In 1944, the parade was renewed with the inclusion of a third category: Contraptions. These interesting student-built vehicles must be completely human-powered and they showcase the engineering skills and creativity of Georgia Tech. Today, the Wreck Parade includes performances from various student groups and prizes are awarded to the top vehicles in each category.

HOMECOMING

HOMECOMING COMPETITION STEP SHOW

The Student Center Programs Council (SCPC) handles the registration of all Homecoming teams and runs a wide array of competitive events such as the egg toss, obstacle course, Mario Kart tournament, and much more. SCPC crowns the year’s Ramblin’ Royalty and organizes the Homecoming Carnival and Concert. They partner with student organizations like IFC/CPC, RHA, and AASU who run events like the pomp display and banner contests, Mock Rock (a lip-sync and dance competition), a Minecraft building challenge, and the donut eating contest.

Organizations within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) take the stage to perform carefully crafted step routines—a form of dance using percussive rhythms created by combining stomping, clapping, and spoken word. With a rich history deeply rooted in African American culture, the Step Show is a vibrant celebration of unity and resilience and highlights the exceptional talent and rich tapestry of traditions within the Georgia Tech community.

GAMEDAY TRADITIONS

YELLOW JACKET ALLEY

Leading up to kickoff at home football games, North Avenue will transform into the “front porch” of Bobby Dodd Stadium for Helluva Block Party. Join tailgaters, students, and alumni to line the street, cheering on a parade welcoming the players into the stadium. The celebration—in its new location for the first time this year—is led by Georgia Tech’s many spirit groups. Finally, the entire Georgia Tech football team enters the stadium to the music of the Yellow Jacket Marching Band.

BIG BUZZ THE FLAG

Big Buzz is a giant, inflatable version of our beloved, winged mascot that can be found on campus at special events and before kickoff.

Between the third and fourth quarters of each home football game, an oversized gold flag cascades over the student section, creating a spectacle for the rest of the stadium.

THE HORSE

If the band is playing at a sporting event, stick around after the game for The Horse, a song with its own unique, but simple dance. During the drum break, fans disperse across the stadium, moving as far away as they can before the main chorus starts back up again.

GAMEDAY TRADITIONS

When the Yellow Jackets get a first down… after the band finishes their fanfare, extend your arm out in a chopping motion and yell “ooh-woo.” To send our team extra good luck, keep your arm extended as far out as you can until the end of the next play.

When the Yellow Jackets are shooting a free throw… hold your fist up in the air silently as they prepare to shoot. If they make the basket, pull your fist down and cheer.

When the opposing team shoots an airball… move your arm in a chopping motion and repeatedly chant “Airball! Airball!” To further taunt the opponent, continue this chant each time that player has the ball again.

When a set begins in volleyball or when a half or quarter begins in basketball… rise to your feet. No one sits until the Jackets score!

When the opposing team is getting ready to serve… watch how the player handles the ball. If they bounce the ball, yell “Boink!” If they spike it against the floor, yell “Ow!” If they spin it in their hands, yell “Whoo!” Finally, when they begin their serve, begin yelling “Ohhhh,” peaking in volume as they hit the ball.

When the Yellow Jackets win the point… the game’s announcer will say “Point Tech.” Along with the beat of the drummer from the Volleyball Pep Band, proudly repeat “Point Tech!” while pumping your first in the air.

When the opposing team swaps in a new pitcher from the bullpen… listen out for a remix of the song Hit the Road Jack. After the main buildup of the song, make bull horns with your fingers and pump your fist to the beat of the song. When in doubt, keep an eye on Georgia Tech’s dugout and follow the players’ lead.

SONGS AND CHEERS

(I'm a) Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech

I'm a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech

And a hell of an engineer

A helluva, helluva, helluva, helluva, hell of an engineer. Like all the jolly good fellows, I drink my whiskey clear.

I'm a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech

And a hell of an engineer.

Oh! If I had a daughter, sir, I'd dress her in white and gold

And put her on the campus

To cheer the brave and bold.

But if I had a son, sir

I'll tell you what he'd do— He would yell “To Hell With georgia!" Like his daddy used to do.

Oh! I wish I had a barrel of rum And sugar three thousand pounds, A college bell to put it in, And a clapper to stir it ‘round.

I'd drink to all good fellows

Who come from far and near.

I'm a Ramblin’, Gamblin’, Hell of an engineer! Hey!

SONGS AND CHEERS

Up With the White and Gold

Oh well it's up with the white and gold

Down with the red and black

Georgia Tech is out for a victory

We'll drop the battle-ax on georgia’s head

When we meet her our team is sure to beat her

Down on the old farm there will be no sound

‘till our bow wows rips through the air

When the battle is over georgia’s team will be found With the Yellow Jackets swarming ‘round! Hey!

Although Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech is one of the most recognized fight songs in college football, its origins remain unclear. We do know, however, that it is based on an old folk ballad called A Son of a Gambolier. The version we all know today was arranged by Georgia Tech bandmaster Frank Roman around 1913 and got so popular that President Richard Nixon and the Premier of the Soviet Union sang it together during the 1959 Kitchen Debate.

Up With the White and Gold was written by three members of the Georgia Tech Glee Club around 1915. Some have suggested that the song was inspired by a similar tune from UC Berkeley.

SONGS AND CHEERS

Alma Mater

Oh, sons of Tech, arise, behold! The Banner as it reigns supreme, For from on high the White and Gold Waves in its triumphant gleam. The spirit of the cheering throng Resounds with joy revealing A brotherhood in praise and song, In memory of the days gone by. Oh Scion of the Southland! In our hearts you shall forever fly!

We cherish thoughts so dear for thee, Oh, Alma Mater in our prayer. We plead for you in victory, And in the victory we share! But when the battle seems in vain Our spirits never falter, We're ever one in joy or pain And our union is a lasting bond. Oh! May we be united Till the victory of life is won!

In the summer of 1922, student Iver Granath wrote Scion of the Southland and entered it into a Techniquesponsored contest. The piece won the competition and was adopted as Georgia Tech’s Alma Mater.

SONGS AND CHEERS

Budweiser

Go Georgia Tech!

Go Georgia Tech!

Go Georgia Tech!

Go Georgia Tech!

When you say Budweiser, You’ve said it all!

First played in the 1970s, the Budweiser song is based on the advertising jingle When You Say Bud. It was originally conducted by a student dressed as “Bud Man,” but today, the song is led by Buzz between the third and fourth quarters of each football game. It is tradition to bob up and down, alternating across each row.

Go Jackets!

Go Jackets!

Go Jackets!

Go Jackets!

Go Jackets!

Fight! Win!

SONGS AND CHEERS

To Hell With georgia

“Don’t send my boy to M.I.T.,” the dying mother said.

“Don’t send my boy to Emory, I’d rather see him dead. But send my boy to Georgia Tech, ‘tis better than Cornell. But as for the University of georgia: I’d rather see him in hell!”

[To hell, to hell, to hell...]

To hell, to hell, to hell with georgia,

To hell, to hell, to hell with georgia,

To hell, to hell, to hell with georgia,

The Cesspool of the South!

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the stomping of the dogs, We will teach those poor darn farm boys they should stick to slopping hogs, When the Jackets are triumphant we will raise a might cheer,

“We’ll do the same next year!”

On the field between the hedges there arose a mighty stench, In the dogs' machine the engineers will throw a monkey wrench, When the Jackets are triumphant we will raise a mighty yell, “Them dogs can go to hell!”

[To hell, to hell, to hell...]

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the NCAA,

They're investigating georgia players to see how much they’re paid,

After counting all the cars, and the loans alumni made, They outpaid the NBA

[To hell, to hell, to hell...]

The Cesspool of the South!

Though not an official fight song, To Hell With georgia mocks the school to the East, set to the same tune as their Glory, Glory. In turn, that song was originally adapted from the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

SONGS AND CHEERS

Dead Skunk

Crossin' the highway late last night

He shoulda looked left and he shoulda looked right He didn't see the station wagon car

The skunk got squashed and there you are

You got your Dead skunk in the middle of the road

Dead skunk in the middle of the road

Dead skunk in the middle of the road

Stinkin' to high heaven

Take a whiff on me, that ain't no rose Roll up yer window and hold your nose

You don't have to look and you don't have to see ‘Cause you can feel it in your olfactory

[You got your dead skunk...]

Yeah you got your dead cat and you got your dead dog

On a moonlight night you got your dead toad frog

Got your dead rabbit and your dead raccoon

The blood and the guts they're gonna make you swoon

[You got your dead skunk...]

Rather than singing the traditional Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the seventhinning stretch, Georgia Tech fans fill Russ Chandler Stadium with the words of Loudon Wainwright III’s 1972 song Dead Skunk.

CULTURAL EVENTS

MOON FESTIVAL

In celebration of Tết Trung Thu, a traditional Vietnamese festival held during the mid-autumn full moon, the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) at Georgia Tech hosts the annual Moon Festival. The event has been one of VSA’s flagship events since 1992 and includes traditional Vietnamese food along Tech Green. Moon Festival also features performances of múa lân, fan, and modern dance as well as cultural games and educational tables from different Asian American Student Organizations. The event culminates in a showcase of traditional Vietnamese fashion such as áo dài.

NIGHT MARKET

Run by the International Ambassadors at Georgia Tech (GTIA), Night Market is a showcase of international cultures through food, music, games, and traditions. First started in 2016, the event acts as a platform for student learning through exposure to artwork and various performances. By “bringing the world to Georgia Tech and Georgia Tech to the world,” Night Market fosters inclusivity and unity through embracing the cultural diversity of our campus.

CULTURAL EVENTS

TASTE OF AFRICA

Taste of Africa is an annual night of celebration of African culture hosted by the Georgia Tech African Student Association (GT ASA). It also serves as a window into the beauty and creativity of Georgia Tech’s African community by highlighting cultural traditions, music, dance, fashion, and acting. GT ASA also hosts a dinner with foods representing different African countries.

TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA

Taste of Latin America is the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers’ (SHPE’s) largest event of the year. In partnership with other Hispanic organizations such as LASO, CaribSa, GT Salsa, Logras, and HRT, Taste of Latin America celebrates different Latin American cultures through traditional food, games, and activities. The event also showcases dance performances of salsa and reggaeton.

TOUR OF ASIA

Tour of Asia is put on each fall by the Asian American Student Association (AASA) and provides an opportunity for people to experience different Asian cultures in an immersive and educational way. Attendees from across campus and beyond join the Georgia Tech community in celebrating and exploring different Asian cultures, taking part in mehndi (henna), origami crafts, Tinikling, and other traditional activities.

RETIRED TRADITIONS

THE IFC DANCE

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) Dance (or Panhellenic Dance) was a fixture of Greek life at Georgia Tech for more than forty years. The IFC Dance evolved from the Panhellenic Dance that began in the early 1910s and occurred through the 1950s. The IFC would invite nationally renowned performers, and the event became the largest gathering of Greek students at Tech for many years—all fraternity members were expected, if not required, to participate. The IFC Dance was also where the ANAK Society would “tap” new members to join their ranks.

DROWNPROOFING

Drownproofing was a course created by Georgia Tech swim and dive coach Freddie Lanoue in 1938 at the request of the U.S. Navy. A graduation requirement until 1986, the course taught drowning prevention through a series of rigorous exercises and Lanoue’s own specialized techniques. One exercise required students to bind their ankles and wrists and remain afloat for an hour, while another involved diving into the water, performing two somersaults, and swimming 50 yards before coming up for air. Drownproofing techniques were published in Life magazine and adopted by many other schools nationwide. The method is said to still be used as training for the U.S. Navy Seals today.

RETIRED TRADITIONS

RAT RULES

Before Georgia Tech adopted its anti-hazing policies, all freshmen were required to follow the “RAT Rules.” Violators of these rules were sent to RAT Court where they were often sentenced to a “T-Cut,” having their hair shaved into a “T.” When women enrolled, their punishment was to rat their hair and tie on ribbons. By the end of the 20th century, the RAT Courts had died out and compliance with RAT Rules became completely voluntary. While the RAT Rules varied over the years, those printed in 1962 are listed here.

T-MAN AND T-SQUARED

In the early 1970s, the Ramblin’ Reck Club held weekly pep rallies featuring the superhero characters T-Man and his sidekick, T2 . Through 1975, the duo would perform skits, fighting villains that mocked rival schools such as “Oscar Mayer and his Green Weenies” when Tech faced Tulane. T-Man wore a white leotard, gold briefs, boots, a mask, and a gold cape, while T2 wore gray sweats, a white sweater, and a black cape.

RETIRED TRADITIONS

RAMBLIN' RAFT RACE

Originally organized as a social event by the Georgia Tech chapter of Delta Sigma Phi in 1969, the first Ramblin’ Raft Race first only featured 55 rafts racing down the Chattahoochee River. After a feature by a local radio station, the race grew to over a thousand rafts by 1970, even garnering international attention. Racers would build rafts of all shapes, sizes, and materials—some floated down the river in inner tubes and others in contraptions carrying upwards of 40 people. By 1980, the race drew in crowds of 400,000 and required coordination between both the Marine Corps and Georgia Power. When the Chattahoochee was designated a National Recreation Area, government officials shut down the race.

SHIRT-TAIL & PAJAMA PARADES

From the 1920s through the 1950s, a Georgia Tech football victory meant that all freshmen would participate in a Shirt-Tail Parade. Students would parade up Peachtree Streets in a conga line, holding onto the tail of the shirt of the person in front of them. These spontaneous parades eventually became planned parts of pep rallies where participation was taken very seriously—any RATs caught skipping would be sent to RAT Court.

A similar relic of the RAT Court era, Pajama Parades saw RATs made to dress in pajama bottoms and leather belts while parading through Atlanta to the Henry Grady Statue and to cover it in toilet paper. As anti-hazing policies came about, both parades ended.

RETIRED TRADITIONS

JUNIOR'S GRILL

Junior’s Grill first opened in 1948 as Pilgrim’s on the corner of Techwood and North Avenue. When Jimmy Klemis and John Chaknis took over the restaurant in 1958, they reopened it as Junior’s Grill, honoring former owner Wilbur Gold, Jr. In 1975, Chaknis' nephew, previous Georgia Tech student Tommy Klemis, took up the family business and returned to campus.

Tommy Klemis ran Junior’s Grill as if every student was a member of the family, offering value-priced meals and coupon books to students. Klemis let any student who could not afford a meal to eat for free. He, his Mom, and his aunt always cheered up students with free snacks after a tough day or chatted with them at the register. Staples such as Junior’s chicken tenders and cinnamondusted french toast kept students full for days.

Junior’s Grill relocated twice, first moving across from Smith Residence Hall in 1967 and then next door into the former site of the Engineer's Bookstore in 1987. However, the 1996 Olympics seemed to spell the end for Junior’s Grill when it was demolished in 1993 to build housing for athletes. After outcry from all of campus, Junior’s Grill was able to reopen the following year beside Tech Tower.

Tommy Klemis and his family continued to run Junior’s Grill until it closed on April 21, 2011 after 63 years of business. So many members of the Georgia Tech community showed up that day to say goodbye that Junior’s Grill ran out of food, having to end service early. In honor of Tommy Klemis’ commitment to feeding every student, Georgia Tech started Klemis Kitchen, a food pantry open to any student facing food insecurity.

BUILDING A LEGACY

Dorothy M. Crosland (1903 –1983) worked as librarian and later Director of Libraries at Tech for nearly 50 years. Crosland played a major role in building the library’s collection, and she was instrumental in the founding of what is now the College of Computing as well as the admission of women to Georgia Tech.

CROSLAND TOWER

was a professor and later head of the Department of Mathematics at Georgia Tech. During his more than 40 years at the school, he became known for his memorable teaching style and outgoing personality. His devotion to his students earned him the title of “legend" among alumni.

D. M. SMITH BUILDING

David Melville "Doc" Smith (1884 –1962)

BUILDING A LEGACY

Y. Frank Freeman (1890 –1969) graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in electrical engineering in 1910 and went on to serve as president of the Alumni Association. Freeman was deeply involved in the film industry, becoming a studio head at Paramount Pictures and later being awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

FREEMAN RESIDENCE HALL

William H. Glenn (1872

was the first student to register at Georgia Tech and graduated as part of Tech’s second ever class with a B.A. in science. Glenn later became the first president of the Alumni Association in 1921 , and as a manager and Vice President of the Georgia Railway and Electric Company (now Georgia Power).

GLENN RESIDENCE HALL

–1940)

BUILDING A LEGACY

Joseph H. Howey (1901–1973) worked as Director of the School of Physics at Georgia Tech for 28 years. His work creating comprehensive outlines of introductory physics material led to both the establishment of standard curriculum and the creation of Georgia Tech’s graduate and doctorate programs.

HOWEY PHYSICS BUILDING

James

was a former swimming champion during his time as a student and graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in electrical engineering 1947. He returned to Tech, devoting four decades as a swim coach. McAuley later became the teacher of the infamous drownproofing class.

Herbert “Herb” McAuley (1901–1973)

BUILDING A LEGACY

S. Price Gilbert (1862 –1951) served in the Georgia House of Representatives and as both a Georgia Superior Court Judge and Georgia Supreme Court Judge. His work as part of the Georgia Board of Regents led to the establishment of the Georgia State College for Women and the Price Gilbert Memorial Library here at Georgia Tech.

PRICE GILBERT MEMORIAL LIBRARY

William Vernon

(1879

was an esteemed mathematics professor and executive dean at Georgia Tech. During his time at Tech, Dr. Skiles helped create what would become the Georgia Tech Research Institute. In 1959, the Skiles Classroom Building (the home of the Department of Mathematics) was dedicated in his honor.

Skiles

–1947)

HALL OF PRESIDENTS

Isaac S. Hopkins 1888 –1896

Lyman Hall 1896 –1906

Kenneth G. Matheson 1906 –1922

Marion L. Brittian 1922 –1944

Col. Blake R. Van Leer 1944 –1956

Edwin D. Harrison 1957–1968

Dr. John Patrick Crecine 1987–1992

Arthur G. Hansen 1969 –1971

Dr. Joseph M. Pettit 1972 –1986

G. Wayne Clough 1994 –2008

G.P. “Bud” Peterson 2009 –2019

Dr. Ángel Cabrera 2019

INTEGRATION AT TECH

In 1961 , three African American men made Georgia Tech history: Lawrence Williams, Ford C. Greene, and Ralph A. Long, Jr. were the first Black students to enroll at Georgia Tech. After months of planning to voluntarily integrate Georgia Tech, President Ed Harrison welcomed the students to campus on September 18, 1961 , for a short press conference.

Georgia Tech was the first school in the deep south to choose to integrate without a mandated court order, but there were still many obstacles for the first black students: they were barred from living on campus, faced academic discrimination from professors, and struggled with being ignored by much of the student body. In 1965, in spite of those difficulties, Ronald Yancey became the first Black graduate of Georgia Tech, earning a degree in electrical engineering.

Georgia Tech continues to honor the historical milestones achieved by these men through various art installations on campus. A series of bronze statues depicting Williams, Greene, and Long, “The Three Pioneers,” stands in Harrison Square, while a statue of Yancey, “The First Graduate,” sits on the Clough Staircase. All four men are trailblazers who ultimately helped pave the way for racial equality on Georgia Tech’s campus.

THE 1956 SUGAR BOWL

When Georgia Tech finished the 1955 football season with an impressive 9-1-1 record, they were selected to play in the 1956 Sugar Bowl against Pittsburgh. At the time however, Pittsburgh's football team was racially integrated, and Georgia Governor Marvin Griffin publicly opposed Georgia Tech playing a racially integrated team. His opposition made national headlines, and Georgia Tech students marched from the Georgia Capitol building all the way to the Governor’s mansion to protest. Many of the students ended up rioting leading to a number of arrests. Even some students from the University of Georgia joined in protest with a shared goal for unity: “One Time We Are For Tech.” In response, the Georgia Board of Regents allowed Georgia Tech to make history and play in what was the first racially integrated Sugar Bowl, despite many board members still supporting segregation.

WOMEN AT TECH

Georgia Tech first allowed women to enroll beginning in 1917, but even then, admission was restricted to the Evening School of Commerce. Two years later, Anna Teitelbaum Wise became the first woman to graduate, immediately being hired to start teaching classes and becoming the first female faculty member at Georgia Tech. At the time, the state of Georgia still did not formally allow women to earn degrees at state schools. Wise’s graduation led to the General Assembly updating the law to allow women to attend the School of Commerce.

Everything changed in 1952 when Elizabeth Herndon and Diane Michel became the first full-time female students at Georgia Tech. They were only allowed to enroll in programs unavailable at other schools at the time. Two years later, the first lady of Georgia Tech, Ella Van Leer, invited all enrolled women (just five at the time) to her home for tea. The meeting led to the formation of what would become Georgia Tech’s first sorority chapter: Alpha Xi Delta. In 1956, Shirley Clements and Barbara Diane Michel made history, becoming the first two female graduates of Georgia Tech.

Ella Van Leer continued to offer her support toward women at Georgia Tech, opening her residence to Sally Lam Woo who, in 1966, became the first Asian woman to graduate. Although Georgia Tech became racially integrated in 1961, it was not until 1970 that the first Black women enrolled as students. Some of these enrollees included Dr. Tawana Miller, Dr. Clemmie Wahtley, and Grace Hammonds, all of whom became successful business owners. In 1984, Lisa Volmar became the first female driver of the Ramblin’ Reck, a position that has only been held by six women at the time of writing.

Over the last few decades, Georgia Tech’s population of female students has continued to rise. Today, Georgia Tech graduates more female engineers than any other university nationwide.

CUMBERLAND GAME

On October 7th, 1916, Georgia Tech beat the Cumberland Bulldogs 222-0, the largest margin of victory in college football history. The previous year, Cumberland had beaten Tech 22-0 in baseball through employing professional players on their team. Remembering that slight, Coach John Heisman enacted his revenge. Cumberland’s football team had disbanded, but Heisman demanded that Cumberland play the scheduled game or else pay a fine, so Cumberland hastily put together a team of amateur students. Tech was able to easily dominate these players and win the game without attempting a single pass.

THE VARSITY

Founded in 1928 by Georgia Tech alumnus Frank Gordy, the Varsity grew into an essential part of the Atlanta community. Gordy originally opened the restaurant as “The Yellow Jacket” on Lucky Street a few blocks west of campus, but he later reopened in The Varsity’s present-day North Avenue location. “The World’s Largest DriveIn Restaurant,” The Varsity became famous, not only for its signature onion rings, Frosted Orange milkshake, and chili dogs, but for its role as an integral piece of Midtown and Georgia Tech culture. Students often made midnight “V-Runs” to The Varsity. Gordy was also known to offer Tech students a line of credit, offering to cash their checks until they could pay them back.

1996 OLYMPICS

The city of Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1996, and Georgia Tech’s campus served as both the Olympic Village (North Avenue Apartments having been built to house visiting athletes) and as the site of many sporting events. McCamish Pavilion received upgrades in order to accommodate boxing and paralympic volleyball. Most notably, the Campus Recreation Center gained a significant addition: the McCauley Aquatic Center. This renovation brought a world-class swim and dive facility to Georgia Tech’s campus and continues to be used for NCAA tournaments today.

During the games, Georgia Tech hosted upwards of 10,000 athletes, effectively doubling the housing capacity on campus. The United States emerged with the highest number of medals, and many world records were set that year. Now, reminders of the Olympics remain across campus: the Kessler Campanile, an 80foot tall art piece standing outside of the Student Center, was built to commemorate the games; Centennial Olympic Park is located just down the street; and the Olympic Torch Tower can be seen right across the highway on East Campus.

TRADITION KEEPERS

While Georgia Tech prides itself on having a rich history of traditions, these traditions have only survived thanks to the work of each new generation of students. To help keep traditions alive, the Student Alumni Association and the Ramblin’ Reck Club developed the Tradition Keepers Program. The program helps students participate in Georgia Tech's many cherished traditions by offering rewards for different levels of completion. Students simply take pictures of themselves and their friends completing different traditions and challenges and submit them for prizes, all while helping to keep Georgia Tech's traditions going strong. Rewards include exclusive stickers, an enamel pin, and a medallion to be worn at graduation. For more information, visit reckclub.org/traditionkeepers.

To learn more about Georgia Tech's rich history, consider the following resources:

• Dress Her in White & Gold by Robert Wallace

• Griffin—You Are a Great Disappointment to Me by Dean George Griffin

• The Technological University Reimagined by President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough

• Engineering in the New South by Robert McMath

• From the Rumble Seat 's "Rearview Mirror" series by Jake Grant

• The Georgia Tech Living History Program

• The Georgia Tech Archives & Smart Tech Repository

Take a Tour

Brittain Dining Hall

Exhibition Hall

Center Campus Recreation Center

Peters Parking Deck Tech Square

1 11 2 12 3 13 4 14 5 15 6 16 17 8 9 18 10 19 7 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 15 17 18 19 4 9 60

Take a Tour

Our tour starts at the beautiful Brittain Dining Hall. Located across from Bobby Dodd, the dining hall has been serving students since it was first built in 1928. It is one of two dining halls on East Campus and is the main dining hall for the first-year residence halls on East Campus. Its design pays homage to engineering, with both the stained glass on the south side of the hall and the pillars out front displaying artwork representative of each of the engineering disciplines at the time of its installation.

Next is the Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Administration Building, more commonly known as Tech Tower. Originally built in 1888, it was used as the main classroom building before becoming an administrative building. It is the oldest surviving building on campus and remains the most recognizable landmark of campus.

Just around the corner behind Tech Tower, Harrison Square is the heart of “Old Campus.” It is the hub around which many of Georgia Tech's more historical classroom buildings are centered. Harrison Square itself has a large greenspace with tables and chairs for students to enjoy the outdoors. The steam engine located in the southwest corner of the square serves as another reminder of the school’s engineering roots.

Brittain Dining Hall

Take a Tour

Crosland Tower is one of three connected buildings that make up a popular study spot for students. Standing seven stories tall, Crosland Tower has even more spaces for students to study between reservable breakout rooms and ample public seating. The top two floors are designated for quiet, individual studying. Additionally, the seventh floor has two open-air patios with fantastic views.

Next to Clough is the Price Gilbert Memorial Library. It has five floors and connects Clough to Crosland Tower. Between its many floors, Price Gilbert has plenty of spots for both individual and group studying. The library's extensive collection includes resources such as books, magazines, and movies, as well as borrowable gadgets like cords and chargers, tablets, computers, cameras, and microphones.

The final building in the trio is The Clough Undergraduate Learning Center (CULC). The second floor of Clough has many academic resources, and the first floor has classrooms as well as two auditoriums. The third, fourth, and fifth floors host physics, biology, and chemistry labs. The fifth floor is also the access point to go out to the Clough Rooftop Garden which overlooks campus and the nearby Atlanta skyline.

Crosland tower

price gilbert Memorial library

Clough Undergraduate learning commons

Take a Tour

Located in the center of campus, the lawn space of Tech Green is a hub for student activity. Tech Green hosts major events, festivals, and performances throughout the year and is a popular spot for tabling by student organizations. The hammock and chairs on the south end of the greenspace offer unique opportunities for study and relaxation, and the pathways surrounding Tech Green are the main location for food trucks. Additionally, the weekly Wednesday Community Market features specialty food providers, student artists, and other local vendors.

Next is the John Lewis Student Center, newly renovated and featuring a variety of dining options and study spaces. On the first floor, Tech Rec offers bowling and billiards just beside the Georgia Tech Post Office. The second floor is home to the offices for Student Media such as WREK Radio and The Technique, spaces for student organizations, and Burdell’s, an extension of the campus bookstore. The third floor features the Multicultural Space, a quiet reflection space, and a lounge for graduate students. The Student Center also holds multiple theater spaces and serves as the start of campus tours.

Take a Tour

Right next door, the Smithgall Student Services Building (the Flag Building) contains offices for the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center, the Counseling Center, the Dean of Students, Disability Services, the Women’s Resource Center, and many more important student services. The building earns its nickname from the many national flags hanging from its ceiling, recognizing the home nation of every current Georgia Tech student.

Across the walkway, the Ferst Center for the Arts is Georgia Tech’s professional performance space. The venue seats just under 1,000 people and features an orchestra pit and state-of-theart lighting and sound systems. The Ferst Center typically features performances of student music, dance, and poetry, visual art exhibits, and a series of professional performances from visiting artists. During the year, the Ferst Center houses events such as the Marching Band's Surround Sounds spectacle, various Greek organizations' musical performances in Greek Sing, the InVenture Prize Competition, and NPHC's Homecoming Step Show. In 1992, the Ferst Center was the site of the Vice Presidential Debate. Georgia Tech’s studentrun theatre, DramaTech, is located just behind the Ferst Center.

Take a Tour

Continuing up the walkway toward West Campus is the Exhibition Hall, filled with reservable meeting spaces of all sizes. The Exhibition Hall is a frequent host to a wide variety of events, meetings, and conferences throughout the year. Some major-specific career fairs are hosted in the larger rooms. Additionally, the upstairs balconies offer great views while studying.

Just across Ferst Drive is Stamps Health Services. Located inside the Joseph Brown Whitehead Building, Stamps Health Services allows students to book appointments to be seen by licensed medical professionals who can assist with illnesses, injuries, and other health concerns. The building also houses the campus pharmacy. The student health fee covers many of the services provided.

Beside Stamps Health are the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) and Stamps Fields. Built around the open-air pool used in the 1996 Olympics, the CRC is the main workout center on campus. It features weight rooms, basketball courts, a climbing wall, and an indoor track. In addition to the competition pool, the CRC has a leisure pool, an indoor water slide, and a lazy river. Just beside the CRC are the Roe Stamps Turf Fields, used by various club and intramural sports teams.

Take a Tour

On the western edge of campus lies West Village Dining Commons, home to the primary dining hall that serves West Campus. Split across three stories, the building has outdoor balcony seating overlooking the lawn and fire pits below and the beautiful Atlanta skyline in the distance. West Village also houses various community rooms and musical performance spaces. West

Headed back east, the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design highlights Georgia Tech’s commitment to sustainability. Kendeda is the first building in Georgia (and only the 28th in the world) to be Living Building Challenge certified. The building has a net-positive energy impact and boasts innovations in its indoor climate control and water consumption. Just beside Kendeda is the EcoCommons, an eight-acre greenspace featuring a line of hammocks beside a large meadow and covered spaces to enjoy the outdoors. Kendeda

Further down Ferst Drive, the Petit Biotechnology Building, Whitaker Building, MoSE Building, and Ford Building surround a greenspace known as the BioQuad, the center for much of the bioscience research at Georgia Tech. The area features a courtyard and an amphitheater as well as outdoor seating space.

Take a Tour

The Klaus Advanced Computing Building is home to the School of Computer Science and is composed of both a research and classroom wing. Chris Klaus, the building’s namesake, is a former Georgia Tech student and founder of Internet Security Systems, (which he then sold to IBM for over $1 billion). Klaus later donated $15 million toward the creation of the building. The building is connected to the College of Computing Building via Binary Bridge, nicknamed for its distinct pattern of 1s and 0s that spell out “KLAUS” in binary.

Located between many of the Greek houses on campus, Peters Parking Deck features tennis and basketball courts on its upper level. The deck is at the center of events like the Mini 500 during Homecoming and Georgia Tech's Musician’s Network’s free live music festival, 1000 Couches.

The final stop of the tour is Technology (Tech) Square. Located across the 5th Street Bridge, Tech Square is a nationally recognized hub of collaboration, research, and innovation nestled inside of Midtown Atlanta. The area is home to over one hundred startups, research labs, and corporate innovation centers as well as Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business. Tech Square also contains many restaurants, the Georgia Tech Barnes & Noble Bookstore, an Amazon Hub Locker, and countless other shops and offices.

Klaus Advanced Computing building

Dear Yellow Jackets,

My name is Aanjan Sikal, and it is my pleasure and honor to serve as the Undergraduate Student Body President. As the leader of the Georgia Tech Student Government Association, I serve as the voice of the Student Body at the Institute level. Other student leaders, in various areas like the Legislative and Judicial branch, serve to advocate, prioritize and empower the student opinion at various levels across the Institute. As a team, we work with the faculty, administration and especially students to improve the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether you are a first-year student, transfer student or just new to campus, I want to welcome you to the vibrant and driven community that is Georgia Tech. I would encourage you to find spaces on campus that feel like home for you. Whether it’s a group of friends in your dorm, a place on campus to relax, or a student organization that you love, find the community that will help you grow and thrive. These next couple of years will be some of the most exciting and dynamic times in your life. Take advantage of all the things Tech has to offer, and most importantly, do not be afraid to fail or try something new. With each new experience comes invaluable opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace the challenges, step out of your comfort zone, and seize every opportunity to expand your horizons. Whether you succeed or face setbacks, each experience at Tech will shape you into a more resilient, capable, and confident individual. So, go forth with an open mind, embrace the unknown, and let your curiosity and ambition guide you through this journey.

Take a deep breath, buckle in, and enjoy the ride. I look forward to meeting you over the course of the year. Be proud of everything you have done to become a Yellow Jacket and welcome to your home-away-from-home.

In White and Gold,

Aanjan Sikal Undergraduate Student Body President

Student Organizations

Amateur Radio Club

Georgia Tech's Amateur Radio Club, callsign W4AQL, brings together students interested in all things related to radio operation. They operate a VHF repeater on campus, compete in competitions, and have fun with electronics. W4AQL aims to provide a space for individuals with a hobby interest in hands-on electrical engineering and radio communications to explore and collaborate. They hold business meetings and host Open Shacks each month in their shack within the Van Leer Building (room E496-A). For more information, join their Discord server available online.

Ifyou'rereadingthis

IfYou’reReadingThis Georgia Tech (IYRT) is dedicated to building an institute-wide support network for those struggling with mental illness. They collect letters from faculty, students, and alumni about their mental health journeys for others to read and feel less alone. IYRT promotes mental health awareness throughout the year by tabling at Tech Green, hosting monthly open body meetings, and running the annual UnwindYourMind event with free food and live music to destress during spring finals. For more information, follow them on Instagram @ifyourereadingthisgt.

Student Organizations

SMILE

Spreading Messages In Love & Encouragement (SMILE) is dedicated to building a happier campus community. Throughout the year, SMILE works to foster a more positive campus culture through uplifting and supporting the Georgia Tech community through major events including Give Thanks in the fall and March Gladness in the spring. Having been founded in the spring of 2020, SMILE’s members work together to plan and volunteer at over fifty initiatives and events while supporting one another within the club. For more information, follow them on Instagram @smile.gatech.

Society of women Engineers

The Georgia Tech Society of Women Engineers (SWE) works to provide women engineering students a unique voice within the industry. Their events such as Tea with the Dean, the Engineer’s Ball, and other conferences, outreach, and volunteer programs are designed to foster connections within the female engineering community. SWE’s industry sponsors offer valuable opportunities for professional development. With no membership requirements, their weekly meetings are a great way to get involved. For more information, follow them on Instagram @georgiatechswe.

Student Organizations

student center programs council

The Student Center Programs Council (SCPC) is the largest student-run event planning organization on campus. They run more than sixty events including Sting Break, the Fall Homecoming Concert, Week of Welcome, the Spring Comedy Show, GT Night at the Aquarium, Midnight Breakfast, and GT Night at Six Flags. Many events provide free or heavily discounted access to cool spots in Atlanta. SCPC’s nine committees are each dedicated to specific events, and new spots open up the first week of each semester. For more information, follow them on instagram @gtscpc.

Undergraduate Student Government

The Undergraduate branch of the Student Government Association (SGA), represents the undergraduate student body at Georgia Tech. Their three branches work to empower student organizations, embody student opinions, preserve student integrity, and enrich the student experience. SGA’s community for first-years, FreShGA, focuses on developing the leadership skills of and fostering friendships between a select group of freshman students. All students are invited to apply to join an executive committee, run as a class representative, or join the Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet.

Student Art and Media

DramaTech Theatre

DramaTech, Georgia Tech’s student-run theatre, offers a theatrical laboratory environment that enriches the Atlanta community through innovative and diverse live performances. Each year, DramaTech offers a full season of plays and musicals, and they also host performances from their improv and tap dancing troupes, karaoke nights, and a number of social outings. DramaTech offers an assortment of opportunities to get involved and promotes a comfortable and community-driven environment of love and support. For more information, follow them on Instagram @gtdramatech.

Glee club

Founded in 1906, the Georgia Tech Glee Club is the oldest student organization on campus and the oldest glee club in the south. For over one hundred years, they have performed throughout campus at concerts and sporting events and across the nation and internationally on television and numerous touring engagements. The Glee Club’s repertoire of original arrangements blends traditional chorus music with contemporary vocal percussion. The Glee Club has also famously appeared twice on The Ed Sullivan Show. For more information, visit gleeclub.gatech.edu.

Student Art and Media

The Technique

As Georgia Tech’s student-run, student-edited campus newspaper, The Technique serves the campus community by providing information, analysis, and opinions that reflect the needs and interests of the student body. They release a weekly issue and follow four main pillars in their work: inform and entertain the student body, provide unique content to the community, foster a sense of community, and create a place where students can develop their writing skills. Contributing authors are always welcome to visit a meeting. For more information, visit nique.net.

WREK RADIO

First broadcast on March 25, 1968, WREK is dedicated to playing “music you don’t hear on the radio” and highlights a wide range of music and ideas. The station—operated, managed, and engineered entirely by students— broadcasts 24/7 from within the Student Center on 91.1 FM with coverage throughout the entire Atlanta area. Their programming includes regular sound block rotations, specialty shows, and public affairs programming (including sports coverage).

For more information, visit wrek.org.

Arts at Tech

Albert Einstein, 2015 (2002)

Chip Off the Ole Block, 2021

Culture of Inclusion, 2021

Fabian Williams

Crown, 2013

Mercury, Venus, Mars, 2013

Peter Lundberg

Continuing the Conversation, 2018 Martin Dawe

Robert Berks

Doug Schatz

Patrick Dougherty

Arts at Tech

The First Graduate, 2019

Martin Dawe

Jetson, 2015

Volkan Alkanoglu & Team

Kessler Campanile, 1996

Richard Hill

Koan, 2020

John Portman

Ovation, 1995

Barbara Rowlett-Rheingrover

The Three Pioneers, 2019

Martin Dawe

Spirit Groups

Marching Band

In 1908, a group of fourteen Georgia Tech student musicians started what became the Yellow Jacket Marching Band. Today, the Marching Band is composed of hundreds of talented student musicians dedicated to championing Georgia Tech through spirited performances. They entertain at all football games in addition to playing pre-game performances across campus. In the last decade, the band has integrated synthesizers and samplers into the pit percussion, and currently, the program includes orchestral, concert, athletic, jazz, and electric ensemble groups. Additionally, the Marching Band features vibrant performances from the Georgia Tech Drumline as well as a number of Pep Bands that continue to support the Yellow Jackets at basketball and volleyball games.

Spirit Groups

Colorguard

Under the Marching Band umbrella, the Georgia Tech Colorguard is a group of student performers specializing in spinning flags, rifles, and sabres with impressive precision. They perform their challenging and stimulating choreography at all home games and travel along with the band to certain away games. The “Spingineers” have also performed at select Atlanta Falcons games, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, and the world-renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Feature Twirler

Nicknamed the “Golden Girl,” the Georgia Tech Feature Twirler performs dazzling baton twirling routines at all home football games. Paula Clyde Stevenson debuted as Georgia Tech’s first Golden Girl in 1953, and today there are between one and four twirlers that perform throughout game days and twirl their signature flaming baton on the field.

Spirit Groups

cheerleading

The Georgia Tech Cheerleaders are a group of student-athletes devoted to generating Yellow Jacket spirit through performances and community engagement. The program began in 1893 when Georgia Tech recruited a group of young students from the Lucy Cobb School for Girls to cheer on the football team for a game in Athens. Today, the cheerleading team is a central part of Georgia Tech Athletics, performing at all home football, basketball, and volleyball games. They are also active throughout campus and beyond as ambassadors of Georgia Tech, promoting school spirit through engagement events, alumni galas, and charity events.

Spirit Groups

goldrusH

Georgia Tech Goldrush is the official dance team for the Yellow Jackets. The squad's electric dance routines entertain at every home football and basketball game. First chartered in 2001, Goldrush has evolved into a nationally competitive program, competing each year in Daytona, Florida. They recently won the 2021 National Championship in D1 Hip Hop.

Ramblin' Reck Club

The Ramblin’ Reck Club was established in 1930 as the “Yellow Jacket Club” by football coach William Alexander to improve school spirit during the Great Depression. Today, the club’s mission is to spread joy across campus and honor Georgia Tech’s history and traditions, especially during game days. Most notably, Reck Club is in charge of maintaining and operating the Ramblin’ Reck. Recently, the club moved the Reck into its new home, the Reck Garage, beside the Student Center outfit with a turntable, lift, and outdoor wash station. Throughout the year, Reck Club oversees several traditions and events including T-Night, the Freshman Cake Race, the Mini 500, the Ramblin’ Wreck Parade, and the T-Book.

Student Spotlight

shayne drof & tanish goel

Marching Band RAT Parents

3rd year Computer Science major from Mechanicsville, Maryland

• Continuing Membership Chair for Kappa Kappa Psi

4th year Computer Science major from Hyderabad, India

• Student Assistant in the College of Computing

Shayne's favorite Georgia Tech tradition is... during the Monday of finals week, I just love taking a stroll past Brittain Dining Hall around 10 PM. I recommend you also take a stroll past Brittain around 10 PM the Monday of finals week! It is definitely a very chill and low-key walk and absolutely nothing of interest or excitement happens.

Tanish's advice for new students is... your community must be a reflection of what you truly want. For a long time, I tried to find a space or a group of people that fit my personality perfectly—I tried fitting into a mold so I could relate to a specific group and its experiences. But the thing that unites us isn’t our similarities, rather the fact that we are all different. I shifted that focus to try to find people who would inspire and encourage me to embrace myself as I am. Every single person here is so unique and has beautiful stories to tell, and lessons to teach, so don’t be afraid of reaching out to the people around you. After all, true growth lies in finding people who celebrate individuality, and inspire us to be our own unique selves. It is within these communities that we find the true courage to face our challenges and pursue our dreams.

Student Spotlight carson garrett

Survivor Contestant

3rd year Aerospace Engineering major from Rome, Georgia

• NASA Pathways Engineering Student

• Former president of Consult Your Community Former member of Emerging Leaders and Grand Challenges LLC

My advice for new students is... embrace rejection. People may read my list of accomplishments and involvements and immediately think I've been met with success my entire life. However, with every 1 acceptance comes 100 rejections. I applied to the NASA Pathways program three times before I actually secured the position; not to mention the fact that I was rejected from countless internships at other aerospace industries such as SpaceX and Boeing. If you fear rejection, you will never be accepted. Apply to things and be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there; if you never apply, there is a zero percent chance you will be accepted. I never expected to be on a tv show that receives tens of thousands of applications for single digit slots, but if I had feared rejection, I would have never even had the possibility to try.

Student Spotlight Quincy howard

Wheel of Fortune Champion

3rd year Industrial Engineering major from Dublin, Georgia

• TL for GT 1000

• Member of Georgia Tech Tour Guides, African American Student Union, Black Industrial Engineers at Tech, and the National Society of Black Engineers

My most meaningful Georgia Tech experience has been... my first summer at Tech during the Challenge Program. I was able to connect with professors and meet new people who are still my friends today. I got a good feel for how fun my undergrad years at Tech could be!

My favorite Georgia Tech tradition is... the Freshman Cake Race. I surprised myself by being able to get out of bed that early morning, and the experience was very memorable. I’m glad I can say that I did it.

Student Spotlight

Jason sodikin

Georgia Tech Tour Guides President

4th year Mathematics major and Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies

(German) major from Norcross, Georgia

• Student Assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Admission

• Member of the Asian American Student Association

My most meaningful Georgia Tech experience has been... at the onset of COVID, before my first semester started, I ran a "GT Games" night in our massive GroupMe that slowly turned into a little bundle of friends. When the time came to move onto campus, the first thing that I wanted to do was to meet these folks that I’d only seen on Zoom. So, I set a path for the Burger Bowl with a projector and speaker in hand, and we had our first “GT Games: IRL.” It was an amazing feeling to have those chill nights and laughs as we all tried to find our new norm in our very non-traditional first year.

My advice for new students is... five seconds of confidence can change the world. All it takes is five seconds and you could make an amazing new friend, find great food, or create some beautiful memories. At the same time, don’t be afraid of saying no. Protecting your peace is also very important in maintaining your balance. You’ll find your medium, but remember that fortune favors the bold and I hope fortune smiles upon you!

Student Spotlight eli winterscheidt

Community Garden Director

4th year Materials Science and Engineering major with a minor in Music from Tucker, Georgia

• CEO of the Materials Innovation and Learning Laboratory

• Student Representative for Tree Campus USA

My most meaningful Georgia Tech experience has been... the grand reopening of the Community Garden last April! Plans started for renovation over two years before we started construction, which ended up lasting just under a year. Seeing the entire community back together after a year of being apart was incredible! Plus, we all got to take turns planting herbs and flowers all over the garden!

My advice for new students is...

it’s incredibly important to remember that you have to be a human before you can be a student. Take care of yourself—mind, body, and soul—and life will be much more enjoyable.

Student Spotlight

kylie wentworth

Residence Hall Association President

3rd year Business Administration (Marketing) from Lawrenceville, Georgia

• Member of the National Residence Hall Honorary and the Georgia Tech Marketing Association

My most meaningful Georgia Tech experience has been... throwing RHA's Fall Festival for students all across campus to come and enjoy some fall themed activities towards the end of the semester. I helped scare people in the haunted corn maze, which is something you don't do everyday!

My favorite Georgia Tech tradition is... Midnight Breakfast!

My advice for new students is... it's okay to relax and have fun! Sometimes the best thing to do during stressful academic times is to just take a step back and enjoy yourself!

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Georgia Tech’s campus is home to over 50 Greek chapters. These social organizations include 9 sororities under the Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC), 31 fraternities under the Interfraternity Council (IFC), 3 fraternities and 2 sororities under the Multicultural Panhellenic Council (MPC), and 4 fraternities and 4 sororities under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). One of the differences between each council is the recruitment and intake process for new members to join.

Many chapters with houses on campus reside in the area between 10th Street and Bobby Dodd Stadium on East Campus, commonly referred to as the Greek Sector. In addition, construction of the Divine Nine Plaza has begun as of 2023, which will serve as a space for organizations within the NPHC.

Fraternity & Sorority Life

At Georgia Tech, fraternities and sororities are often recognized for their social and philanthropic contributions and the unique opportunities and sense of community they provide for their members. Members of these organizations often compete in events including Homecoming and Greek Week for their chapter. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is located on the third floor of the Student Center.

Hello new Yellow Jackets, and congratulations on your acceptance to Georgia Tech!

I have the pleasure of serving as your Graduate Student Body President this year. Here in the Graduate Student Government Association, our job is to provide resources to enrich the graduate student experience by advocating for the graduate student body to Institute administration, interfacing with government officials to advocate for education and research, and creating initiatives to meet the distinct needs of our diverse constituency.

Here at the Institute, you’ll find exciting and impactful research opportunities ranging from cutting edge artificial intelligence algorithms, wearable technology development, and even mission control for a lunar spacecraft. Perhaps more impressive than the amazing research we do here, however, are the passionate innovators and leaders that drive our progress. Trust me— the people you meet here can be the most fulfilling part of your experience at Georgia Tech, so meet as many as you can!

A great way to do just that is by getting involved with the greater campus community. We have a myriad of student organizations for all interests, like theater, sports clubs, community service, or building solar-powered racecars! You can even join the Graduate SGA and help advocate for your fellow students in areas that you are passionate about; check out our website at sga .gatech.edu, or send me an email at grad.president@sga .gatech.edu to learn more.

Another way to feel connected to the Institute is to start right here in this book, by becoming involved in the traditions that shape our campus culture. We are all proud to welcome you into the Georgia Tech family, and I hope you grow to love this place as much as I have over my time here. Congratulations again on your next big step, and GO JACKETS!

In White and Gold,

Haden Boone Graduate Student Body President

Graduate Community

Graduate Welcome and Fall Picnic

Each fall, celebrate the beginning of the semester with the Graduate Student Welcome. The ceremony aims to share all there is to know about life at Georgia Tech. Following the event, graduate students are invited to the Graduate Fall Picnic featuring games, giveaways, free food, and spirit items.

Grad Student Spaces

Dedicated spaces for graduate students on the sixth floor of Crossland (the Graduate Student Community) and on the third floor of the Student Center (the Graduate Student Lounge) offer a private, relaxed environment for the graduate community to engage in quiet study, hang out, and participate in recreational events and games.

Grad Student Appreciation Week

The first week of April is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing all graduate and professional students at Georgia Tech. This week-long initiative includes special events, free food and giveaways, and unique opportunities for graduate students.

Around Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park

A short walk from campus, Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre greenspace serving as a hub of culture, history, and outdoor recreation. Commemorated to celebrate the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the park features the iconic Olympic Rings and water features like the Fountain of Rings. Additionally, the park is surrounded by many of Atlanta’s most classic attractions.

Georgia aquarium

As the largest aquarium in North America (and among the largest in the world), the Georgia Aquarium holds over 11 million gallons of water and tens of thousands of animals including beluga whales, manta rays, and the only whale shark exhibit in the entire western hemisphere.

World of coca-cola

The World of Coca-Cola is a showcase of the world’s most famous beverage. Full of hundreds of artifacts, drink sampling opportunities from around the world, interactive exhibits, and the vault containing the Coca-Cola secret formula, the museum offers an immersive and unique experience.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Drawing upon Atlanta’s heritage as the birthplace of the modern Civil Rights Movement, the Center educates visitors about the fights of the past while connecting them to today's human rights movements. The museum features the personal papers and items of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

College Football Hall of Fame

A must see experience for fans of college football, the museum, hosted by Chick-fil-A, is an immersive sports showcase. Housing more than 50 engaging and interactive exhibits, the museum has a 45-yard indoor football field, a three-story wall of helmets, and the Hall of Fame rotunda.

The BeltLine

The BeltLine, a former railway corridor transformed into a shared pedestrian and biking trail, connects 22 miles of greenspaces and marketplaces with a single path. The Eastside Trail lies closest to campus and is the BeltLine’s most popular stretch. The BeltLine connects Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market, two areas host to a diverse array of restaurants and stores, showcasing the intersection of Atlanta’s history, culture, and modernity.

Around Atlanta

Around Atlanta

Around Atlanta

Piedmont Park

A great place to enjoy the outdoors, Piedmont Park is approximately-200 acres of land between Midtown and Virginia–Highland. The park, designed by the same architects as New York City’s Central Park, features large fields, the serene Lake Clara Meer, and wooded paths, and it is host to events such as the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Atlanta Pride Festival.

Little five points

Named for its distinct five-way intersection, Little Five Points is a vibrant neighborhood bursting with character and creativity. This cultural hotspot draws in artists and musicians to its colorful streets adorned with vintage shops, independent boutiques, and an array of eclectic eateries.

woodruff arts center

The Woodruff Arts Center is a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment. The shared campus houses three non-profit institutions—the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Alliance Theatre—and invites visitors to explore immersive works of creativity.

State farm arena

State Farm Arena is the home stadium for the Atlanta Hawks and the former home of the Atlanta Thrashers and the Atlanta Dream. In addition to hosting basketball games, the venue is known for hosting a large number of concert performances throughout the year.

Mercedes Benz stadium

Located near Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes Benz Stadium is the official home of both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. The stadium has welcomed artists including Taylor Swift and Elton John, sporting events such as Super Bowl LIII and the SEC Championship Game, and serves as the site of Georgia Tech Football’s season opener.

the fox theatre

Originally designed as a Shrine Temple, the historic Fox Theatre hosts a number of artistic events throughout the year including concerts by popular artists, performances from Broadway touring companies, a summer film series, and the Atlanta Ballet—all a short walk from campus.

Dear New Yellow Jackets,

Welcome to Georgia Tech! Like you, I am embarking on my first full year at Georgia Tech as director of athletics.

In my short time here at Tech, I have learned that this is an incredibly special place and that it’s the people that make it that way – faculty, alumni, staff and, especially, the students!

Since I arrived last October, one of the things that I have been most impressed by is the energy that our students bring to our home games, across all sports. A loud, engaged, intimidating student section energizes the whole stadium and, I truly believe, serves as an extra player on the field or court. Our teams need that energy when they compete at the highest levels of college athletics in the Atlantic Coast Conference – regularly hosting teams like Clemson, North Carolina, Miami and, of course, that school up the road in Athens.

WE NEED YOU! On behalf of our coaches and student-athletes (your classmates!), I encourage you to come to as many home events as you possibly can. You can create the best home-field/home-court advantage in the ACC by coming early, staying late, being loud and having a blast. Take it from someone who has been in your shoes –coming together as a student body to cheer on and represent your school at sporting events are some of the most fun and memorable experiences of being a college student. I truly hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunities to make memories for a lifetime.

To become involved in Georgia Tech athletics, we invite you to join the Student Yellow Jacket Club. Membership allows you to:

• exclusive access to student football season tickets (non-Yellow Jacket members must claim student tickets the week of the game on a first-come, first-served basis);

• priority access to postseason student tickets (including bowl games and NCAA Tournaments);

• invitations to exclusive events;

• and the opportunity to build leadership and networking experience as a member of the Yellow Jacket Club Advisory Board and associated committees.

Membership starts at just $15 per year and Gold memberships, which include student football season tickets, cost just $65 for the academic year. For more information on Student Yellow Jacket Club membership and student ticketing, visit ramblinwreck com/student-tickets

In addition to coming to games, I encourage you to show your Georgia Tech pride on non-gamedays too! Wear your White and Gold with pride. Join your friends in watching the Jackets on TV when they’re on the road. Get to know your classmates that participate in athletics. I’m very confident that the investments of energy that you make in supporting your Yellow Jacket teams will pay huge dividends in the experience that you have as a Georgia Tech student.

In closing, welcome to Georgia Tech and congratulations on becoming a Tech student. We’re excited to have you here and can’t wait to get you involved with Yellow Jacket athletics! Go Jackets!

Sincerely,

J Batt Director of Athletics

FOOTBALL

The Georgia Tech football team has a big year ahead of them. They have signed new Head Coach Brent Key to a five-year contract, a coach who has delivered a unique sense of excitement and left fans hungry to see what he can achieve this upcoming football season. After having one of college football’s toughest schedules last season, Georgia Tech has a less daunting one for 2023, opening the season against Louisville rather than the likes of Clemson. This season, Coach Key will look to establish this Georgia Tech team's roster and identity, with the hope that those moves, coupled with great coaching, can lead to multiple wins for the Yellow Jackets this upcoming season. While there is not as much pressure on Coach Key to string together multiple wins this season, he remains sure that the team and coaching staff will do everything they can next year to bring this program back to its winning ways.

FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ON COACH KEY

Head football coach Brent Key, Mgt 01, comes into his inaugural season as only the fifth Georgia Tech alumnus in the position. As a student, Key started at right guard all four years of his playing career, and the Yellow Jackets posted a winning record every season he played including an 11th ranked finish in his sophomore year.

After coaching at Georgia Tech as a graduate assistant under George O’Leary, Key moved on to the University of Central Florida in 2005, earning their 2013 team the program’s first BCS Bowl win, and then became the offensive line coach at Alabama in 2015, winning the 2018 National Championship. He returned to Georgia Tech in 2018 as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Under his leadership, the team’s rushing statistics were always in the top half of the ACC, and Key has been flagged as an excellent recruiter multiple times by 247Sports.

Key stepped in as Interim Head Coach just four games into the season last year where, in his debut, the Yellow Jackets took down the reigning ACC Champions and produced their first win against a ranked team on the road since 2016. Key went on to hold a 4-4 record in his time as interim, a run that included beating two ranked opponents on the road for the first time since 2005, producing four ACC victories for the first time since 2018, winning consecutive games for the first time since 2018, and winning on Homecoming for the first time since 2017. There is a lot of excitement surrounding Brent Key and the “family feel” he gives to the program as he has brought in a lot of transfers and quality players to contribute to this year's team. Key looks to have a stellar first season at the helm and definitely has the team to do it.

FOOTBALL

SEASON SCHEDULE

Friday, September 1 vs. Louisville Cardinals

Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium

Saturday, September 9 vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs

Saturday, September 16 at Ole Miss Rebels

Saturday, September 23 at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Saturday, September 30 vs. Bowling Green Falcons

Saturday, October 7 at Miami Hurricanes

Saturday, October 21 vs. Boston College Eagles

Family Weekend

Saturday, October 28 vs. North Carolina Tar Heels

Homecoming

Saturday, November 4 at Virginia Cavaliers

Saturday, November 11 at Clemson Tigers

Saturday, November 18 vs. Syracuse Orange

Saturday, November 25 vs. georgia Bulldogs

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Led by Coach Josh Pastner in his sixth and final season at Georgia Tech, the 2022-2023 Men’s basketball team finished with a 12-20 overall record and a 5-15 record in ACC play. These records resulted in the men finishing 14th in the ACC. There were certainly a few bright spots on the team this past year. Rising junior guard Miles Kelly averaged 14.4 points a game last season, leading the team in that category. With a lot to be excited about this year, the Yellow Jackets face a tall task as the ACC is loaded with talented teams. With the new additions and future challenges, the Yellow Jackets look to win plenty of games, and prove a lot of people wrong this upcoming season.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

SPOTLIGHT ON COACH STOUDAMIRE

Head Coach Damon Stoudamire enters his inaugural season at the Institute with a strong resume that promises a return to prominence for the Jackets.

Stoudamire played point guard at the University of Arizona in the early 90’s, racking up three first team All-Pac-10 recognitions, earning a 1995 First Team All-American award, and becoming a finalist for Collegiate Player of the Year in 1995. He also held a position on the United States Men’s National Team for two tournaments, winning a gold medal at the Summer Universiade. Stoudamire was drafted seventh overall in the first round of the 1995 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. Stoudamire played for the Raptors, Trail Blazers, Grizzlies and Spurs in a 14 year playing career that lasted from 1995 until 2008.

Stoudamire made his coaching debut at Rice University as Director of Player Development in December of 2008. After one season, Stoudamire moved to his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, as an assistant where he stayed for two seasons. He returned to collegiate coaching in 2011, moving to the University of Memphis, to his alma mater, Arizona, and then back to Memphis. Stoudamire then made his head coaching debut at the University of the Pacific in 2016, raising the team to become a true competitor in their conference in just five years. Stoudamire moved to the Boston Celtics in 2021 as an assistant before being picked up by Georgia Tech as the new head man for the 2023-2024 season.

Stoudamire has proven a strong ability to generate interest in the program among recruits and transfers and is sure to have an exciting first season.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball marches back into McCamish Pavilion following a 2022-2023 season of rebuilding, having earned some big wins, such as a 68-62 triumph over then 15th ranked NC State. Georgia Tech returns a lot of developed production to this year’s roster. With sophomore guard Tonie Morgan, a member of the 2022-2023 All-ACC Freshman Team, and junior forward Kayla Blackshear, who led the team in rebounding last year, returning to the floor, the Yellow Jackets will have both a potent offense and a stifling defensive unit. A lot of eyes will also turn to incoming guard Rusne Augustinaite, coming off of back-to-back national championships in high school, to step up early and push the team to another level of play. The Yellow Jackets are led by Olympic Gold Medalist, Head Coach Nell Fortner who has led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including one Sweet Sixteen run, in just four years at the helm. The team looks to build on to her resume this season and has a solid shot at making a deep run in the ACC.

BASEBALL

Once again, this past season’s Georgia Tech Baseball team had an exciting, roller coaster of a year. With the Yellow Jackets starting off the season 9-0, fans were convinced that this year could be a very special one for the team However, from that 9-0 start, the Yellow Jackets went on to face many ups and downs, resulting in a somewhat shaky yet still entertaining season. As for the team, there are certainly a number of exciting players eager to carry their hard work into next year's season. Despite Georgia Tech losing a few great players that graduated this past spring, the coaching staff, led by Danny Hall, is ready to continue building a competitive team in the ACC. With the excitement that the team brought this past year, there is no reason not to be optimistic heading into the 2023-2024 season.

SOFTBALL

Georgia Tech’s Softball team ended their season with a 26-27 overall record and a 7-17 record in the ACC. The team has a very solid history behind their program, so there is certainly reason to expect them to deliver great results next season. Georgia Tech will be returning a few very valuable players such as junior Madison Dobbins, senior Abby Hughes, and junior Grace Connelly. This past season, the team beat an impressive slew of opponents when at their best, but dropped some close games on occasion. With the flashes this team showed last season and the returning core that the Yellow Jackets have, there is plenty of reason to look forward to this season of softball.

VOLLEYBALL

Entering her 10th season at the helm, head coach Michelle Collier leads the Georgia Tech Volleyball team into O’Keefe Gymnasium for another season. The team is coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance that was capped in the Round of 32 and a season where the Yellow Jackets went 21-8 overall and put out a 13-5 ACC record. Although the team has lost some key players that frequented the court last season, Georgia Tech is in great hands with experienced players such as junior outside hitter Bianca Bertolino, senior outside hitter Tamara Otene, and senior libero Paola Pimentel. The team is just two years removed from an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament and could make a similar run this year. The Yellow Jackets look to conquer two of the nation’s top teams, Louisville and Pittsburgh, and the rest of the ACC this season in their pursuit for another NCAA Tournament bid.

MEN'S TENNIS

Men’s Tennis is coming off a second-round bow out in the ACC Championships after a 4-8 ACC record and 13-14 overall record on the season. The Yellow Jackets started off really strong, opening the season undefeated, but fell as they squared off against some tougher, non-conference opponents. The ACC boasts some of the best tennis programs in the country, and Georgia Tech matches that level of talent when competing in the conference. In the upcoming 20232024 season, look for senior Andres Martin to lead the way, coming off a First Team All-ACC Singles accolade, as he and the rest of the team continue to elevate their level of play. The team returns a lot of experience and looks to put together a solid run this season as they take on some of the nation’s top teams.

SPOTLIGHT ON MARTIN & McDANIEL

Juniors Andres Martin and Marcus McDaniel are coming off an incredible run in the NCAA Doubles Championships this past season. Despite being ranked 30th coming into the tournament, the pair conquered two of the top ten teams on their historic path to the National Semifinals, being knocked out by the reigning champion. They are the first Yellow Jackets to progress this far since 2011 and look to continue their success this season.

WOMEN'S TENNIS

During the 2022-2023 season, the women’s tennis team has continued to build on their stellar legacy, remaining one of the top athletic programs here at Georgia Tech. Throughout the last season, they have consistently ranked within the top 25 and have beaten some quality opponents within the ACC such as Duke, Miami, and Notre Dame. Their players have achieved great success not only on the court, but in the classroom too. Junior Kylie Builchev, junior Kate Sharabura, and former senior Monika Dedaj all made the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, having each boasted a GPA of 3.5 or higher in addition to being a reserve or starter on the court. The women's team looks to build off of their successes for the 2023-2024 season.

SPOTLIGHT ON CAROL LEE

Senior Carol Lee returns to the team this season for another stellar year. She mounted a run to the NCAA Individual Quarter Finals this past season, the furthest a Tech player has gone since 2010. Lee has been an absolute star for the team since stepping on campus and looks to build on her legacy this season.

GOLF

Georgia Tech Golf is coming off the best season in program history. The team won its 19th ACC Championship, the NCAA Salem Regional Championship, and went on to play for a National Championship against Florida. The Yellow Jackets have been absolutely dominant as a national program as they boast 33 NCAA Finals appearances and five national runner-up finishes. The team nearly went all the way this past season, but fell just short against Florida in the National Championship match. The team did claim its 19th ACC Championship, making them tied for the most of any team in the ACC. Although the team loses Ross Stealmanm, the individual national runner-up of last season, the Yellow Jackets are due for an amazing season where they look to finally claim a National Title.

CROSS COUNTRY

Georgia Tech showed some impressive achievements within the Cross Country program this previous year, both on the course and in the classroom. For the women, some valuable runners included former seniors Liz Galarza and Helena Lindsay and senior Kate Jortberg who were all large contributors in helping their team flourish this past season. Galarza, particularly, has third place showings at events such as the North Alabama Showcase and the Penn State National Open. For the men, runners such as former senior James Cragin, junior John Higinbotham and former senior Nick Nyman all stood out for their notable contributions to the team. Looking toward the team’s future, freshmen Trent Bell, Ethan Kurilko and Nathan Solomon all show promise. Both the men and women look to build off of both their team and personal successes from this past year as they head into the 2023-2024 season.

TRACK AND FIELD

Georgia Tech Track & Field had a big step this year. After the graduation of many of the star runners following the 2021-2022 season, last year was all about new talent stepping up and elevating the program’s success. The indoor season saw some shining moments for the Yellow Jackets as senior Shanty Papakosta became an ACC Champion in the High Jump while former senior thrower Jamir Gibson and senior sprinter Sheleah Harris both snagged a bronze in their respective events. Papakosta defended her High Jump title from the indoor season, winning it again in the outdoor competitions. Post-ACC meets saw two Yellow Jackets qualify for the NCAA Championships at the NCAA Preliminaries. Jamir Gibson qualified for two events, discus and shot put, becoming the first Jacket to double qualify for NCAAs since 2009. Former senior Zach Jaeger qualified in the 3000m steeplechase with a hard-fought ninth place finish. The track team aims to continue building on this success in the coming season and produce more national qualifiers and ACC Champions.

SWIMMING & DIVING

Both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams had successful years this past season. The men finished fifth in the ACC, their highest finish in the conference since 2016. Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 season, they are aiming to build on successes instilled during this previous season. Along with the men’s team, the women had a solid year as well. They set the record for the highest GPA (3.46) of all Georgia Tech athletic teams in their respective 2022-2023 season campaigns.

CLUB SPORTS

MEN'S LACROSSE

The Men’s Club Lacrosse Team is coming off of an amazing season with an Elite Eight finish in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association’s National Tournament and a South Eastern League Conference Championship, their first since 2017. The year prior, the team finished as runner-ups in the MCLA’s National Tournament. The Yellow Jackets look to continue their program’s recent success behind a solid team this year.

All home games take place on the Roe Stamps Turf Fields. Follow the team on Instagram: @gatechlax.

WOMEN'S LACROSSE

The Women’s Club Lacrosse Team qualified for the Southeastern Women’s Lacrosse League National Tournament this past season and looks to continue their success as a team as they welcome in some new players. While the team was unable to travel to Florida for the National Tournament, the past season is sure to provide a spark for the players to take a united, dedicated team all the way this coming season.

All home games take place on the Roe Stamps Turf Fields. Follow the team on Instagram: @gatechwlax.

CLUB SPORTS

MEN'S SOCCER

The Men’s Club Soccer Team is a member of the Southeastern Collegiate Soccer League and competes against several other Division I Schools’ club teams throughout their season. The team notably went 5-1-2 this season with big wins over local rivals Georgia, who they beat 3-0, and Kennesaw State, who they topped 4-0. The team looks to continue their success as they welcome in new players for the 2023 season.

All home games take place on the Roe Stamps Turf Fields. Follow the team on Instagram: @gtclubsoccer.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

The Women’s Club Soccer Team ran through every team they kicked off against in 2022, trampling teams like Tennessee and Florida. They earned a bid to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association’s National Championship Series in Round Rock, Texas, taking down William & Mary, Florida State, and Florida to get to the semifinals. They are looking forward to another dominant season this year with some new faces.

All home games take place on the Roe Stamps Turf Fields. Follow the team on Instagram: @gatechwsoccer.

CLUB SPORTS

The Georgia Tech Rowing Club, also referred to as Georgia Tech Crew, competes in regattas all over the country, having traveled to New Jersey and Tennessee this past spring season. They have men’s and women’s teams at both the varsity and novice levels. The team prides itself on the community it creates and its long history at the Institute, first created in 1985. They are excited to continue growing as a program and compete this coming season. Follow the team on Instagram: @gtrowing.

HOCKEY

The Georgia Tech Club Hockey team boasts one of the most unique home court atmospheres at Georgia Tech. The team is coming off a rough finish after a hot start to the 2022-2023 season. The biggest win last year was a 4-3 upset against a previously undefeated South Carolina team. They look to elevate their play this coming season within the College Hockey South League.

All home games take place at the Atlanta IceForum. Follow the team on Instagram: @gthockey.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Men’s Club Volleyball Team had a historic last season, cashing in their first national ranking in program history. The team plays in the Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association and traveled to the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation Championships in Kansas City, Missouri this past season. They look to continue their success and elevate their level of play this coming season.

All home games take place on the Campus Recreation Center Courts. Follow the team on Instagram: @gtmensvb.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

PRO JACKETS

Calvin Johnson Wide Receiver (2004–2006)

• 2018 College Football Hall of Fame inductee

• 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee

• 2006 Biletnikoff Award winner

• 2nd Overall Pick in the 2007 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions

Harrison Butker Kicker (2013–2016)

• All-time leading scorer in GT Football history

• NFL record for most field goals by a rookie (38)

• 2019 NFL scoring leader

• Super Bowl LIV and LVII Champion

Christopher Eubanks Player (2014–2017)

• 2-Time All-American, ACC Player of the Year

• 2023 Mallorca Open Champion

• 2023 Wimbledon Quarterfinalist (upsetting No. 12 and No. 5)

• Ranked as high as No. 31 (July 2023)

Irina Falconi Player (2008–2010)

• Ranked #63 for WTA Singles (May 2016)

• 2-Time ITA All-American

• 2010 ACC Player of the Year

• Played professionally until 2020

PRO JACKETS

Lorela Cubaj Forward (2017–2022)

• 2-Time ACC Defensive Player of the Year and All-ACC First Team (2021, 2022)

• 18th Overall Pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft to the New York Liberty

• Selected to the Atlanta Dream in 2023

Alex Montgomery Guard, Forward (2007–2011)

• 2010 ACC Sixth Player of the Year and AllTournament Second Team

• 10th Overall Pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft to the New York Liberty

• Plays for the Chicago Sky

Jose Alvarado Guard (2017–2021)

• 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year

• 2021 ACC Team Champion

• 2023 Rising Stars Challenge MVP

• Starter for the New Orleans Pelicans

• Member of the Puerto Rican National Team

David Krummenacker Runner (1993–1998)

• Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame (2008)

• World Champion in the Indoor 800m (2003)

• Back-to-Back-to-Back United States Outdoor 800m Champion (2001, 2002, 2003)

• Competed for Team Adidas from 1998–2008

STADIUMS

McCAMISH PAVILION AND CREMINS COURT

MAC NEASE BASEBALL PARK AT RUSS CHANDLER STADIUM

BOBBY DODD STADIUM AT HISTORIC GRANT FIELD

SHIRLEY CLEMENTS MEWBORN FIELD

KEN BYERS

TENNIS COMPLEX

NOONAN GOLF FACILITY

GEORGE C. GRIFFIN TRACK & FIELD FACILITY

STUDENT TICKETS

FOOTBALL Season Tickets

Students can reserve season tickets through the purchase of a Yellow Jacket Club Gold Student Membership which includes tickets to every home football game including the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium. YJC Gold Members can register their tickets as part of a student organization (including fraternities and sororities) or in the SWARM block on either side of the Georgia Tech Marching Band.

Single Game Tickets

A limited number of free single-game tickets are distributed the week of each home football game on a first-come, first-served basis. These general admission tickets are on the south end zone.

For all sports other than football, admission is free for students with a valid BuzzCard. Venues typically open one hour before the start of each game, and student seating is available first-come, first-served. Visit ramblinwreck.com/student-tickets for more information.

Get Connected now!

From the first day you set foot on campus to the day you graduate and beyond, the Georgia Tech Alumni Association is always with you on your path.

Represent the Georgia Tech student body as campus tour guides and event hosts gtambassadors.org | @gtambassadors

Sharpen your leadership skills by educating the student body on the spirit of philanthropy gtsf.gatech.edu | @gt_studentfoundation

Further your professional development through alumni connections gtsaa.com | @gatechsaa

gtalumni.org

AN INTERVIEW WITH...

Dr. Luoluo Hong Vice President for

Student

Engagement & Well-Being

My name is Luoluo (pronounced “lō-lō”) Hong. I have served as the inaugural Vice President for Student Engagement & Well-Being since August 2021, and received an adjunct appointment as Professor of the Practice with the School of Psychology just this past January. I teach APPH 1040, Scientific Foundations of Health—the course that is required of all Georgia Tech students in order to graduate.

What has been the proudest experience of your career?

At San Francisco State University, I was asked to serve as the Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation (DHR) Administrator. When I left, those on campus most expressed their appreciation that I had led collaborative efforts to create and sustain an institutional culture that authentically engaged civil rights issues—we didn’t just lead from a compliance framework, but instead strived to improve the educational and workplace environment for all. We instituted extensive prevention, training, and outreach programs to more proactively address root causes of sexual violence specifically and discrimination holistically, building a sense of shared responsibility to address these issues. I often reflect on our work there and try to apply the lessons learned to my work today.

I myself am a survivor of rape—I was assaulted during my first year in college—and I have experienced bias, prejudice, and discrimination throughout my entire career. To serve in this capacity and make a positive difference for students offers a tremendous source of professional contribution and is the reason I first sought to be a senior higher education leader.

How can students best take advantage of the resources

Georgia Tech has to offer regarding student well-being?

For new students living on campus, asking your RA for information about available resources is a great place to start. Graduate students can take advantage of the new Graduate Student Lounge in the John Lewis Student Center. We’ve made a concerted effort over the last two years to really ensure that we get the word out to students about the wide range of available resources that can offer holistic assistance and support as they traverse their educational journey at Georgia Tech. Many of these services are available at no additional cost. We recognize this can’t just be a one-and-done approach; we have to constantly share this information, over multiple mediums. For example, we’ve updated our webpage to be more student-friendly, instituted a number of newsletters with content curated specifically for students, and enhanced our social media presence.

What do you think sets Georgia Tech apart?

I think the hashtag #WeCanDoThat really captures the Georgia Tech spirit. We have this critical mass of students who are studying engineering, or in other fields that emphasize innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving. We have lots of faculty, staff and administrators with similar backgrounds. So it’s literally in our collective DNA to be undaunted in the face of challenge. For example, I was really impressed with how Georgia Tech came together and used our own intellectual resources to develop and utilize leading-edge solutions to respond to the COVID pandemic.

What is your favorite Georgia Tech tradition?

Honestly, I think it’s extremely unique and rather intriguing that we have a motorized vehicle as one of our mascots. I was particularly impressed to learn that the Ramblin’ Reck is largely maintained and managed by students!

AN INTERVIEW WITH...

Stephanie Ray Associate Dean of Students & Director of Diversity Programs

I’m Stephanie Ray and I serve as Associate Dean of Students and Director for Student Diversity Programs here at Georgia Tech. Not only do I supervise student diversity programs but the LGBTQIA Resource Center, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Veterans Resource Center. I have been at Tech for quite a long time—March 31st, 2023 marked 26 years!

How did you end up at Georgia Tech?

I love this story! I was working at Georgia Southern University, and the then Mayor of Atlanta, Bill Campbell, asked all of the people who did diversity work like myself at other state schools to meet him in Atlanta. The plan was to get rid of "Freaknik" (black college weekend). Freaknik was exciting, but it would shut the city of Atlanta down. So he called all of us to Atlanta to make Freaknik more educational—we would have job fairs and speakers and that kind of thing. Schools like Georgia Southern sent people like me who had official roles. Georgia Tech didn’t have anyone in such an official role, so instead, they sent students! Students there began to ask me what it was that I did at Georgia Southern, and I told them. They were pretty ticked off that Georgia Tech didn’t have a position like mine, so they went to the President and said, "we need somebody like all these other schools that have someone to work with students with diversity." A few months later, they got that position: the Associate Dean of Students and Director for Student Diversity Programs. I applied, I interviewed in January of 1997, and I started March 31st, 1997. And so my claim to fame—at least I was chosen by the students.

What have you learned through being part of Tech?

Many of the answers to life’s problems—the answers are here. I find the faculty, staff, and students to be very innovative and creative. Like if something is not here, the students will find a way to create it and implement it and the same way for faculty and staff. So that’s what I love about Tech is that we can come together to solve not only our problems, but the state’s problems and the world’s problems. I think that’s really really cool. We don’t wait for people to solve problems, we do it ourselves and that’s what I love about it.… I’m really grateful I spent my time here. I feel grateful to be selected to even be here to be among all this greatness.

What are some resources available through your office and Student Diversity Programs that you think would be helpful to new students?

The Office of the Dean of Students has always been known to be a friend of the student, so I want students to know that I am someone they can reach out to no matter what it is; and if I am not that person or that office I will make sure that I guide them to the right office. I think that’s the most important thing we do as a whole for students… I hate [seeing] new students who are stressed out and can’t find what they need; they’re stressed, and it’s frustrating, it’s frustrating for me to see them stressed out… Imagine the Office of Dean of Students as being the operator on campus; everyone calls us or the campus operator forwards all the calls to us. I want to make sure [students know] I am accessible.

Is there anything else you would like to mention that might be beneficial to new students?

If I could give one gift to a Georgia Tech student, it would have to be the gift of resilience. And that is being able to bounce back after life happens to you, because life is going to happen to you. And you’ve got to be able to come back from that and be strong.

A PROFESSOR'S ADVICE

Dr. Edwin Greco

I was hired full-time around 2010 to lead the introductory modern physics courses. I also teach the GT 1000 class for physics majors and lead a VIP course in STEM Communications. It is really special to be able to teach at a place where so many people are truly motivated in STEM. I oversee advising for all physics students and work on ensuring that we are supporting our students to be as successful as they can be.

My biggest advice is…

Make a plan. Many students in their first, maybe even into their second year at Georgia Tech, do not really understand what to do during a lecture. They show up and treat it like they are going to a movie to be entertained. But when you are attending class, that is your opportunity to engage with the expert and your peers. You really want to have a plan: what should you be doing during a lecture? It should not just be passively listening or being distracted on your phone. Traditionally, this might look like note taking, but spend some time really thinking about what you as a student want. If that is just to sit there passively, then you are not getting much out of that experience, and when it comes time to take a test, you will have to spend a lot of effort learning the material. So it is just not an efficient use of your time. If you have the discipline, and not all students do, create a plan for what you want to get out of that lecture. How do you want to take notes? What questions do you want to ask? What connections do you want to make? Come up with a game plan for what you want to get out of class. Do not treat it like you are going to the movies.

A PROFESSOR'S ADVICE

Dr. Melinda McDaniel

After twenty years of teaching high school, I started at Tech while I was earning my doctorate. This is where I discovered computer science as an undergrad. When I returned for my interview, I sat across from a guy with a Darth Vader t-shirt on, and I thought, “these are my people, this is where I belong.” Today, I teach many introductory courses, and I like teaching how code is relatable and useful for solving the world's problems.

My biggest advice is…

You are not in high school anymore. You are not going to class five days a week, and the teacher is not going to teach you everything you need to know for the test. You are going to be given resources, and lectures are only one of those resources. The textbook, office hours, teaching assistants—all of those are your resources, and you should take advantage of each of them. Do not fall into the pitfall of thinking, “well, she didn't teach this, so we can't do that.” We have high goals for you all to be able to do more in one semester than you would cover in an entire high school year, especially in computer science, so we need you to keep up. Every week, be reading through and taking advantage of all the resources. I know a lot of people like to say, “well, go see your professors,” but it is true. As soon as you feel even a tiny slip, go see your professor. If the first test grade was not as high as you thought, do not think you can recover from that by doing exactly what you were doing before. You have to make a change. Maybe you missed out on one of the resources. Maybe you did not take advantage of something enough. Find out what that was.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Glenn Lightsey

Dr. Lightsey, a professor of aerospace engineering, serves as the director of the Space Systems Design Lab and the Center for Space Technology and Research. He helped develop the propulsion system for one of the satellites on board Artemis I, a Fall 2022 NASA mission to the Moon. Dr. Lightsey also oversaw the Georgia Tech team responsible for the propulsion system of SpaceX’s Falcon 9—part of NASA’s Lunar Flashlight mission in search of frozen water on the moon—and was a part of mission control for its launch.

Judge Leigh Martin May

Judge May is a Professor of the Practice who currently serves as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Georgia. She was appointed in 2013 by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2014. Judge May has most recently taught PUBP 3000, a course in the Law, Science, and Technology (LST) program. She has also been involved in some Fall 2022 rulings regarding the Fulton County District Attorney’s investigation into the attempted overturning of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Morris is an associate professor within the School of Literature, Media, and Communications. Her work focuses on black feminism, Afrofuturism, and black digital media. She co-founded the feminist blog The Crunk Feminist Collective and her writings cover topics ranging from body positivity to self care to race to pop culture. Dr. Morris is working on a book of essays about life as a firstgeneration American and teaches LMC courses on topics including gender studies, science fiction and African American literature.

Dr. Rubin is an associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs who has conducted extensive research on Middle East politics and international security. He served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy as a senior advisor. He is also an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Dr. Rubin has been a research fellow at Harvard, lecturer at Brandeis, and visiting scholar at the National Defense University. He will be the codirector of the newly-launched GT Semester in D.C. program.

Dr. Lawrence Rubin

Dr. Susana Morris

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Nick Sahinidis

Dr. Sahinidis serves as Butler Family Chair, and he works as a professor in the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Although he holds a doctorate in chemical engineering, his awardwinning research primarily focuses on global and black-box optimization. Dr. Sahinidis’ work in machine learning includes the development of new algorithms and software. Last year, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineers, an organization whose membership includes Elon Musk and Bill Gates.

Dr. Starner is a professor within the School of Interactive Computing and serves as the director of the Contextual Computing Group. His research has laid the foundation for the field of wearable technology. Dr. Starner’s work has been featured in 60 Minutes, CNN, NPR, The New York Times, and other global platforms. Most notably, he is the longest serving Technical Lead and Manager of Google Glass. Dr. Starner has led undergraduate courses focused on artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and computer vision.

Dr. Thad Starner

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

John Young (AE 52) was the ninth person to walk on the Moon as commander of Apollo 16 (1972).

Kary Mullis (Chem 66) won the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the Polymerase chain reaction.

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove (CE 77) served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (NATO) from 2013 to 2016.

J.

Raines (IE 85) was the CEO of GameStop from 2010 to 2017.

Michael Arad (M Arch 99) is the architect and designer of the National September 9/11 Memorial.

Wonya Lucas (IE 83) is the President and CEO of Hallmark Media.

Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice (Chem 83) is the first female President and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine.

Danny Gonzalez (CM 16) is a commentary YouTuber and former Vine personality with over six million followers.

Walter Ehmer (IE 89) is the President and CEO of Waffle House.

Paul

AN INTERVIEW WITH...

Dr. Ángel Cabrera President of Georgia Tech MS Psy 93, PhD Psy 95

I am Ángel Cabrera, a first-generation college student born and raised in Madrid. I earned an engineering degree back home but then decided to change directions. With the support of a Fulbright scholarship, I crossed the pond back in 1991 to enroll in Tech’s graduate psychology program. Georgia Tech was the only school I could find that was willing to let an engineer study psychology, and I will forever be thankful for that opportunity. I finished four years later with a master’s, a doctorate, and a wife, Beth, who was in the same program at Tech.

What do you do as President of Georgia Tech?

I have a pretty incredible job. I spend time with students, faculty, and staff to learn about their amazing work and figure out how to best support them. I travel the state, country, and sometimes the world, spreading the word about Georgia Tech and securing resources from alumni, foundations, and government agencies. I recruit (and coach!) a world-class team of senior leaders who are responsible for leading us forward. I deal with the kind of issues every CEO faces: budgets, operations, business strategies, investments, human resources, and so on. Most importantly, I remind everyone of our important mission to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition, of our immense responsibility to train some of the best students in the nation, and of the opportunity we have as one of the most research-intensive universities in the world to find new solutions to complex problems. When I get time to myself, I like to bike or walk the city; attend concerts, art exhibits, and sporting events; or spend time in the kitchen perfecting my paella.

How did Georgia Tech prepare you for your current position?

Tech gave me the confidence to attempt things I never thought I would be capable of doing. It made me a better problem-solver, a more global citizen, and a more curious thinker. It encouraged me to branch out and explore new disciplines — and led me to discover more about myself in the process. I came here as a psychology student with an engineering degree. After I graduated, I went to work as a management consultant and business educator. Years later, that led me to become a higher education administrator, a board member of great businesses and nonprofits, and the president of my very own alma mater. None of that ever crossed my mind before I landed in Atlanta. Georgia Tech made it possible.

What advice do you have for new students?

Georgia Tech is a demanding school, but that’s not where the story ends. Georgia Tech has spent years building a holistic environment to help students grow as human beings committed to Progress and Service. We work hard to promote student wellbeing, to offer opportunities to engage and grow, to develop interests and skills beyond one’s academic discipline. Try new things. Meet new people. We have more than 500 student organizations so you can play just as hard as you work. Don’t look at campus activities as competing with your studies, but as necessary and complementary. Students who engage more not only grow in many ways but also tend to do better academically. Lastly, if you need help, ask for help, and do it early! Get familiar with the services that are available as soon as possible so you know exactly where to turn when the time comes.

If you could pilot the Reck for a day, where would you go?

I’d rather travel in the rumble seat while the Reck driver takes the wheel! I love the smiles on people’s faces whenever they see the beautiful automobile and hear the iconic ahooga — except in Athens, Georgia, where some locals didn’t seem to appreciate it that much when we took the Reck for a spin last year!

AN INTERVIEW WITH...

Dr. Annie Antón National Privacy Expert ICS 90, MS ICS 92, PhD CS 97

I graduated from Georgia Tech in 1990 after 11 years and earning three degrees. When I left Tech, I became a business professor at the University of South Florida for one year, andI realized I made a major mistake. I went to the College of Engineering at NC State, another fine ACC institution (go Wolfpack!). I spent 14 years on the faculty at NC State, and my research was on software engineering and how you get software to comply with federal privacy and security regulations. This research led me to be on all these privacy and security advisory boards. In addition to that, I was selected for something called the Defense Science Study Group. The group took twelve mid-career faculty in science and engineering fields and put us through a two year Department of Defense program. We flew around the country with four-star generals and learned a lot about the military. I like to refer to it as my DoD summer camp! Until that program, I had never thought about how to apply my work in a way that would help our country. I have since returned to Georgia Tech as a professor in the Interactive School of Computing.

How did you end up at Georgia Tech?

I actually was never accepted to Georgia Tech. I was a transient student for one semester, and at the end of the semester, I got this thing in the mailbox that said "here's how you register for classes next semester." I never officially got accepted—I just kept taking classes, and when I had enough credits to graduate, I petitioned for a degree. So I like to say I'm like the smartest person to ever graduate from Georgia Tech without actually being accepted. I did get accepted officially to go to graduate school!

How did Georgia Tech prepare you for your current position?

I think the thing that most prepared me for the real world was the Georgia Tech Advisory Board (GTAB). I was one of two graduate students and the only woman on the board. We would attend meetings four times a year—all day Friday and a halfday Saturday—and we would have these working groups with other board members who were all CEOs and presidents of major companies like AT&T and Pepsi. They would always have us as students report back to the big group, and so four times a year, I had to brief all these CEOs and VPs. Us students were all freaking out, “Oh my God! Like, are you kidding?” At first we thought they were just being lazy, but as we went on, we realized they were training us. It was the skills of how to interact with people at that level that have helped me tremendously in my career. They taught me how to be effective, to communicate persuasively, and to get other leaders to say “we should have thought of that.” You want to be able to pose a challenge without antagonizing people. Georgia Tech prepared me to be a better mediator and to realize that it is not personal—you should respect everyone, treat them with dignity no matter what, and seek to understand.

What advice do you have for new students?

It is really important not only to study, but to get involved in at least one extracurricular activity—to have a group of people who enjoy doing the same activity or care about the same issues as you and who will serve as a support group outside of class. In engaging in those extracurricular activities, we all develop some sort of leadership skills. Even if you are a follower, you are always helping in some way to lead something, and people need that kind of exposure. When I was Chair of the School of Interactive Computing, I would tell students, especially international students, “You're here, You're in a new country. You came here not just to study, but to absorb the culture, to understand, and to learn what makes America America." So go to a baseball game, go to a football game. You do not have to keep going if you do not like it, but at least go to one to get a sense of what

it is like.

The worst thing is to graduate from Tech and never have gone to any sporting events or any concerts. So go to things!

Andre Dickens

61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta

ChE 98

Mayor Andre Dickens is a Georgia Tech chemical engineering graduate and currently serves as the 61st Mayor of Atlanta. He is the second Tech alumnus to hold that position, joining Ivan Allen, Jr. Before entering city politics, Mayor Dickens worked at Tech as a staff member from 2010 to 2016. He served as the Assistant Director of Outreach Initiatives for Georgia Tech’s Office of Institute Diversity and spearheaded Tech’s African American Male Institute, which resulted in a significant increase in the GPA and graduation rate among black males. He also managed the Focus graduate school recruitment program and the Challenge Program that helped hundreds of students successfully transition into college life each year. He has gone on to serve as a member of the Georgia Tech Alumni Board of Directors. While in college, Mayor Dickens became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and ANAK.

Mayor Dickens’ inauguration at Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2022

Dickens during his time as a staff member at Georgia Tech

Dr. Sandra Magnus

NASA Astronaut

PhD MSE 96

After earning her doctorate degree, Dr. Sandra Magnus was selected for the NASA Astronaut Corps and trained to become a mission specialist. She flew on the STS-112 mission (2002) and the STS-135 (2011) missions—the final mission of the Space Shuttle program. Aboard the ISS, Dr. Magnus served as Flight Engineer and Science Officer, later working in NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate and as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She went on to serve in the Department of Defense as the Deputy Director for Engineering within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. As Chief Engineer for Advanced Capabilities, she oversaw engineering policy and practice, digital and systems engineering initiatives, and technical risk assessments. Dr. Magnus is one of fourteen Georgia Tech astronauts and was recently inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Dr. Magnus floating in the Cupola aboard the ISS

The crew of STS-135, NASA’s final Space Shuttle mission

Important Resources

Academic Resources

BuzzPort

buzzport.gatech.edu

Canvas

gatech.instructure.com

Tutoring & Academic Support

tutoring.gatech.edu

Campus Resources

Engage

gatech.campuslabs.com/engage

Georgia Tech Police Department (404) 894-2500 (emergencies and non-emergencies)

Students' Temporary Assistance and Resources (STAR)

star.studentlife.gatech.edu

Live Campus Bus Tacker bus.gatech.edu

Stingerette Rideshare stingerette.com

Health & Wellness Resources

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

(800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+)

(866) 488-7386

Center for Mental Health Care & Resources

mentalhealth.gatech.edu

(404) 894-2575

Stamps Health Services

health.gatech.edu

(404) 894-1420

VOICE

voice.gatech.edu

(404) 894-9000

Student Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA Resource Center

lgbtqia.gatech.edu

Veterans Resource Center veterans.gatech.edu

Women's Resource Center womenscenter.gatech.edu

Important Dates

Fall Semester 2023

Spring Semester

T-Book Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Matthew Aronin

Associate Editor

Annelise Lloyd

History & Traditions Editors

Gabriel Armstrong & Nathan Dailey

Campus Life Editors

Miller Daly & Zack Mohr

Sports Editors

Matthew Kistner & Evan Sunny

Faculty & Alumni Editors

Grace Mallon & Abby Hart

Graphic Designers

Kyle Ralyea & Aastha Singh

Front row, left to right: Evan Sunny, Abby Hart, Grace Mallon, Matthew Aronin, Matthew Kistner, Aastha Singh, Gabriel Armstrong. Back row, left to right: Miller Daly, Nathan Dailey, Zack Mohr, Annelise Lloyd, Kyle Ralyea.

Special Thanks

The T-Book 2023–2024 staff would like to extend a very special thank you to the following individuals and groups for their contributions, without whom this publication would not have been possible:

Mac Pitts and the Board of Student Publications

Alexis Davis and the Georgia Tech Alumni Association

Dr. E. Gerome Stephens

J Batt, Haden Boone, Dene Sheheane, Aanjan Sika, and Dean John M. Stein

Dr. Annie Antón, Pres. Ángel Cabrera, Dr. Edwin Greco, Dr. Luoluo Hong, Dr. Melinda McDaniel, and Dean Stephanie Ray

Shayne Drof, Carson Garrett, Tanish Goel, Quincy Howard, Jason Sodikin, Kylie Wentworth, and Eli Winterscheidt

The ANAK Society

Austin Reitano, Keshav Ramanathan, and the Ramblin' Reck Club

Mike Flynn and Brittany Sander

Sara Warner

Mike Teed, George P. Burdell, and Georgia Tech Printing and Copying Services

Dr. Marilyn J. Smith, Mackenzie Thies, and the Campus Cats community

The following Georgia Tech students were selected as winners of the 2023 T-Book Photography Competition and have their work featured throughout this publication: Chase Goulet, Wiliam Kaye, Tyler Parker, Sloan Salinas, and Jack Turbush.

Additional media and information courtesy of Georgia Tech Institute Communications, the Georgia Tech Library and Georgia Tech Archives, the Georgia Tech Living History Program, the Georgia Tech Athletic Association, The Technique, and From the Rumble Seat 's "Rearview Mirror" series by Jake Grant.

Select photography used with permission from Michael Boatright, Taylor Gray, Jonathan Hillyer, Boyd Langley, Amanda Lanusz, Stanley Leary, and Randy McDow (RanDMC Photography).