The 2011 Ivan Allen College Founder’s Day events begin a special yearlong celebration of the concepts of social courage, social justice, civic vision and compassionate leadership that are the legacy of Ivan Allen Jr., mayor of Atlanta from 1962-1970.

The March 14-15 event marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ivan Allen Jr., as well as the inaugural presentation of Georgia Tech’s new Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage to a visionary leader at the forefront of efforts to reduce the global threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn. A series of events will continue throughout the year with another peak moment in 2012 commemorating the 50th anniversary of Allen’s inauguration as mayor of the City of Atlanta.

This celebration coincides with the start of the college’s third decade as stewards of the Allen legacy.

“Since its founding in 1990, the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts has fulfilled that trust by engaging students, scholars and the community through human-centered interdisciplinary teaching and research, and through the awarding of the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Progress and Service from 2001-2010,” said Jacqueline J. Royster, dean of the college. “With the awarding of the new Social Courage Prize this year, we herald a new era in our efforts to engage the citizens of Atlanta, our state and nation, and the global community in this legacy.”

The  Founder’s Day celebration  includes three special events:

• March 14: The Allen Prize Symposium
• March 15: Cross-college Research Roundtable
• March 15: Address by the Honorable Sam Nunn, inaugural recipient of the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend these events. RSVP here.