This past April, OMED: Educational Services celebrated its 19th annual Tower Awards at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The Tower Awards brought together 500 attendees including students, family, faculty, staff, corporate supporters and guests who celebrated the academic accomplishments of Georgia Tech students.

During the Tower Awards each year, the Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization presents the Unsung Hero Leadership Award to a deserving student. This year’s recipient was Cecili Reid, a 4th year Computer Science major who this past fall founded FirstGen, a student organization whose mission is to positively impact the first generation college student community at Georgia Tech through academic, emotional, social and financial support, leader and professional development and awareness.

As Georgia Tech moves forward with new leadership and a new, comprehensive strategic plan, the Office of Institute Diversity completed its executive team this past fall by welcoming Dr. Julie Ancis, associate vice president for Institute Diversity, who is responsible for overseeing strategic planning and assessment as well as the campus climate survey.

There is one thing that will remain constant: Georgia Tech’s commitment to academic success. The Tower Awards stand as one example of this commitment. Through this event, Georgia Tech honors those who serve as examples of what is possible when an institution values and promotes both excellence and inclusiveness by supporting all of its students.

Though the night focused on the students, the celebration extended to the entire team of supporters — faculty, staff, corporate representatives and families — all of whom have played a critical role in these students’ achievement.

For more information on OMED: Educational Services and how your student may benefit from its services, visit the OMED website at www.omed.gatech.edu.