When lawmakers return to the capitol on Tuesday morning, the Ramblin’ Reck and students from across Tech’s campus will be waiting there to greet them.  Collaborating with the Office of Government and Community Relations, the Georgia Tech Student Government Association and its Student Lobby Board will be hosting its inaugural GT Student Day at the Capitol tomorrow.

A student-proposed and led initiative, Student Day is intended to provide an opportunity for student leaders to thank state leaders for their service and support of Georgia Tech and emphasize the importance of continued investment in higher education.  “As students at Georgia Tech, we recognize the importance of a strong relationship between the state and Tech,” said Imran Ali (PUBP & MGT ’12), chair of the Student Lobby Board. “Maintaining strong bonds between the State of Georgia and Georgia Tech is vital to our Institute, and we want Student Day to help do this.”

Students will spend most of the morning under the gold dome on Tuesday, kicked off with greetings by Institute President G.P. “Bud” Peterson and Senate Higher Education Chairman Seth Harp (R-Midland).  They will then have the opportunity to seek out their individual legislators to introduce themselves and share their gratitude.  Specially produced stickers will be distributed by students throughout the capitol to mark the day’s efforts.

The student leaders will not be the only ones showing appreciation during the event, however.  Both the House and Senate will adopt resolutions commending the students on their efforts and officially acknowledging the day as “GT Student Day at the Capitol.”  Students will be recognized in the Senate gallery by newly-elected Senator Hardie Davis (R-Gracewood, EE ’92) and Senators Johnny Grant (R-Milledgeville, IE ‘72), and Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock, MGT ’91) from the Senate floor while their chamber is in session.

Dene Sheheane, Executive Director of GCR, reiterates that the event has been a student event from idea to execution.  

“Students from our Student Lobby Board approached us last year with an interest in having students showcase Georgia Tech to legislators, and we have been more than happy to work with them on the details and logistics to make this event happen.  Like the alumni on our legislative network, these students represent another unique voice of support for Tech, and there is a lot of value in that downtown.”

With the student leaders supplying the direction and planning for Student Day, GCR has worked in the background, securing transportation, creating and producing collateral, coordinating with legislators and legislative staff, and providing guidance to the students on effective advocacy techniques. 

Sheheane notes, “Efforts like this one that engage stakeholders outside of the day-to-day advocacy realm, whether they be students, alumni, or faculty and staff, are enormously helpful for the Institute, and we look forward to continuing to work with each of these groups.”

Photos from the event and a recap will be available later this week at www.gov.gatech.edu.