In late November, the College of Computing became the first college to reach its goal within the $1.5 billion Campaign Georgia Tech.

The $40 million mark was quietly topped with a commitment from Google in support of faculty research within the School of Computer Science related to monitoring free and open access to information on the Internet.

Days later, the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) followed suit, becoming the first school to reach its campaign goal. Thanks to a bequest provision from an alumnus, ISyE surpassed $60 million.

These milestones are crossroads of sorts for both. They are at once celebrating great success and also looking ahead to the ongoing philanthropic work that remains. The campaign began in July 2004, with an original goal of $1 billion and a December 2010 conclusion date. That year, the goal was expanded to $1.5 billion and a December 2015 conclusion date. In the two years that remain, Tech will continue to focus on meeting core institutional needs — student support, faculty support, and facilities construction and equipment.

During the past nine years, private philanthropy has enabled the College of Computing and ISyE to increase the number of endowed faculty; increase the number of merit- and need-based scholarships to attract the brightest, most talented students; and ensure that its facilities, laboratories, and learning spaces are on the cutting edge of technology. Notably, ISyE was named during Campaign Georgia Tech — in 2006, the result of a $20 million commitment from alumnus Milton Stewart and his wife, Carolyn, making it the fourth named school within the College of Engineering.   

This good news gives both units a well-deserved moment to pause and celebrate these accomplishments. Dean Zvi Galil, Dean and John P. Imlay Chair of Computing, took the helm in 2010 following the successful eight-year tenure of Dean Rich DeMillo. Under their leadership, and with the hard work and commitment of Senior Development Director Mary Alice Isele, Development Associate Meg Poitevint, and former Development Directors Juan McGruder and Christina Pearson, the College of Computing has achieved something great.

In ISyE, Development Director Nancy Sandlin has worked tirelessly to nurture relationships, communicate aspirations, and connect individuals, corporations, and foundations to the school, harnessing the support of colleagues along the way. Jane Ammons, the H. Milton Stewart and Carolyn J. Stewart School Chair, said, “What is and has been crucial in maintaining our reputation as one of the best industrial and systems engineering programs in the world is the philanthropic support from our alumni and friends.” She added, “Their generosity has been the difference maker, without question.”

Building on this success will be the focus during the next two years, as Campaign Georgia Tech winds to a close. Galil emphasized, “There are pressing and continuing needs within the college — from adding significantly more endowed faculty chairs and professorships to renovating the College of Computing Building and naming the college — and they cannot be met without the support that comes from private philanthropy. Nor can the College reach its highest aspirations without meeting those pressing needs. We’re just getting warmed up.”