IPST students had a bit of fun surprising IPST security manager Henry (Hank) White, known to his coworkers at IPST as “Major”. Always ready to greet visitors with a jovial smile and hearty welcome, Major treats the students as his own, offering encouragement and solutions whenever asked. Major’s friend and former IPST employee Brent Martin says of Major White: “He can probably remember most of the students that have come through IPST’s doors since he’s been there. And he’s a ‘good will ambassador’ to the foreign students (and anyone else at IPST and Georgia Tech) and helps them navigate Atlanta and the ways of the US.”

In appreciation, IPST students declared “Major Day” on February 23, hoisting a flag bearing his signature smile and cap.

 Major White retired after 21 years from the US Army in 1986 with the rank of First Sergeant, having served in Viet Nam, Germany, Korea, and several US duty stations. He has taught and volunteered in various school systems, and through his church, currently ministers to prisoners in one of Atlanta’s incarceration facilities. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” he says.A business administration graduate of Rutledge Business College, Major has worked at the Institute since 1994, first as a security guard working for an Atlanta security firm and then in 2004 as a Sr. Security Officer and employee of Georgia Tech. His key responsibility has always been to keep IPST a safe and secure workplace for IPST students and research personnel who often work at night. In addition, he fills in for IPST’s full-time receptionist when needed, helps teach IPST museum papermaking workshops, and helps with tours and events.