Georgia Tech Communications & Marketing staff struck 'Tech gold' when it cast a stellar student-athlete with the Ramblin' Wreck in the Institute's annual public service announcement (PSA). Senior volleyball player Stephanie Robbins, an Industrial and Systems Engineering major, stars alongside the Ramblin' Wreck in the television spot that will air during football and basketball broadcasts this year.

"We wanted to create a spot that was radically different from our peers and that was a significant departure from the usual university public service announcement," said Jeff Smith, director of online communications and new media. "At the same time, we wanted to incorporate references to the academic rigor, iconic visuals and traditions that have helped define Tech as the unique institution that it is."

The television spot opens with a classroom lecture where Robbins is in the process of learning about the trajectory of a projectile. Robbins begins to daydream about applying the physics equation needed to propel the Wreck 'Evel Knievel' style over a group of cars.
The PSA marries the academic rigor of one of the nation's top technological universities with a slice of the traditional college experience of a well-rounded student.
Robbins exemplifies what being a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket is all about. A successful student-athlete, Robbins was a volleyball standout from North Springs High School in Sandy Springs. She originally joined the volleyball team as a walk-on in 2005 and earned a scholarship for the 2008 season as a result of her hard work and leadership abilities - both on and off the court. Robbins has also made the ACC Honor Roll each of the past three years.
Robbins' family adds an extra connection to Tech's tradition as both of her parents, Rick and Cindy Robbins, as well as her grandfather, Drew Hearn, graduated from Georgia Tech. Her father and uncle, Andy Hearn, were both athletes while they attended Tech. Robbins also has a younger brother, Brian, who swims for Georgia Tech.

Last year, Communications & Marketing won the 2008 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence Award Program Gold Medal for Electronic Media: PSA and Commercial Spots with a spot that featured a computer-generated robotic arm that dialed a familiar tune, the Georgia Tech fight song. The creative team is hoping this year's innovative approach is as successful.

The new PSA will air during broadcasts of Tech sports teams this school year.