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Making Memories Is Just Part of Job for Writer

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Imagine that you’re on the field at Yankee Stadium.     

The smell of freshly mown grass surrounds you. You hear the smack of baseballs hitting well-worn leather gloves, fielded by the likes of Tech alumnus Mark Teixeira during warm-up. Welcome to one of Stacy Braukman’s most memorable moments working for the Office of Development.

“We were there to interview Teixeira for the Campaign Georgia Tech launch video in 2010 — I still have the press pass,” said Braukman, Campaign writer and editor. “At one point, I was standing less than five feet away from baseball superstar Mariano Rivera. The whole experience was mind-blowing.”  

Although every day isn’t filled with opportunities to meet baseball greats, Braukman does enjoy the part of her job that allows her to get to know people from across campus and beyond.

“Since I’m the primary writer for all things Campaign Georgia Tech, I get to work with everyone — from development staff to students to donors,” she said. “The job is very much hands-on and collaborative and gives me an incredible perspective on Tech.”

Recently The Whistle had an opportunity to learn more about Braukman and her time at Tech.

What did you want to be as a child?       
I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but I have a terrible cat allergy. I don’t think I gave it a lot of thought again until middle school, at which point I knew I wanted to be a drummer in an all-girl band. The Go-Go’s were very influential during my adolescence.   

What made you decide to work at Tech?     
After I earned a PhD in history, I knew I did not want to pursue a career in teaching but wanted to remain involved in academia and history. I worked for a few years at the Atlanta History Center, and that’s when I knew I needed something different. There was no plan in mind — the timing of finding my job at Tech was serendipitous. I was offered my job in 2007.

What is the greatest challenge associated with your job?
Being able to convey people’s stories in compelling, inspirational ways. There are an infinite number of stories out there of people whose lives have been transformed by philanthropy, and of people who are committed to helping make Tech a better place. My challenge is to capture the essence of what makes those people tick — to really do justice to their stories.     

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?  
Writing my own book and getting it published. In 2012, Communists and Perverts under the Palms: The Johns Committee in Florida came out to warm reviews and received the Rembert W. Patrick Award from the Florida Historical Society for the best scholarly book on a Florida history topic. The book was based on my dissertation from the 1990s and was a long time in the making. I will be giving a talk and signing books at the Decatur Book Festival on Sept. 1, which I am over the moon about.

What piece of technology could you not live without professionally and personally?     
My LG flip phone.

What is your favorite spot on campus?     
My favorite spot is the place where Sideways the dog is buried. I love that Tech has set aside a beautiful little patch of ground for her, and a headstone, in the shadow of Tech Tower.

Where is your favorite place to have lunch, and what do you order?     
My favorite lunch spot is the Highlander in Midtown. I order the patty melt (with a veggie burger instead of hamburger) with fries.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?     
Take yourself seriously. If you don’t, no one else will. That was from my graduate advisor, and she was right.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?      
Abraham Lincoln. I became mildly obsessed with him sometime in elementary school, and that hasn’t really dissipated over the years. The juxtaposition of his humble beginnings, quiet awkwardness, and staggering greatness (plus, it doesn’t hurt to be on the right side of history) is irresistibly intriguing to me.  

What do you like to do in your spare time?      
I enjoy reading, walking my dogs, and watching sports. I’m trying to become a
better cook. The jury’s still out on that one.

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  • Workflow Status:Published
  • Created By:Amelia Pavlik
  • Created:08/19/2013
  • Modified By:Fletcher Moore
  • Modified:10/07/2016