Homecoming Carnival  

When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.   

Where: Tech Green  

The annual Homecoming Carnival, sponsored by the Student Center Programs Council, invites the campus community to “set sail for an unforgettable adventure.” The “Lost at Sea, Found at Homecoming” event will feature inflatable rides, food, crafts, and a dunk tank in Tech Green. 

More information.   

Ramblin’ On: Miles of Memories 

When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. 

Where: Instructional Center Lawn 

Ride with President Ángel Cabrera through campus to celebrate his contributions to Georgia Tech and the Institute’s continued momentum. Cheer stations along the route will be set up for members of the Tech community to encourage riders and take part in the celebration. 

More information. 

Buzz Bash 

When: Friday, Oct. 23, 5 – 9 p.m.   

Where: Exhibition Hall  

The Georgia Tech Alumni Association invites you to celebrate Tech tradition and pride at Buzz Bash, “Homecoming’s signature celebration for alumni, students, families, and friends.” Enjoy pep rally performances, food and beverages, and photo ops.  

More information.   

Mini 500  

When: Friday, Oct. 23, 5 – 6:30 p.m.   

Where: Peters Parking Deck   

The Mini 500 returns as teams of seven — three racers and four pit crew members — compete in an eight-lap tricycle race around Peters Parking Deck.   

Each team must rotate the front tire of their tricycle at least three times throughout the race as they attempt to complete the course without destroying their tricycle. The event has been hosted by Ramblin' Reck Club since 1969.   

Those not competing are welcome to show up and cheer on the teams vying for the title of Mini 500 champions.   

More information.   

Freshman Cake Race   

When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:30 a.m. 

Where: Starting line, corner of Fowler and Eighth streets; finish line, Harrison Square  

Open to all first-year students, the Cake Race is a half-mile race held before sunrise on the morning of the Homecoming football game. All participants, whether they run, jog, or walk, receive a cupcake at the end, while the top men’s and women’s winners receive a cake and are brought onto the field during halftime later that day.   

Once a recruitment tool for the track team, the race has evolved through the years to become one of Tech's most beloved traditions. The event earned its name in 1913 when wives of faculty members and students' mothers baked cakes to reward the winners. It became a standing event in Homecoming festivities in 1935.  

More information.   

Ramblin' Wreck Parade  

When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m. 

Where: Along Fowler Street, between Eighth Street and Ferst Drive  

The parade route starts at Eighth and Fowler streets and ends at Ferst Drive. The event features three categories of vehicles: classic cars, fixed body, and contraption.   

Inspired by the Wreck, a 1930 Model A Ford, any restored vehicle more than 25 years old qualifies for the classic car category. The fixed-body vehicles feature displays designed and built by students to reflect the Homecoming theme. Like a traditional parade float, these vehicles are either machine-powered or can be pulled by another vehicle. The contraption category features vehicles that are completely human-powered, emphasizing students’ creativity and engineering skills.   

The event began in 1929 as a race from Atlanta to Athens but was altered in 1932 due to safety concerns. The parade has taken place each year since, with the exception of 1942 and 1943 because of gas shortages during World War II.  

More information.  

Helluva Block Party  

When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m.  

Where: North Avenue    

Homecoming week features time-honored Tech traditions, and this event has quickly become a fan favorite. Four hours before each home football game, the north end of the stadium is transformed into the ultimate tailgate zone with live entertainment, games, food trucks, and concessions.  

More information.   

Homecoming Football Game vs. Boston College 

When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 3:30 p.m.   

Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field  

Tech returns to The Flats to take on Boston College. The Yellow Jackets own a 57-18-1 record in Homecoming games and are 4-0 in Homecoming games under head coach Brent Key.  

More information.    

Class Reunions and Campus Tours  

Dates, times, and locations vary.  

The Georgia Tech Alumni Association is sponsoring class reunions throughout the week as well as tours of campus hot spots such as Clough Commons, The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design, Coda at Tech Square, and more.   

More information.  

“Ethics in Action is about recognizing that integrity isn’t something we save for the big moments,” said Joshua Toas, chief ethics and compliance officer. “It shows up in the everyday choices we make: how we treat one another, how we speak up, and how we follow through on our commitments. When we act ethically, we build the trust that makes everything else at Georgia Tech possible.” 

Ethics Week, taking place Nov. 2 – 6, will feature a mix of educational and engagement opportunities to help every member of our community put ethics into action. Campus experts, guest speakers, and the University System of Georgia will join together to showcase how ethical decision-making drives innovation, trust, and public service. 

Attendees at Georgia Tech events will enjoy giveaways, snacks, and conversations that connect our core values to everyday practice. 

For a full schedule of Ethics Week programs and to RSVP, visit ethicsfirst.gatech.edu/ethicsweek.

As part of NSF's ExpandAI program, AIHUB@CAU is designed to strengthen the university's capacity for AI education, research, and workforce development. The partnership connects CAU’s academic programs with Georgia Tech’s expertise in artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization and interdisciplinary research. 

Led by Charles Pierre, associate professor in CAU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences and principal investigator (PI) for AIHUB@CAU, the initiative brings together faculty expertise in mathematical sciences, cyber-physical systems and business administration. 

Expanding Academic Pathways in AI 

A central part of the initiative is developing academic pathways that prepare students for opportunities in AI, from industry careers to advanced research.  

During a Sept. 22 meeting at CAU's Thomas W. Cole Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology, Pierre shared updates on the university's undergraduate AI minors and master's-level AI programs. Students from some of the program's early cohorts also attended the meeting, reflecting the academic community taking shape around the initiative. 

Dr. Roy George, chair of CAU's Cyber-Physical Systems Program and co-PI of AIHUB@CAU, discussed progress on further integrating AI into the university's doctoral offerings. Once these efforts are completed, the doctoral program will provide an additional pathway for students interested in pursuing AI research at the highest academic levels while strengthening CAU's long-term capacity in the field. 

By connecting AI with mathematical sciences, business and cyber-physical systems, the programs aim to help students apply technical knowledge to challenges across disciplines and industries.  

Expanding Faculty Expertise and Research Opportunities 

Building sustainable AI programs requires faculty expertise, research capacity, and opportunities for collaboration. AIHUB@CAU's partnership with AI4OPT complements the institute's broader educational efforts, including faculty training programs that help educators develop skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and optimization. These experiences support the development of new coursework, strengthen institutional expertise, and help faculty bring emerging AI knowledge into their classrooms and research programs. 

The collaboration also connects CAU to AI4OPT’s research in artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization. Based at Georgia Tech, the institute develops methods to improve complex decision-making in areas such as energy, logistics, supply chains and manufacturing. These collaborations create opportunities for interdisciplinary research while helping connect classroom learning to real-world applications. 

About NSF AI4OPT 

NSF Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institute for Advances in Optimization, or AI4OPT, aims to deliver a paradigm shift in automated decision-making at massive scales by fusing AI and Mathematical Optimization (MO) to achieve breakthroughs that neither field can achieve independently.  

The Institute is driven by societal challenges in supply chains, manufacturing, and energy systems. To address the widening gap in job opportunities, the Institute delivers an innovative longitudinal education and workforce development program. 

About Georgia Tech 

The Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is one of the top public research universities in the U.S., developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. 

The Institute offers business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences degrees, as well as professional development and K-12 programs for fostering success at every stage of life. Its more than 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students represent 54 U.S. states and territories and more than 146 countries. They study at the main campus in Atlanta, at instructional sites around the world, and through distance and online learning. 

As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society.   

About Clark Atlanta University  

Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Established four years later in 1869, Clark College was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institutions. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu. 

AI is helping scientists analyze massive datasets, test ideas faster, and tackle complex problems. But many researchers lack the computing power, tools, or training to use it, and tools built for one computing system often won't work on another. The three-year initiative will make powerful AI tools and computing resources easier for researchers to access, use, and share. 

“AI has the potential to reshape how science is done, but that transformation should not be limited to a small number of researchers or institutions,” said Tim Lieuwen, executive vice president for Research at Georgia Tech. “With this investment from Google.org, we can equip researchers at institutions across the U.S. with the tools, training and reusable infrastructure they need to put AI to work, broadening access to these capabilities and accelerating discovery.” 

The funding enables Georgia Tech to develop at least 15 AI research tools and workflows scientists can share and reuse. The Institute will also fund 15 research projects — five per year — and provide technical support to approximately 30 additional research teams across the country. By the end of this initiative, Georgia Tech expects 25 to 30 institutions to be actively using the shared tools. 

Training will be a major part of the effort, with more than 300 researchers and faculty learning how to use AI in their research and teaching. The program will focus on institutions that have historically had less access to powerful computing, so more researchers can take part in AI-driven science.  

The work will be led by Georgia Tech’s Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS) and the Center for AI in Science and Engineering, a joint center of IDEaS and the College of Computing. The initiative will build on Nexus, Georgia Tech’s new National Science Foundation-funded AI supercomputer, and connect researchers with Google’s advanced AI computing technology. Together, these resources will make it easier for scientists to use AI tools across different computing systems and share their work with researchers at other institutions. 

“One of the biggest opportunities in AI isn’t just to make individual researchers faster. It’s to change the underlying economics of scientific discovery by making leading AI models and capabilities accessible to far more researchers and institutions,” said Sepi Hejazi Moghadam, Head of Foundations of Science, Google.org. “Georgia Tech is a true lighthouse institution, and this investment is designed to build a lasting foundation that expands access to these advanced AI capabilities. By partnering deeply with Georgia Tech to close the capacity gap, we’re helping ensure that scientists across the country, regardless of their institution’s size or historical funding, can harness AI to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.” 

The announcement comes as Georgia Tech and the City of Atlanta convene leaders from business, academia, technology, investment, and government for Avant South and the inaugural Atlanta AI Summit. These efforts reflect a broader push across Georgia Tech and the region to expand access to AI tools and high-performance computing to solve real-world problems. 

The Office of Sustainability is implementing new recycling, composting, and waste stations across campus to create a more consistent and user-friendly system in alignment with other University System of Georgia (USG) schools and Keep America Beautiful guidelines.  

The effort supports Georgia Tech’s goal of becoming a zero-waste campus by 2050. The stations will feature signage to help users properly sort recyclable, compostable, and landfill materials, and they will be securely installed to support safer, more efficient collection processes. 

“Standardized, user-friendly signage is one of the most commonly recognized and important ways to encourage landfill diversion, reduce contamination, and work toward our zero-waste goals,” said Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of Sustainability. “We are excited about Georgia Tech’s commitment to establishing a campus circular economy with this essential step, and we appreciate our partners for collaborating to complete a project of this scale.” 

New and Improved Stations 

Georgia Tech’s cross-departmental Zero Waste Task Force, a team founded by the Office of Sustainability to increase campus collaboration in advancing circular economy practices, designed the new stations, which will feature:  

• A consistent color scheme: Aligning with best practices from national organizations and USG peers, standard colors are now blue for recycling, green for compost, and black for landfill.     

• Improved signage and visual cues: New recycling stations feature additional signage with detailed information about accepted materials specific to Georgia Tech. Signage files for standard and specialty recyclables are available here.  

• Standard layouts: Material streams are laid out in a consistent left-to-right order to help users prioritize recycling and draw the eye to recycling streams first.  

• Aggregated, strategically placed outdoor stations: Outdoor stations group each trash can with two recycling cans, shifting the default away from trash and improving collection efficiency. Approximately 65% of outdoor trash cans were previously in standalone locations with no nearby outdoor recycling options.  

The campus community can sort and recycle aluminum and plastic types #1 (beverage bottles) and #2 (jugs and bottles) at all new indoor and outdoor stations, plus mixed paper at most indoor stations and compost in select locations. Cardboard recycling continues to be available in dedicated dumpsters and drop-off points throughout campus. A comprehensive list of accepted materials is available on the Zero Waste Resource Hub. 

Collaborating to Advance a Circular Economy 

ATLANTA — Together, Georgia Tech and Emory University are investing more than $1 billion in artificial intelligence (AI), building one of the nation’s most robust AI ecosystems in the city of Atlanta. 

The combined commitment — approximately $600 million from Emory and more than $575 million from Georgia Tech — strengthens Atlanta’s competitiveness for new business growth, skilled workers, investment, and federal research funding. 

The institutions contribute unique capabilities that span the full AI innovation pipeline. Georgia Tech’s investments focus on advanced computing, AI discovery, and workforce development — with the goal of developing leaders who will shape AI use for human good. Emory’s investments cultivate AI talent, healthcare innovation, and technology applications in medicine, business, law, the humanities, and ethics. Additionally, Georgia Tech and Emory will collaborate where their strengths intersect, creating new opportunities for research partnerships, talent development, industry engagement, and AI-enabled innovation. 

“Georgia is poised to be a national leader in advanced, responsible AI development that can be counted on to produce the talent, infrastructure, and innovation companies need,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “The combined strengths of Georgia Tech and Emory will help make Atlanta a leading AI hub that drives breakthrough discoveries, launches new ventures, powers industries, and fuels economic growth.” 

“Atlanta is unique because of what we can accomplish together,” said Emory University President Christopher L. Augostini. “The collaboration between our universities and leaders in government and business allows us to identify and respond to the opportunities AI offers our state to accelerate discovery and improve lives. The combination of Emory’s expertise in the liberal arts and health sciences with Georgia Tech’s leadership in technology and engineering makes our region a national leader in AI.” 

Building What Companies Need 

The investments come as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Science: A New Golden Age calls for stronger partnerships, advanced scientific infrastructure, and AI-enabled discovery to strengthen American innovation. 

As AI reshapes industries, companies need more than technology. They need AI-skilled talent, advanced computing power, research expertise, and the ability to turn AI into real-world solutions. Georgia Tech and Emory are investing across all four: 

• Building computing power: Georgia Tech’s investments include advanced computing infrastructure in Tech Square, a campuswide computing platform, and a new AI supercomputer (Nexus) that will be launched in October. The infrastructure, funded jointly by Georgia Tech, industry, and the National Science Foundation, provides advanced computing resources for students, faculty, and researchers applying AI to pressing challenges.   

• Building talent: Georgia Tech’s AI Makerspace gives more than 6,000 students each year the opportunity for hands-on AI experience, while nearly half of Emory’s approximately $600 million investment has gone toward recruiting and retaining talent and experts in Atlanta. 

• Building research expertise: Emory’s AI.Humanity initiative brings together more than 250 faculty members across eight schools and colleges. Georgia Tech’s AI ecosystem encompasses every discipline: computing, engineering, science, business, design, and the liberal arts. This includes multiple National Science Foundation AI Institutes advancing AI in areas such as energy, supply chains, healthcare, aging, and education. 

• Building real-world applications: Emory Healthcare is already using AI to enhance patient care. Emory’s AI.Health institute applies AI to cancer, kidney disease, and other health challenges, contributing to three spinoff companies and 40 licensed technologies. Georgia Tech’s Tech AI brings together companies and government partners with leading researchers to accelerate AI adoption in industry and government. These investments strengthen Atlanta’s capacity to turn AI research into new companies, stronger industries, and economic growth.  

Expanding Opportunity Across Georgia 

Georgia Tech and Emory are working to extend the benefits of AI beyond their campuses, preparing Georgians in every county to build the skills needed in a rapidly changing economy.  

• Preparing people for an AI-driven workforce: Georgia Tech’s College of Lifetime Learning is developing new approaches to continuing education, upskilling, and reskilling workers so they can adapt and grow throughout their careers. The Institute is also working with K–12 schools, universities, technical colleges, communities, and industry to expand pathways into education and employment. Emory’s AI + You Georgia is similarly bringing free AI education and workforce training to communities across the state. 

• Bringing AI to Georgia manufacturers: Georgia Tech leads Georgia AIM, a statewide initiative backed by nearly $100 million in federal, state, and private support that brings together industry, universities, technical colleges, and communities to advance AI-enabled manufacturing and build the workforce to support it. 

• Building the next generation of manufacturing talent: Georgia Tech recently joined Foundry School, a national initiative preparing engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for advanced manufacturing — building on Georgia Tech’s existing work connecting students, industry, and workforce partners with advanced manufacturing research. 

Building a National Center for Applied AI 

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has approved Georgia Tech’s new Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (OMS AI). It is designed to support working professionals in analyzing and applying artificial intelligence (AI) within their industries. 

The interdisciplinary degree integrates Georgia Tech’s expertise in AI and emerging technologies with practical applications tailored to specific fields. Throughout the curriculum, students will explore the responsible use of AI, including ethics, privacy, safety, accountability, and governance.  

It also builds on Georgia Tech's historic leadership in online graduate education. Georgia Tech’s suite of online master of science degree programs provides rigorous, accessible education to working professionals around the world. 

“Georgia Tech has always prepared people to lead through periods of technological change, and AI is the newest iteration,” said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “This degree responds to what industry and working professionals need: the ability to pair deep human expertise with the skills to understand, apply, and lead with AI.”  

Unlike graduate programs focused primarily on technical specialization, the OMS AI degree combines foundational AI knowledge with discipline-specific concentrations. Students will gain an understanding of how AI works, how organizations can deploy it responsibly, and how to apply AI capabilities to their profession.  

“We aim to develop leaders across disciplines who understand the technology deeply enough to decide what to do with it, where to use it, and how to use it responsibly,” said Larry Jacobs, executive vice provost for education and learning. “Our curriculum combines Georgia Tech’s rich history of AI research and technical application with our culture of practical problem-solving to shape a degree that is applicable to professionals in a wide range of emerging fields." 

The initial launch of the degree is planned for 2027 and will include six concentrations to help students shape their learning to their field of interest. The initial six concentrations include: 

• AI in Business 

• Decision-Support AI 

• Foundations of AI Theory 

• Health AI 

• Human-AI Interactions 

• Predictive AI 

Every student enrolled in OMS AI will complete an AI practicum with a company or organization to ensure students can apply and translate what they learn to real-world situations.   

The degree will continue to expand and evolve as AI technologies and workforce needs emerge. Future concentrations and curriculum enhancements will allow the program to address changing technology and industry demands across a broader range of disciplines. The curriculum will be agile and guided by faculty expertise. 

“I’d like to thank Provost Beyah, his team, and our faculty for their leadership and support for this new degree program,” said President Ángel Cabrera. “Georgia Tech recognizes the transformative power of AI, and we are committed to developing a new generation of leaders who can harness the power of AI to improve the human condition.” 

More details about the new degree program will be announced later this year. 

A Triple Jacket, Fanning earned bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial management from Georgia Tech and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2013. He spent 13 years as president, chairman, and CEO of Southern Company before retiring in 2023 and has held leadership roles on the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, and the Scheller College of Business Advisory Board.  

Fanning will succeed Chancellor Sonny Perdue, who announced his retirement in April after four decades of public service, and will lead one of the nation’s top public university systems with 25 public colleges and universities, more than 50,000 faculty and staff members and more than 382,000 students statewide.  

“I am grateful for the extraordinary leadership of Chancellor Perdue,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “During his tenure, Georgia Tech has thrived and emerged as one of the fastest-growing and best value universities in the nation. I am proud to see an exemplary Georgia Tech alumnus and accomplished business leader such as Tom Fanning follow him in this crucial position for our state, and I’m excited to see what Georgia Tech and our other public universities will achieve under his leadership.”

In November 2023, the Board of Regents approved naming Georgia Tech’s new Student-Athlete Performance Center in Fanning's honor, recognizing his longtime philanthropic support and service to his alma mater. The facility opened earlier this year.

Learn more about Fanning.

Georgia Tech Volleyball 

When: Friday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. (vs. Duke) and Sunday, Oct. 4, 1:30 p.m. (vs. UNC) 

Where: O’Keefe Gymnasium  

Support the Yellow Jackets as they host two home matches during the break.  

More information. 

Decatur Book Festival 

When: Oct. 2 – 3 

Where: Downtown Decatur 

The annual celebration of literature will take place at venues around Downtown Decatur again this year. The festival is free but some sessions may request an RSVP. Be sure to check out the session with former Georgia Tech president G. Wayne Clough on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m.

More information. 

Buckhead Village European Market 

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: Buckhead Village 

The Buckhead Village district will host an open-air European style market filled with food, crafts, and live music. 

More information.  

Candler Park Fall Fest  

When: Oct. 3 – 4  

Where: Candler Park, 1500 McLendon Ave. NE  

Stop by Candler Park for one of the most beloved festivals in metro Atlanta, featuring two days of entertainment, food, and rides. Admission to the festival is free.   

More information.    

Retro Video Game Expo 

When: Oct. 3 – 4  

Where: 6009 Memorial Drive, Unit 14, Stone Mountain, GA 

If you appreciate retro or vintage gaming (or maybe you played on an older system growing up), check out this expo a bit north of the city. Entry is free.  

More information.  

Oakland Cemetery Pumpkin Patch Festival  

When: Oct. 3 – 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  

Where: Oakland Cemetery 

This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the season with costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and games. In addition to finding the perfect pumpkin, the Harvest Market features local purveyors of handmade foods and goods.  

More information.   

Plant Library 
Every Friday, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. 
Room 357, Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons 
Plant seeds, take cuttings, nurture plants, or distribute plants that are ready to take home — each week is different. Come get your hands dirty!  

Community Garden Workday 
Every Saturday, 9 – 11 a.m. 
Join the Students Organized for Sustainability (SOS) as they harvest, plant, and maintain plots in the garden. Workdays run every week, and everyone is welcome to join; no experience needed. RSVP to participate. 

Black Civil and Environmental Engineering Student Beltline Cleanup 
Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Beltline Access Point, 311 Bernina Ave. NE 
Volunteers will team up to walk along the Beltline, collect litter, and make a visible impact on our city. No cleanup experience is needed; just bring your energy and be ready to get involved. Volunteers can work in pairs, with one person carrying the trash bag and the other using a grabber. Contact Akeela Tate for more information. 

Saving Georgia’s Archaeology and Historic Sites 
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6:30 – 8 p.m. 
Scholar’s Event Theater, Price Gilbert Memorial Library 
One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is historic preservation, which calls for “strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” Join New South Associates, a cultural resource management firm based in Stone Mountain, Georgia, to discuss how Atlanta will be affected. 

Living Learning Campus Symposium 
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
Rooms 1116 – 1118, Marcus Nanotechnology Building  
The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS) and the Student Government Association (SGA), will host a symposium bringing together partners advancing applied campus research, inviting opportunities for collaboration among campus groups, and featuring a pitch competition for SGA student sustainability funds. Register to join for a full or half day. 

Georgia Tech Hydrogen Day 
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Thursday, Oct. 8 
Marcus Nanotechnology Building 
Georgia Tech Hydrogen Day convenes senior leaders from industry, government, and academia for two days of events focused on accelerating the commercial adoption of hydrogen. Register here. 

The Future of Humanitarian Aid: Tackling Food Insecurity 
Thursday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 
Kirkwood Room, Exhibition Hall  
This event will feature a fireside chat with Michele Taylor, professor of the practice and diplomat-in-residence in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, and former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley, who is also the former executive director of the UN World Food Programme. Beasley accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the organization in 2020. RSVP to attend. 

Stream Cleanup 
Sunday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – noon 
Peachtree Creek 
Help clean up a section of Peachtree Creek with the Georgia Tech Archaeology Program, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Devine GA, a local nonprofit that removes invasive species, protects trees, and restores forests. RSVP for transportation. 

BBISS Insights: AI for Climate Resilience 
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9 – 11 a.m. 
Rafael Bras Meeting Room, John Lewis Student Center  
In this BBISS Insights Series, Associate Vice President of Sustainability Jennifer Chirico and leading researchers Ali Sarhadi, Suhas Jain, Abigale Stangl, and Iris Tien will discuss how AI can be used to address sustainability and resilience challenges. RSVP to attend. 

Office Hours With a Sustainability Alum: Katherine Huded, The Recycling Partnership 
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – noon 
Virtual (Registration Required) 
Ready to get career advice from someone who’s been in your shoes? Sign up for a 15-minute virtual “coffee” chat with Katherine Huded, executive director of Strategic Engagement for The Recycling Partnership and a Georgia Tech MBA graduate. 

Fix-It-Fair 
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1:30 – 3 p.m. 
The Hive Makerspace 
Do you have a malfunctioning bike, ripped clothing, broken electronics, or another item in need of repair? Register for the Fix-It-Fair, organized by the Office of Sustainability, the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Hive Makerspace. 

ASHRAE Region IV Student Summit 
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Global Learning Center
Students interested in HVAC and the built environment are invited to register for this free two-day career fair with seminars and networking opportunities.  

Flower Wire Sculpting and Paper-Mache Workshop at the Plant Library 
Friday, Oct. 23, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 
Room 357, Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons 
Join Georgia Tech Arts Fellow Nolana Charles and the Plant Library for a hands-on workshop focused on creativity, nature, and artistic expression. Attendees will learn wire sculpting and paper-mache techniques while creating their own unique paper flowers. These flowers will become part of a collaborative community sculpture that will be displayed in the Georgia Tech Library this spring. An RSVP is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.  

The Georgia Tech Campus Calendar and the Engage campus event portal are updated daily. Check both for the most up-to-date information on sustainability events in October and throughout the year.  

A goal of Tech’s strategic plan has been to lead in outcomes and value for all students. Adjusted for inflation, attending Georgia Tech this year is nearly $4,400 cheaper for Georgia residents than it was in 2019 — a 27% cost reduction. Additionally, as a result of record fundraising efforts, the Institute has expanded need-based scholarships.  
 
“A Georgia Tech education is one of the smartest investments a family can make. That’s not a marketing tagline. It’s math. And any media outlet that does the numbers reaches the same conclusion: Georgia Tech offers the best value among public universities in the nation,” Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said during his Institute Address earlier in September.  
 
Tech also earned a No. 1 ranking for career placement. The median salary of a Tech graduate after 10 years in the workforce is $126,000 — outpacing the national average by 73%. 

The Princeton Review’s methodology also credited Tech with top 10 rankings in additional categories, including:  

• No. 1 - Best Value Colleges Without Aid  

• No. 2 - Best Schools for Internships 

• No. 5 - Best Alumni Network 

• No. 9 - Best Schools for Making an Impact (based on student survey responses to questions covering community service opportunities, student government, sustainability efforts, and on-campus student engagement) 

The Institute recently earned similar praise for its academic strength and strong ROI as the No. 5 public school (No. 27 overall) on Forbes’ 2027 list of America’s Best Colleges. It also received an A+ grade from Niche.com, another online platform providing rankings, reviews, and detailed data on U.S. schools, colleges, and neighborhoods. 

Recently Completed 

Bike Rack and Micromobility Parking Improvements 
Georgia Tech is expanding its micromobility infrastructure through the addition of 141 new bike racks and 400 designated micromobility parking spaces. Locations include the north and south sides of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, the north side of the Price Gilbert Memorial Library, and additional scooter parking near Van Leer. 

Campus Recreation Center (CRC) Athletic Therapy Center and Esports Arena   
The renovation on Level 2 of the CRC transformed an existing conference room and retail dining area into a dedicated physical therapy space. Adjacent is a new esports suite that supports competitive gaming for student clubs, casual play for the campus community, and event space.  

Geosynthetic Institute Lab 
Located on Means Street, a new 6,500-square-foot laboratory supports research, testing, and demonstration activities, providing areas for researchers to evaluate geosynthetic materials and showcase their work, and offices for staff and faculty. 

Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall    
Located on West Campus, this state-of-the-art residence hall spans 191,000 square feet and offers 860 beds in double-occupancy rooms. On-premise storage accommodates 188 bikes. The building includes a gym, collaborative learning areas, community lounges, and a shared kitchen and laundry. The Tech Market on the building’s first floor is Georgia Tech’s first 24-hour cashierless, self-service market. Read more about the Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall. 

School for Arts, Entertainment, and Creative Technologies 
A substantial renovation of the Rich Building now houses the new School in the College of Design, including administrative offices and instructional, studio, and gallery spaces. Learn more about the School of Arts, Entertainment, and Creative Technologies. 

George Tower | Scheller Tower  
The first three floors of the building feature classrooms, huddle and conference rooms, and both indoor and outdoor collaboration space. The lobby level features a Kaldi’s Coffee, and a light-filled, reservable event space occupies the southwest corner.  

The George Tower | Scheller Tower exemplifies Georgia Tech’s commitment to sustainable, high-performance design, earning both LEED certification and a prestigious 4-Peach rating from the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission. These achievements recognize the building’s environmentally responsible design, energy efficiency, and thoughtful use of sustainable materials and systems.  

George Tower | Scheller Tower supports innovation and collaboration and advances Georgia Tech’s broader goals of creating a more sustainable and resilient campus. A grand opening celebration occurred  Sept. 18.  Read more about the building.
 

In Progress 

Baptist Collegiate Ministry Building  
While not a Georgia Tech-owned project, this new five-story, mixed-use building is set to rise in the footprint of the original building on the west side of Techwood Drive near Fourth Street. The development will provide upgraded ministry facilities along with 55 one- and two-bedroom residences intended for student occupancy, along with gathering spaces. The targeted completion date is Fall 2027. 

Creative Quarter  
Georgia Tech’s Creative Quarter will connect students, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship to arts organizations and creative industries in Atlanta and throughout the state. Open since May, LOOP, powered by Goat Farm, features a performance venue and artist studios, along with flexible interior spaces designed for multidisciplinary experimentation, connecting innovators, artists, students, and visitors. Read more about Creative Quarter. 

Howey Physics Restroom Renovations 
The renovation will make the building more ADA-compliant by improving existing plumbing capacity; creating new single-use and multi-use restrooms; and updating finishes, ceilings, and lighting throughout the basement and first five floors.  

O’Keefe Building Hardscape  
Building facade improvements are underway, with hardscape enhancements designed to preserve and upgrade the facility. Renovation work is slated to conclude in mid-2027. 

Smith and Howell Residence Halls   
To preserve their historic character and meet projected housing needs, both residence halls are under full renovation. This includes updating building systems and interior spaces. A new two-story connecting structure will join the two buildings, creating a more open and welcoming central entry point. Also planned are ADA accessibility improvements to all floors and enhanced lighting and amenities.  
 

On the Horizon 

430 South Building 
The existing three-story building will undergo a complete renovation and roof replacement. New workspaces will be built out on all levels, and new elevators and restrooms will be installed.  

Bobby Dodd Fan Experience Renovation 
Design plans are complete for the first major renovation to the 113-year-old home of Georgia Tech football. The renovation will enhance seating areas through the installation of 12,500 bleacher-mounted, non-flip-up mesh chairback seats. The stadium will undergo a full reseating process ahead of the 2027 season.  

Additionally, new handrails and wider aisles will be installed in designated sections, along with a new state-of-the-art videoboard and sound system. 

Premium seating areas will also undergo renovations resulting in remodeled suites, construction of a new Founders Club, and an overhaul of East Club seating and indoor spaces, including the addition of a new VIP Members Club. Read more about the Bobby Dodd Fan Experience Renovation. 

Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering  
The 200,000-square-foot facility will bring together research programs within the Guggenheim School that are currently spread across multiple locations while establishing a prominent new gateway on the south side of campus. Situated at the corner of North Avenue and Tech Parkway, the building will strengthen the Institute’s presence and connectivity within this growing innovation corridor. 

The new facility will redefine the way aerospace engineering education, research, and industry engagement take place at Georgia Tech by creating a modern, integrated environment where ideas can move seamlessly from design and discovery to testing, validation, and real-world implementation. 

It will also support more streamlined and efficient administrative operations while significantly increasing space dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary engagement. Read more about the Aerospace Engineering Building. 

Global Learning Center – College of Lifetime Learning Renovation 
The first and fourth floors of the Global Learning Center, located in Tech Square, will be renovated to meet the programmatic and staffing needs for 100 employees within a collaborative work environment. The project is in the planning and design phase, with expected completion in mid-2027. 

Skiles Infrastructure Renovation  
Currently in the design phase, the renovation will replace and upgrade the building’s mechanical systems to improve reliability and performance. Following the recent completion of a new roof, the renovation marks the beginning of a broader, multiphase effort to modernize and revitalize the facility, built in 1959. 

To stay up to date on campus construction projects, use the Infrastructure and Operations (I&O)  Construction Project Viewer. This dynamic tool meshes a map and calendar interface, allowing users to easily track project start and end dates. ADA-accessible routes can also be located by zooming in on individual projects.  

For behind-the-scenes updates, follow I&O on LinkedIn, where you’ll find exclusive sneak peeks, progress photos, and insights into the ongoing construction efforts that are shaping the future of Georgia Tech. 

Production equipment and vehicles will be staged near both locations throughout the week. The greatest impact is expected on Sunday, Sept. 27, when filming will take place inside the Van Leer Building and the CRC. Large production trailers will occupy the W21 parking lot, and the CRC’s McAuley Aquatic Center will be unavailable during filming. All other areas of the CRC are expected to remain open. Please follow posted signage in both areas.  

No exterior filming is currently planned.  

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as Georgia Tech hosts this production. 

This year, GT Arts Presents invites audiences to Imagine More through performances spanning musical genres, artistic traditions, and creative disciplines. 

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026-27 season, and audiences can experience everything from the signature sound of Atlanta's Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics to the genre-defying performance of OkCello and the interactive, family-friendly creativity of Mario the Maker Magician. 

"The season intentionally welcomes a wide range of audiences by offering performances that appeal to different passions and perspectives," said Associate Vice Provost for the Arts Jason Freeman 

The first performances of the season exemplify that range. 

An Atlanta Sound Opens the Season 

The season begins Friday, Sept. 18, with Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, an Atlanta-based band whose modern take on classic soul has earned local and national recognition. 

The group's debut album, It's About Time, reached No. 4 on the iTunes R&B chart and the top 30 of Billboard's Heatseekers chart, while its music and performances have drawn attention from national outlets including MTV and Paste. The Ferst Center performance will also celebrate the band's upcoming album, Lovesick and Feverish, showcasing both new music and longtime favorites. 

"Our upcoming album means the world to me," Velle said. "There's a song on it called ‘World In Mine,’ started as a first dance song, perhaps for a wedding, and it evolved into my tribute of love, for this creation, for this band, for our 2.0 and 3.0 journey, and for the ability to now show the next generation what it's like to not just desire to be an artist, but to embrace and accept the artist that you are becoming." 

That connection to the next generation will also be part of the evening. The winning student group from the GT Arts and Georgia Tech Musicians Network Battle of the Bands will open the performance, enabling student musicians to share the stage with established Atlanta artists. 

Technology, Music, and a Growing Georgia Tech Connection 

Three weeks later, on Friday, Oct. 9, OkCello brings a distinctly different experience to the season. 

OkCello is the stage name of Atlanta cellist and composer Okorie Johnson, whose performances combine cello, live looping, improvisation, storytelling, and technology to push beyond conventional expectations of classical music. 

For his Georgia Tech performance, Johnson will take that approach a step further with four large-scale video avatars of himself appearing onstage, each performing a looped part. As the layers build, the avatars gradually come together to create the effect of a full band, expanding a solo cello performance into a multimedia experience. 

The performance also builds on Johnson's growing relationship with Georgia Tech and his interest in the creative possibilities at the intersection of art and technology. 

Something for Every Generation 

The season's range extends to audiences of all ages with Mario the Maker Magician. A self-taught magician and maker, Mario Marchese combines magic, robotics, engineering, comedy, and a do-it-yourself aesthetic in an interactive performance built around curiosity and invention. 

Marchese has toured internationally and appeared on television, including Sesame Street. His all-ages show is especially popular with children ages 4 to 12 and their families, but is designed as a multigenerational experience that gives children and adults a chance to share the magic of making. 

As Georgia Tech continues to strengthen connections among the arts, research, technology, and education, GT Arts Presents creates opportunities for the campus community and the greater Atlanta region to encounter new artists, ideas, and experiences through live performance. 

The 2026-27 season invites you to discover, connect, and imagine more. 

Tickets for GT Arts Presents performances are available now at arts.gatech.edu/presents. 

Tuition at Tech is the lowest among the top 30 schools on the list. In his recent Institute Address, President Ángel Cabrera outlined that, adjusted for inflation, attending Georgia Tech this year is nearly $4,400 cheaper for Georgia residents than it was in 2019 — a 27% cost reduction.   

In addition to affordability, Forbes’ methodology factors in graduation rates, alumni earnings, and overall ROI. Ten years after graduation, the median salary for Tech graduates exceeds the national average for other four-year institutions by 73%. Graduation rates remain well above the national average, with 94% of students graduating in six years and 75% graduating within four.  

“A Georgia Tech education is one of the smartest investments a family can make,” Cabrera said. The Princeton Review has named Tech the top value college in the country for three consecutive years.  

Forbes highlights artificial intelligence’s role in the future of higher education, noting that “it is forcing schools to reconsider how students learn and are assessed, how professors teach, and which skills graduates need to succeed academically and in their careers.” Tech’s approach to incorporating AI into its curriculum and preparing students for the workforce partly contributed to its place on Forbes’ New Ivies list and its highest C-suite rating.  

The Institute has also received an A+ grade from Niche.com and has been ranked the No. 4 public university in the U.S. Niche compiles its list based on an analysis of statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and public reviews. 

Marc Papakyriakou began cycling after joining the Georgia Tech Triathlon Club while pursuing his doctorate in mechanical engineering. From his first ride on the Silver Comet Trail to weekend biking trips at Stone Mountain, he discovered that his newfound hobby could lead him to places he might not otherwise explore.   

“This showed me the distances it was possible to move by bike, and how it can bring you to a wide range of beautiful places,” Papakyriakou said. “I learned to love how bikes made exploration of the surrounding world so effortless, how you didn’t even need to venture too far to see new things. Often, you could discover things hidden in plain sight right in your own neighborhood.” 

After graduating in 2021, Papakyriakou moved to Pasadena, California. It didn’t take him long to bike each square mile of the suburb. By 2023, as the two wheels of his 1989 Trek 400 carried him into new areas, he began to toy with the idea of riding every street in the city. By November 2024, he had fully committed to it.   

Just as he did when crafting routes from Buckhead to Bankhead while living in Atlanta, Papakyriakou used math in his search for the most efficient way to cover large areas. He used distance formulas to recognize riding patterns, which led to the realization that the streets of Los Angeles could be modeled as a mathematical graph to solve the route inspection problem.  

Planning is only part of his journey, which has come to be known as “The Project.” He has now completed nearly 85% of the route, often forced to deviate from his mathematical approach due to environmental factors such as road closures and construction. Putting his degree into practice, he performs his own bike maintenance and likens caring for the frame to the upkeep of tools required to complete a lab experiment.  

Navigating each hurdle, Papakyriakou is reminded that he is charting his own course, but it’s not a new feeling for the Tech graduate.  

“Beyond a certain point, there is no blueprint. When trying to find details on riding in specific areas or streets, there’s often no prior knowledge that I can use as a base. I’m effectively creating my own system and approach to venturing into unknown territory. But, instead of being purely daunting, it was also exciting. Because dealing with the uncharted and presenting what I find to the world is exactly the sort of thing my Ph.D. has prepared me for,” he said.  

That same excitement motivates Papakyriakou each time he prepares to traverse a new street or area.  

“Curiosity is the driving force behind the project, because I will see areas on the map and simply be curious about what’s there. When I identify where I’ve decided to ride that day, I will look up the neighborhood, find out where its name came from, what its history is, when it was annexed into the city, and what its function and role in the city is. In a way, I’m doing a literature review of the area to supplement the experience of riding around,” he said.  

All roads lead back to Georgia Tech in some ways. Papakyriakou uses an app called Wandrer.earth, which he downloaded in 2019, to track his progress. It wasn’t until he began his LA adventure that he realized the app was created by fellow Yellow Jacket alumnus Craig Durkin.  

As word spreads about his journey, Papakyriakou has engaged with local safe-street advocates and enjoys sharing his experience regarding safety and bike infrastructure with fellow riders. He hopes that his project can “inspire positive changes in the surrounding built environment.” 

Eligible full-time faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for education assistance through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP). These programs support your professional development and help you achieve your educational goals by providing tuition and mandatory fee waivers or reimbursements.  

Participating in TAP and STRAP not only enhances your skills and knowledge but also demonstrates the Institute's commitment to your growth and success. By investing in your education, you contribute to the overall excellence and innovation within our community.   

The application period for the spring semester is Oct. 15 – Nov. 15.    

The Administrative Services Center has compiled comprehensive resources to guide you through the application and approval process. We invite you to join an upcoming information session to learn more about how to apply for TAP or STRAP and how to approve applications as a manager.  

Click the links below to register for an upcoming session. Additional information on this employee benefit can be found here. 

Education Assistance Info Session: Applying for TAP and STRAP  

• Tuesday, Sept. 22, 10 – 11 a.m. (Register Here) 
• Thursday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. – noon (Register Here) 

The rankings are based on student survey responses. Georgia Tech received 275 responses this year. FIRE calculates the final rankings using a composite score across 12 measures, including six that assess students' perceptions of free speech on campus. 

Tech also retained its Green Light designation in FIRE's Spotlight Rankings. The designation indicates that an institution maintains no policies that seriously threaten free speech. 

The rise in Georgia Tech's FIRE ranking coincides with the Institute's ongoing efforts to support freedom of expression on campus. President Ángel Cabrera highlighted that commitment during his Sept. 3 Institute Address. Georgia Tech also maintains several campus resources that support freedom of expression. 

The recently established Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership underscores a commitment to fostering open dialogue across differences. 

“We are committed to making sure that when our students graduate, they are not just ready to have good careers, but also to be good leaders — people who understand how society works, who can reach across the aisle and have civil conversations to learn from each other, not demonize people who may disagree with them,” Cabrera said. 

Georgia Tech ranked in the top 25 for “administrative support” and “political tolerance,” suggesting that students feel campus leadership will defend free speech and their peers will tolerate speakers across the ideological spectrum.  

Read more about the FIRE ranking methodology. 

The study is being conducted with Copeland Building Envelope Consulting serving as the engineering consultant and Lamarr.ai, a Georgia Tech-affiliated startup, providing the technology, which was originally developed through research in the College of Design. 

Using drones equipped with thermal imaging sensors, the team can safely and efficiently scan building exteriors to identify areas where moisture may be entering walls, roofs, and other building systems. The technology provides campus architects, project managers, and facilities teams with valuable data to help target repairs early, potentially reducing future maintenance costs and extending the life of campus buildings. 

"This started because of a leak in Lyman, and there were patches to temporarily address the problem. When a similar problem occurred in the J.S Coon Building, there was a wider conversation about addressing leaks and flooding in these older buildings," said Planning, Design, and Construction architect Bill Oswell.

“Here’s what I’ve learned about relays: The best handoffs happen at full speed. Not when a team is limping and not when it’s regrouping, but rather when the momentum is strong, the baton is secure, and the next runner is already moving,” he said.  

New Heights 

Since 2019, when Cabrera took office as the Institute’s 12th president, Tech has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing universities, delivering a strong return on investment for students, life-changing research, and record economic impact for Georgia.  

• Enrollment grew from 36,490 to 59,000 in 2026 — a 62% increase.   
• The four-year graduation rate rose from 51% to nearly 75%.   
• The number of conferred degrees has risen from 8,535 to nearly 14,000 annually — a 64% increase.   
• Tech’s state economic impact is $6.3 billion, the largest of any USG institution and a 61% increase.  
• Research expenditures rose from $834 million to $1.35 billion — a 62% increase — and Tech remains the largest research enterprise in the nation among higher education institutions without a medical school. 

Against the Grain  

Cabrera outlined how Tech is bucking national trends to achieve the goals outlined in its strategic plan.  

• As costs rise nationally, Cabrera pointed out that, adjusted for inflation, attending Georgia Tech this year is nearly $4,400 cheaper for Georgia residents than it was in 2019 — a 27% cost reduction.  
• Georgia Tech graduation rates are well above the national average—with 94% of students graduating in six-years and three-quarters of students graduating within four years. 
• Ten years after graduation, Tech alumni are earning a median salary of $126,000, and students enter the workforce with the skills employers seek.  
• Through the continued expansion of need-based scholarships and financial aid options, a Georgia Tech degree is within reach for more students than ever before.   

He noted that, as the No. 2 university in federally sponsored research, Tech continues to conduct life-changing research that addresses real-world challenges. His examples included a cancer-screening breath test, skin patches that deliver vaccines and medicines without needles, stronger and more sustainable batteries, new methods of mining critical minerals, and pioneering innovative aircraft solutions for the next generation of flight.  

Tech students fill the job openings of Georgia and the nation’s most critical industries, and funds invested in the Institute become a crucial part of the state’s economic engine. As a hub for innovation, Tech has risen from No. 48 to No. 19 worldwide in patents issued to faculty. Last year, faculty and students launched 179 startups, compared to 57 in 2019. 

“Demand for a Georgia Tech degree is at an all-time high because the value of a Georgia Tech degree has never been greater,” he said. “State and philanthropic support are at all-time highs because our quality, scale, and impact have never been greater. Our research enterprise has never been stronger because our research has never done more to make this state and this nation safer, healthier, and more competitive. The public’s confidence in higher education is not something we can lecture our way back into. It has to be earned. Georgia Tech is earning it every day.”  

For the second consecutive year, Georgia Tech set a new fundraising record. The Institute raised more than $415 million in fiscal year 2026, exceeding the previous record by more than $100 million and pushing Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech past the $2 billion mark with 18 months remaining.  

A $30 million donation has established the Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership, a new interdisciplinary institute designed to prepare students to navigate the intersection of technology, civic life, and leadership. It is an integral part of Tech’s efforts to foster open inquiry, civil discourse, and responsible problem-solving through teaching, research, and public engagement. 

Passing the Baton 

As he prepares to depart from his alma mater at the end of October, Cabrera sees an opportunity for a smooth transition with a leadership team ready to hit the ground running.  

“Look at where we are. Enrollment, research, state support, philanthropy, and economic impact are all at record levels,” he said. “We are several years into a strategic plan that is working and that our community believes in. Our newest leaders are in place and past the learning curve. The executive leadership team is in lockstep. Students want to come here. Companies want to move here to work with us and hire from us. Government agencies bring us their hardest problems. Donors want in on all the amazing work being done here every day.” 
 
Concluding his final Institute Address, Cabrera reflected on the role that Tech has played in his life and his wife Beth’s life.  
 
“I got something almost nobody gets: the chance to come back and lead the place that made me. Serving as your 12th president has been the honor of my career,” he said, becoming visibly emotional. “I’ve had the enormously good fortune to spend seven years working alongside some of the best people in higher education anywhere — to do work that truly matters and makes a huge difference in the lives of countless thousands — at the institution that set the course of my own life.”  
 
On Beth’s role as Tech’s first lady, Cabrera praised the passion and generosity that she has shown since the couple arrived on campus.  
 
“A lot of what people describe as the warmth of this community, or my own, has come from Beth. She’s poured more of herself into Georgia Tech than most people will ever know, and she did it with great joy, without expecting anything in return,” he said.  

With the All Majors Career Fair coming up, students should be preparing to attend the event and talk with prospective employers.

The Georgia Tech Career Center offers a few tips for students attending the fair. Most importantly — mark your calendar for Sept. 14 – 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Center.   

1. Attend the fair. This may seem obvious, but not every student does. The Career Fair offers a networking and exploration opportunity for students of all majors. If you get there and speak with a recruiter who is looking for students from a major besides your own, ask if they have colleagues you could contact about opportunities in other areas of their business.   

2. Practice. Students may know how to practice for an interview, but not for a career fair. Try preparing a 20- to 30-second “elevator pitch” that briefly captures who you are, what you offer, and what you’re looking for. Consider every interaction with a recruiter to be a mini-interview. Practice delivering a smooth pitch, giving a firm handshake, and making eye contact.   

3. Plan your strategy. To make the most of your time at the fair, review a list of companies attending and identify priority employers to target. Look online at the list of employers attending the fair to see which companies you want to talk with, and look up background information on those employers.    

4. Get — and stay — organized. Have a plan for how to keep everything organized as you get materials during the fair. You can walk out with a lot of business cards and handouts, and it can be overwhelming. Take only the information you need and make notes on the back of business cards or on your phone to remember key discussion points for when you follow up later.   

5. Follow up. If recruiters instruct you to apply on CareerBuzz or their company’s job board after the fair, be sure to do so promptly. Also, many recruiters use LinkedIn as a resource for filling positions, and students should be visible and active there. Students should ask to connect on LinkedIn with anyone they connected with in person at the fair. Even if the request isn’t accepted, you will have gotten your name in front of the recruiter one more time. The request should be paired with a follow-up email as well. You may make your initial connection face-to-face at the fair, but you may close the deal because you followed up virtually.   

Above all, remember that attending the Career Fair is about more than just employment.   

Coming out away with a solid lead on a job or internship opportunity is a goal, but it’s also about networking and the professional experience of participating in the fair.   

“Many employers have shared with the Career Center over the years that they prioritize applications submitted by students who stop by their booths over those who submit online only,” said Laura Garcia, director for of Undergraduate Career Education.  

The Career Center is a unit within the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success. Learn more about available resources.  

No registration is required to attend. Review more tips on how to prepare.    

What to Bring:  

• Your BuzzCard (physical or digital) to check in.  

• Several printed copies of your resume. Bring more than you think you will need, as there is no printing on-site.  

• A padfolio to hold your resumes and other materials you receive.  

• Your phone with the Career Fair + app downloaded to access the map (Apple or Android). 

If you’ll be in town, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the long weekend.    

Volleyball Games 

The Yellow Jackets will host three different opponents at O’Keefe Gymnasium throughout the weekend.  

Volleyball vs. Southern Indiana: Friday, Sept. 4, 4 p.m.  

Volleyball vs. Campbell: Saturday, Sept. 5, 4 p.m.  

Volleyball vs. Xavier: Sunday, Sept. 6, 1 p.m.   

Aflac Kickoff Game Tailgate Town 

Saturday, Sept. 5 

Atlanta will host the Aflac Kickoff Game, featuring Auburn vs. Baylor, on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Football fans of all teams can enjoy free activities around the venue throughout the weekend.  

More Information

Dragon Con 

Saturday, Sept. 5  

The annual convention celebrates pop culture, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, and more. Enjoy the free parade on Peachtree Street starting at 10 a.m.   

More Information

Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival 

Sept. 5 – 6 

This free, all-ages festival will celebrate hip hop in the heart of the city at Historic Fourth Ward Park. 

Bank of America Free Admission to Museums 

Sept. 5 – 6  

If you happen to have a Bank of America card, this weekend coincides with their monthly promotion to enjoy free admission to museums. The High Museum of Art, Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Atlanta History Center (Sunday only) all participate. 

Lasershow at Stone Mountain 

Monday, Sept. 7  

At 9:30 p.m., the Lasershow will be projected on the side of Stone Mountain — five times the size of an IMAX screen, and taller than the Statue of Liberty. The show is free, but venue parking is $10.   

Wilkinson brings extensive experience to the role. Since joining the Georgia Tech faculty in 1993, he has contributed to the Institute as a researcher, educator, and administrator. He currently serves as associate chair for undergraduate programs in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. 

“Angus has earned the respect of colleagues across Georgia Tech through his thoughtful leadership, institutional knowledge, and commitment to academic excellence,” said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “His collaborative approach and dedication to shared governance make him well-suited to lead the Faculty Executive Board. I look forward to working with him as we continue advancing Georgia Tech’s mission of education, research, and service.” 

As an institution of the University System of Georgia, Georgia Tech operates under a model of shared governance. This model empowers faculty to fulfill responsibilities related to their own governance, the governance of students, and the maintenance of high educational standards. Through this process, faculty play an important role in shaping the academic experience across the Institute. 

As chair of the Faculty Executive Board, Wilkinson will help lead the faculty in governance of itself, the curriculum, and Georgia Tech students. The Faculty Executive Board serves a central role in shared governance, representing faculty perspectives and working with Institute leadership on issues that shape the academic experience. Wilkinson will work closely with Secretary of the Faculty Adam Steinberg to oversee governance processes and amplify faculty voices. 

“Georgia Tech’s strength has always been rooted in the talent and dedication of its faculty,” Wilkinson said. “I am honored by the opportunity to serve as chair of the Faculty Executive Board and to work with faculty colleagues and Institute leadership to ensure that faculty perspectives help inform decisions that affect our students, our research enterprise, and our academic community.” 

Wilkinson earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Oxford and completed graduate studies in chemical crystallography and inorganic chemistry at Oxford. Before joining Georgia Tech, he conducted research in the Materials Research Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara. At Georgia Tech, he received tenure in 1999 and was promoted to full professor in 2004. 

Over the course of his career, Wilkinson has led research efforts spanning inorganic materials chemistry, cement science, low and negative thermal expansion materials, and advanced characterization techniques. His work has addressed both fundamental scientific questions and practical challenges, contributing to advances in energy, environmental, and infrastructure-related materials. 

Wilkinson succeeds Dima Nazzal, associate chair for academic administration in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering and director of Education and Projects with the Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems, who has served as chair since 2024. During her tenure, Nazzal provided thoughtful leadership and strong advocacy for faculty perspectives while helping guide the Institute through a period of continued growth and change. 

The Office of the Provost extends its appreciation to Nazzal for her dedicated service as chair of the Faculty Executive Board and for her longstanding commitment to Georgia Tech’s faculty, students, and shared governance processes. Her leadership strengthened collaboration between faculty and administration and contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the Institute’s academic mission. 

Writer: Brittany Aiello, Faculty Communications Manager, Institute Communications

Located along Northside Drive between Eighth and Ninth streets, the 191,000-square-foot facility offers approximately 862 beds in double-occupancy rooms. The first traditional residence hall constructed on campus since 1969, Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall features collaborative learning areas, an esports lounge, a fitness room, community lounges, a kitchen on the first floor of each wing, and a 24/7 cashierless market. 

The opening of the new residence hall allows Tech to keep pace with enrollment as the Institute continues to grow. This fall, over 4,100 first-year students will enroll at the Institute, along with 1,400 transfer students in the fall and spring. With growth comes the need for new infrastructure, as Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said during Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

“It turns out that more unbelievable students from every county in Georgia, from every corner of our country and countries around the world, want to have the learning experience here. It’s our duty to figure out creative solutions, not just to house them, but to provide them with a transformative experience,” he said. “The transformation of our students happens right here. It happens in the residence halls. It happens in the friendships that you make, the study groups, the activities, and when you’re learning to be independent and to grow up. This is not just a dorm where you come to sleep.” 

The residence hall is named in honor of Georgia Tech’s 11th president and first lady. During Peterson’s tenure from 2009 to 2019, Tech enhanced student programs and grew enrollment; increased collaboration and built strategic partnerships in Atlanta and Georgia; expanded its global reach, with a focus on innovation; executed Campaign Georgia Tech, which raised $1.8 billion for the Institute; and more than doubled new research awards, exceeding $1 billion for the first time in 2019. As president, Peterson launched the Online Master of Science in Computer Science program, which has since become a global model for accessible education. 

He has remained involved with the Institute as president emeritus, a Regents’ Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and a member of the steering committee for Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. 

In his remarks, Peterson recounted his first time visiting Tech, the feeling he got when he was on campus, and his path to eventually becoming Tech’s next president, succeeding President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough, who was in attendance at the ceremony.  

Becoming a candidate for the job of president was “one of the most important decisions I’ve made in my professional career,” Peterson said. “This is a remarkable place with remarkable people doing remarkable things. Val and I are enormously honored to be recognized in this fashion.”  

As first lady, Val Peterson was a dedicated presence on campus and an ardent supporter of students and faculty. She served as the chief spokesperson for the Tech Ends Suicide Together initiative when it launched in 2016 and mentored students and campus organizations. Val Peterson holds two bachelor’s degrees and a teaching certificate from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M. She has been recognized as an honorary alumna by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association for her devotion to the greater good of the Institute. Nicknamed the “Queen Bee” of Georgia Tech, she found it “quite fitting” that the new hall bears the couple’s names, because they lived together in a dorm room at KSU when they were first married.  

“That’s where it all began. Those two towers, like us, together forever,” she said. “My hope for the students who live in Peterson Hall is that their experience parallels our paths, not only in school but in life.” 

Each space in the new residence hall is designed to encourage students to interact and develop shared experiences, a mindset that Kasey Helton, associate vice president of Campus Services, says was fostered during Peterson’s tenure.  

“We weren't trying to create 860 places to sleep. We were trying to create 860 opportunities to belong. That sense of belonging is exactly what Bud and Val spent a decade here building. They championed living-learning communities, expanded opportunities for students to develop global perspectives, strengthened support for student well-being, and helped make a Georgia Tech education accessible to all students. That same spirit is built into this hall,” Helton said.  

The opening of the Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall brings the Institute’s capacity to more than 9,600 bed spaces across nearly 50 residence halls. Move-in for the fall semester begins Aug. 15, including the first group of students who will call Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall home. 

The resolution to the 2023 lawsuit imposes daily time limits on platform use for users under 18, silences notifications during school hours, restricts image filters, and adds safety measures, including removing users under 13 and stricter enforcement of teenager-specific settings for users under 18, among other measures.  

More Work To Be Done 

The settlement has been celebrated by the 47 attorneys general of the represented states as a transformative moment in the oversight of social media. While she believes it is a step in the right direction, Munmun De Choudhury, a professor in Georgia Tech’s School of Interactive Computing, says the work cannot stop with the changes proposed in the settlement.  

De Choudhury’s research has pioneered the computational use of social media data for mental health. In 2023, she co-authored a consensus report for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the connection between social media and adolescent health. Several of the recommendations in the report are reflected in the Meta settlement, but De Choudhury sees areas that still need to be addressed at the root of social media’s effects on mental health.  

“I think it's a reasonable start. It was necessary, but if you look at the research literature, whether restricting screen time actually improves mental health is not a settled question,” she said. “We need to look at the context, which means not just how much time they're spending on these platforms but also how they're spending that time.”  

The $17 billion will be distributed among the states and territories involved in the lawsuit, and, according to De Choudhury, the funds will be a critical part of the settlement achieving its intended outcomes.  

“The grassroots portion of this is asking: How do we empower young people and their families with information so that they can make the right decisions for themselves? This money can be used to provide social media literacy efforts and to train parents and teachers to better guide kids. We often hear that adults want to help, but parents and teachers didn’t grow up in the social media era, and given how fast it changes, they don’t always have the right answers,” she said.  

Getting Others on Board 

Certain portions of the settlement, such as financial penalties and exact time restrictions, are contingent upon Meta’s competitors, TikTok and YouTube, adopting similar measures. De Choudhury says research shows that when one platform becomes more restrictive, users will migrate to another.  

“The kids who want to access social media between midnight and 6 a.m., when these platforms won't be available, will go to TikTok or they'll go somewhere else,” she said. “This means that what we end up doing is not mitigating the harm but shifting it elsewhere. And that doesn't help anyone. So, this is welcome if it means the scope of this implementation can be broadened, and it would go a long way.”  

Social Media in the AI Age  

De Choudhury implores regulators to consider additional measures to protect children in the future, particularly those that safeguard their data in the age of artificial intelligence.   

“All of our data is getting used to train these AI models. This is especially true for a company like Meta, which has its own AI models. We are talking about minors. They can't meaningfully consent to the use of their data to build AI models. So we need to expand the scope of harm here, which is not just the mental health harm that can happen but the impacts of these companies storing and using children’s data,” she said.  

A federal “right to be forgotten” that allows individuals to request deletion of their data from social media sites and other online profiles is a step De Choudhury recommends, mirroring the European Union’s policy. 

Protecting the Vulnerable 

Adults aren’t immune to the dangers of social media, De Choudhury explained, but teenagers are more susceptible to triggers based on their stage of brain development. She hopes the recent settlement sets a precedent for active oversight.  

“We have seen lawsuits in the past where specific school systems sued a social media company. We have seen some individual states taking action as well, but the scale of this settlement is something we haven't seen before,” she said.  

The changes to the platforms will take effect over the next 12 months, but should Meta fail to do so, Jerry Liu, lecturer in the Scheller College of Business and teacher of legal and ethical aspects of business, says states would not need to relitigate the case, in which Meta did not admit wrongdoing. Rather, they could ask the court to seek enforcement with contempt remedies, like additional financial penalties or sanctions.  

The Meta case has drawn comparisons to lawsuits against big tobacco in the 1990s. Liu says both cases invoke similar questions surrounding legality and ethics in business.   

“There is a broader, ethical issue with this case, which is drawing the line between making an engaging product versus deliberately designing the product around human vulnerabilities to make a product addictive, particularly for children, and concealing harmful consequences,” he said.  

“With big tobacco, the problem wasn't simply that cigarettes were addictive. It was the allegation that the industry knew about the addictive nature of cigarettes, manipulated nicotine levels, and concealed or minimized that knowledge. Similarly, as with Meta and social media, the question is whether the social media companies know that particular design features or algorithmic tools can create unhealthy or compulsive behavior, particularly in children, and whether they have an ethical obligation to disclose that knowledge and redesign the product accordingly.” 

The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice retain federal enforcement authority in this case, but Liu said that individuals (including class-action suits) can potentially pursue separate state-law or other claims against Meta.  

Students, faculty, and staff should anticipate increased campus congestion and modifications to parking locations and transportation schedules that day. Notifications to move vehicles will continue to be sent to permit holders in affected parking areas throughout the week, especially with some areas closing as early as 3 p.m. on game day. Visit the Parking and Transportation website for details.  

While no formal work schedule modifications are being made at the Institute level, supervisors are encouraged to be flexible with employees and ensure that they are aware of alternative parking options, available flexible work arrangements, and time-off request procedures.  

Georgia Tech faculty and staff can purchase up to four tickets for just $10 apiece for this game. This exclusive offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and only a limited number of tickets remain. Purchase your tickets today. In addition, the Helluva Block Party is moving to Bobby Dodd Way, with activities beginning four hours before kickoff. Learn more here.  

Go Jackets! 

When students return to campus this fall, they will find a variety of new additions and improvements to their Tech Dining experience. Perhaps the largest of these is the return of Brittain Dining Hall. Closed for renovation in 2024, Brittain reopened on Aug. 17. The dining hall features seven full-service stations and will be open from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

John Lewis Student Center 

Beginning this fall, five second-floor retail concepts in the John Lewis Student Center will be operated by Craveworthy Brands, replacing the following existing concepts: 

• Noodle Theory → Big Chicken  

• Test Kitchen → Krafted Burger | Wander Dawgs | Benny's Cheesesteaks

• Campus Crust → Fresh Brothers Pizza  

• 5th District → TAIM Mediterranean Kitchen  

• Brain Freeze → Kinnamōns 
   
• The Pop Up → Blendz Bowls  
   

The introduction of Craveworthy Brands will extend many of the concepts’ evening hours until 11:30 p.m. during the week, as well as introduce weekend hours from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving students and campus visitors more dinner options. In addition, a new concept called Blendz Bowls will replace the former Food Popup location.  

In early September, Tech It To Go will transition to a cashierless, AI-powered operation. It will operate according to building hours, expanding food availability for students studying late into the night. Tech It To Go will also open a cashierless micromarket in the newly opened Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall.  

Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons 

For students in the Library looking for convenient food options, California Pizza Kitchen is planning to install a vending machine on the first floor of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. 

Dining Hall Renovations 

The West Village Dining Hall has expanded seating and updated some second-floor stations. The first floor now features an expanded salad bar and dessert station, including soft serve ice cream and Dole Whip. Both West Village and Brittain dining halls now have a made-to-order deli featuring Boar’s Head products.  

Coffee and More 

Illy Coffee is expanding to both West Village and Carnegie Kitchen, which will also be expanding the micromarket to include a fresh salad bar. The Illy Coffee in West Village is expected to open in late August, followed by Carnegie Kitchen later in the fall. Until Carnegie’s opening, several food trucks will be operating in Harrison Square. And, while Tech Dining currently hosts a community market on Wednesdays in Tech Green, this fall they will be expanding to host a market in Tech Square once a month. 

Robots Return  

Following the departure of Starship robots from campus, robot delivery is returning, with Avride serving as Tech’s new autonomous food delivery provider. Tech Dining will integrate Avride with Grubhub to create a more seamless ordering and delivery experience on campus.  
 

Week of Welcome began in 2020 and has grown each year. For 2026, the weeklong celebration features more than 300 events, offering experiences and opportunities for all first-year, graduate, and transfer students.  

“This week is an opportunity for students to connect and explore campus, get connected to culture and to their peers, but also just an opportunity to have fun before the stress of coursework begins,” said Chrissonia McCall, senior project support specialist in Housing and Residence Life.  

Signature events like New Student Convocation bring thousands together to share in the start of their Tech journey, but Week of Welcome features plenty of smaller-scale events that allow students to connect and get to know their peers.  

“Many of our events are 30 students or fewer, and those are great chances to find an organization that piques your interest or to find something completely new to you. This week is all about exploring the breadth of what is available at Tech and bringing down those barriers for students to engage with their new surroundings. Everyone is new and figuring things out at the same time, so this is a time when you can learn it all together,” Tegra Myanna, director of engagement and program operations in Housing and Residence Life, said.  

To expedite the Week of Welcome experience, students should fill out the waiver form. 

All Week of Welcome events can be found on Engage, but here are some you may want to mark on your calendar.  

Rock, Ramble, and Roll 

When: Monday, Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Exhibition Hall and John Lewis Student Center 

Hosted by the Student and Campus Event Centers, Housing and Residence Life, and Tech Dining, this high-energy event is your chance to meet fellow Yellow Jackets, enjoy food, explore the John Lewis Student Center, and experience fun, music-themed activities. 

Yellow Jacket Mega Mixer 

When: Monday, Aug. 17, 7 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Tech Green 

Hosted by the Center for Student Engagement, which includes Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Media, Student Organizations, Civic Engagement, and John Lewis Student Leadership Pathways, the Yellow Jacket Mega Mixer is a chance to meet new friends, engage with student leaders, and immerse yourself in campus life.  

 Navigating GT: Wellness and Resource Fair 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Hall 

Kick off your Georgia Tech journey by discovering the people, places, and programs designed to support your success. The fair connects students with a wide range of campus resources and organizations committed to well-being and growth — both in and out of the classroom. Explore interactive tables; meet peers, faculty, and staff; and learn how to make the most of the Tech experience.   

King/Queen of the Court 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. 

Where: Couch Park 

Join Women's and Men's Club Volleyball out on the grass to play volleyball and make new friends along the way. Volleyball courts will be set up on the grass to play in a casual pickup style for people of all skill levels to participate. 

Taste of Tech Square 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Tech Square 

Experience a place that's unmistakably Georgia Tech. Taste of Tech Square is an immersive food festival just steps from campus, serving up delicious bites, lively entertainment, and a glimpse into the future of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

RecFest 

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Stamps Field 

RecFest is Georgia Tech Campus Recreation’s signature annual kickoff event designed to welcome students to campus and connect them with the wide range of recreation programs, services, and clubs available at the CRC.  

Esports Open House 

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. 

Where: Esports and Gaming Lounge, Campus Recreation Center 

Hosted by Georgia Tech Esports, this event will feature a tour of the new space and provide an overview of the organization before an open, free-play session for students in the gaming lounge.  

Paper & Clay Craft Day 

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 

Where: Paper & Clay 

This event is an opportunity to explore Paper & Clay's crafts by making dorm decor and friendship bracelets. 

Grad Expo 

When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Ballroom 

Held in conjunction with Graduate Institute Orientation, GradExpo connects new graduate students with over 50 campus units and student organizations, showcasing the many resources and services available to support graduate students at Tech.  

RATS Night 

When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Georgia Tech Library 

Take over the Library for a night of fun, filled with entertainment, snacks, video games, trivia, arts and crafts, and free giveaways.  

Magicians Workshop 

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Where: Room C456, Van Leer Building  

Beginners and pros alike are invited to attend this open workshop hosted by Magicians @ GT to pick up some cool new tricks to impress your friends.  

Cardboard Boat Race 

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 1 – 3 p.m. 

Where: McAuley Aquatic Center, Campus Recreation Center 

Watch and cheer teams on as they have 60 minutes to build a canoe out of cardboard, duct tape, and other supplies before they must paddle their boat across the McAuley Aquatic Center pool.  

House Party at Bobby Dodd 

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field 

Georgia Tech Athletics is hosting a House Party to welcome students back to campus. Enjoy inflatables, on-field activities, a live DJ, a gaming truck, and food trucks. The event will have a clear bag policy, and students are allowed to bring empty, non-metal, reusable water bottles into the stadium. 

New Student Convocation 

When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 4 – 5 p.m. 

Where: McCamish Pavilion 

Get your RAT cap, T-Book, and Georgia Tech pin at this year’s New Student Convocation. The event is a welcome ceremony for incoming students, and more information can be found on the New Student Convocation website. Connect with peers beforehand at the New Transfer and Commuter Student Pre-Convocation Mixer at the John Lewis Student Center from 1:30 to 3 p.m. 

Tech’s contribution is an 8.8% increase over fiscal year 2024 and accounts for more than 25% of the $25.1 billion economic activity created by the 25 USG colleges and universities — $16.3 billion in direct spending by students and by institutions, and an additional $8.8 billion generated in local communities as those dollars circulate through the economy. 

The study, conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, also measures the value of a USG degree, projecting that graduates will boost their work-life earnings in Georgia by 80% and earn $1.4 million more than those who receive a high school diploma.  

"Serving Georgia is core to our mission as a public university,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “Our $6.3 billion contribution to the economy is one of the many important ways we create value for our state. Together with the talent we develop, the businesses we help create and grow, and the innovation we drive, we are proud to deliver best-in-kind return on the significant investment the state makes in our work year after year."

The Institute conferred 13,096 degrees in fiscal year 2025, with the study estimating total work-life earnings of more than $48.6 billion for the class of 2025. Through reductions in in-state tuition and fees, increased access to need-based scholarships, and commitments to preparing graduates for the jobs of the future, Tech continues to be ranked among the top universities for return on investment and career placement.    

In addition to the value it offers to students, Georgia Tech directly employs 12,288 people on campus, and the study finds that an additional 25,100 off-campus jobs have been created due to Institute-related spending — the highest among all USG institutions.  

After an extensive two-year renovation, Brittain Dining Hall is reopening Monday, Aug. 17.  

The facility's exterior and main dining area retain the same Collegiate Gothic architecture that has been a campus staple since its original construction in 1928, but the kitchen, service areas, and systems have all been modernized.  

“We are proud to bring historic Brittain Dining Hall back to its renowned place at the heart of the Georgia Tech experience. While preserving what generations of Yellow Jackets have loved about Brittain, we have significantly upgraded the facility to serve today’s students, employees, alumni, and stakeholders with greater variety, more options for guests with allergen needs, and innovative culinary selections,” said Ryan Greene, executive director for Dining and Retail Services. 

In designing the new space, Tech Dining wanted to preserve the structure's historic character — which has drawn comparisons to Hogwarts and landed it on Southern Living magazine’s list of the South’s most stunning dining halls — while providing diners with a revamped experience, featuring seven full-service stations outfitted with new state-of-the-art kitchen equipment as well as beverage and dessert options.  

Those include: 

• Smoothie Lab — A smoothie and acai bowl station.  

• Green Bytes and Slices — An expanded salad bar (relocated from the dining room to the servery), a made-to-order deli, and soup.   

• Smart Slice — A pizza station. 

• GT Fire Bowl — A new Mongolian concept.  

• Ramblin’ Grill – A full grill station.  

• Plant-Power Hive — A vegetarian and vegan station.  

• A full beverage station –  A station featuring soda, water, coffee and other drinks.  

• Soft-serve ice cream and a Dole Whip machine.  

Walking through the servery — the service area between the kitchen and the main dining room —  diners will notice expanded walkways, increased natural light, and the restored original terrazzo flooring. That flooring was crafted by the Institute’s ceramics department, founded in 1924 by the building’s namesake, Georgia Tech President Marion L. Brittain. 

In the dining room, restoration work preserves the cathedral ceiling and stained-glass windows originally designed by Julian Hoke Harris, Arch 1928, a longtime architecture professor at Tech. The building’s HVAC systems have been updated, and the wrought-iron lights originally made by the mechanical engineering department have been retrofitted with LED lights.  

Behind the scenes, Brittain’s main kitchen has received a complete overhaul. New kitchen appliances, water heaters, and an entirely new dish room will reduce water and energy usage while making the operation safer and more streamlined for employees. A new walk-in freezer has been added to the kitchen, while the previous outdoor unit has been relocated to the West Village Dining Hall.  

Lighter Fare 

When exploring the new offerings at Brittain, diners will not find a fryer at any of the stations. Instead, items like French fries will be baked at the dining hall, offering a more health-conscious approach. The expanded space will allow for the introduction of new dishes, cuisines, and menu rotations to keep up with demand. 

“The renewed Brittain represents the continued evolution of Tech Dining. By combining healthier cooking methods, fresh and flavorful ingredients, innovative menu development, and strong culinary execution, we are creating a dining experience that meets the expectations of today’s students and reflects the excellence of Georgia Tech,” Greene said.  

Hours of Operation 

Brittain Dining Hall will be open Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

Brittain will not open for breakfast or on weekends, but North Avenue Dining Hall and West Village Dining Hall remain open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.  

Brittain’s Next Century 

Brittain has been a staple on campus for nearly a century. Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera cut the ribbon at a ceremony Wednesday, marking the beginning of the dining hall's next chapter. 

“At Georgia Tech, we build new things and we develop new technologies, but we are tied to our roots, to our values, to our history. We know where we come from, and this building is a symbol of that. And I know, in another 150 years, we will be able to say the same thing,” he said. "When I’m visiting with our alumni, I tell them when they go back to campus, a lot of things will look new, but a lot of things remain absolutely the same, and that’s what this place represents. Memories are made in this place.” 

Green Forks was founded by Renee Alnoubani, CE 2025, who is currently pursuing a master's in city and regional planning, and Ivy Xue, Neuroscience 2023, with support from Danielle Ismirle Dunigan of Tech Dining, Steven Fazenbaker of Student Life, and Steve Place of the Office of Sustainability, after students raised concerns about the amount of food being discarded after campus events. Recognizing an opportunity to address both food waste and food insecurity, the founding team partnered with Klemis Kitchen to develop a simple, scalable solution that directs surplus food to students who can benefit from it. 

The process is straightforward. When a catered event ends with surplus food, the event coordinator or catering team submits a brief form. Students registered through Klemis Kitchen receive notifications when food is available, allowing them to pick up meals during a designated collection period. The model is designed to align with food safety requirements while minimizing additional work for event organizers. 

Director of Dining Services Danielle Ismirle Dunigan said, “The students who proposed the idea were passionate about helping divert the many leftovers after catering events. Green Forks is basically a communication tool, and it has effectively diverted food waste while feeding hungry Yellow Jackets. Each Green Forks alert makes my day, knowing we are making a difference in many ways.” 

In just two years, Green Forks has made a significant impact across campus. The program has supported 526 events and provided an estimated 4,750 meals to students. These numbers represent thousands of opportunities for students experiencing food insecurity to access nutritious food that otherwise may have been discarded.  

Student Life Program Director Steve Fazenbaker added, "The idea that drives my work is that everything a student needs to thrive and flourish at Georgia Tech can be found somewhere at Georgia Tech. Green Forks brings that idea to life in a powerful way. Through Green Forks, students are made aware almost daily of the abundance of food on campus, and they are reminded that they never need to miss a meal.”  

Beyond the numbers, students say the program has provided both practical support and a sense of community. One student said that Green Forks helped them "worry less about paying for food and living costs," while another described the program as a reminder of the generosity and care that exists across the Georgia Tech community. 

Steve Place, campus sustainability project manager for the Office of Sustainability, said, "Green Forks is the perfect example of different units working together to meet a common goal. Each partner brought what they do best, and the result was a terrific collaboration that serves campus and makes us incredibly proud." 

Green Forks also advances Georgia Tech's sustainability goals by reducing food waste. Rather than sending edible leftovers to the landfill, the program diverts food to students who can use it immediately, maximizing the value of meals already prepared for campus events. 

The program's success has attracted attention beyond Georgia Tech. Team members have worked with other institutions to share the model, including Missouri State University and North Carolina State University, helping expand the impact of a program that began with a simple student idea. 

Faculty and staff can help continue that success by using Green Forks for catered events, allowing extra time for food collection, and submitting surplus food through the program. Every event has the potential to reduce waste, strengthen community, and help ensure that no Georgia Tech student goes hungry. 

For event coordinators and students who want to participate in and learn more about Green Forks and other temporary assistance programs at Georgia Tech, visit the Green Forks webpage  

The team’s 655-kilogram vehicle, dubbed SR-4 Aurora and powered by a 14-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, 1.2-kilowatt solar array, and custom in-hub radial flux motors, propelled the team to first place in the Grand Prix’s multi-occupant category. Held at the Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota, the Formula Sun Grand Prix tested each vehicle’s handling, endurance, and efficiency. For laps completed, optimization, and efficiency, Tech won with a score of 95.8 (out of 100) and was the only team to place four people in its vehicle throughout the event.   

The FSGP served as a qualifier for the premier collegiate solar car event in North America, the American Solar Challenge. The biannual event, which began on July 25, featured teams traveling more than 1,600 miles along the Great River Road and Route 66 from Minneapolis to Amarillo, Texas, over eight days. Tech was one of three multi-occupant teams to complete the challenge, and, once again, the only team to do so with four riders — setting an all-time ASC record for the highest average occupancy. 

After placing third in the FSGP last year, the team returned to Georgia Tech’s Student Competition Center to begin fine-tuning the SR-4. Weekly testing pushed the car to its limits. Outgoing team president Sam Woolsey recalled that many testing days ended with car components failing. The team addressed mechanical and electrical speed bumps along the way, including an issue that forced them to ship their motors back to their supplier early in the summer. They got the motors back just four days before the competition. 

“We went into this competition without any expectations because our car had broken so much in front of us. But every time that car broke down was an issue we learned about and now knew how to fix it. It was satisfying to come to the competition after all those testing days ended in sadness, because we were prepared for almost anything that our car could throw at us. And on site, we had one of the most reliable cars at that competition,” Woolsey said.  

While the next American Solar Challenge is in 2028, the victories and records at this year’s event only serve to motivate the team to work harder to improve ahead of next year’s Formula Sun Grand Prix. The team intends to launch a new car and compete in the single-occupant category 

“The work has already started,” Woolsey said.  

The team’s success didn’t occur overnight. Woolsey credits the hundreds of students who have contributed to the vehicle, dating back to its design phase in 2020. Georgia Tech Solar Racing currently has more than 150 active members, which they expect to grow. The team is primarily made up of mechanical and electrical engineering majors, but all students are encouraged to join.  

“We're proud to be one of the teams in the Student Competition Center that is pushing forward what extracurriculars can do for your education,” Woolsey said. “There are few other places on campus where you can learn the kind of technical communication, the group work dynamics, and the real-world problem-solving opportunities that you get here. It’s the epitome of what a Georgia Tech education is about.” 

The 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training will help Georgia Tech employees understand and uphold the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Institute’s policies and compliance obligations. All faculty, staff, and students who are active employees as of Aug. 21 will be required to complete the training by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, Sept. 21.  

“As regulatory environments continue to evolve, Institute-wide learning and development are essential to helping employees understand their responsibilities and respond consistently to compliance obligations,” said Joshua B. Toas, chief ethics and compliance officer. “The 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training will help employees recognize common security risks, apply policy requirements in daily work, protect institutional resources, and know where to turn for guidance when questions arise. The active participation of our employees demonstrates a shared commitment to ethics, compliance, and accountability across the Institute.” 

As with previous campaigns, the training also includes learning modules designed to help employees protect themselves and the Institute from cyberattacks. 

“Every member of the Georgia Tech community plays a role in protecting the Institute’s systems and data,” added Leo Howell, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. “As cyberthreats continue to evolve, including increasingly sophisticated social engineering and AI-enabled attacks, security awareness is more important than ever. These training modules help equip employees with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and recognize cyberthreats when they come across them.” 

The training will be available at b.gatech.edu/genius beginning Aug. 31 and will take approximately 120 minutes. 

The Three-Part 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training Includes: 

Part 1:  

• University System of Georgia Ethics Refresher. 

• Ethics in Action at Georgia Tech (includes Conflict of Interest attestation). 

• Identifying and Responding to Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct. 

• Controlled Unclassified Information Overview. 

• Responsible Conduct of Research Overview. 

• Sensitive Data Overview. 

Part 2: 2026 KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training 

Part 3: A Deepfake Social Engineering Attack 

The training modules can be completed on a desktop or laptop and do not need to be finished at one time. Employees who do not complete the training by the deadline may face disciplinary action by the Institute.   

Learn more about the 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training.

As associate director of Utilities Management within Infrastructure and Operations, Clonts and his team work around the clock to ensure that students, faculty, staff, and researchers have reliable access to electricity, heating, cooling, and water. While much of that work happens out of sight, it plays a critical role in supporting every aspect of campus life. 

"In the utilities business, no news is usually good news," said Clonts. "Most people don't think about heating, cooling, electricity, or water until something stops working." 

Keeping Campus Running 

Clonts oversees the utility infrastructure that helps keep Georgia Tech operating every day. His responsibilities include managing the Institute's district energy systems, which generate heating and cooling for buildings across campus, as well as overseeing relationships with utility providers and vendors. 

His team also tracks energy consumption, benchmarks building performance, identifies conservation opportunities, and supports both Georgia Tech's Climate Action Plan and long-term utility planning efforts. 

While many assume that universities simply purchase utilities from outside providers, Clonts says Georgia Tech's operation is much more complex. 

Tech operates two central district energy plants that generate heating and cooling for a large portion of campus. Beneath the sidewalks, roads, and green spaces lies an extensive network of underground pipes that distribute chilled water for cooling and steam for heating to campus buildings. 

"It's infrastructure that works every day to keep campus comfortable and operational," Clonts said. 

No Such Thing as a Typical Day 

Because Georgia Tech operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is no ordinary day in utilities management. 

Clonts usually begins each morning by reviewing the status of utility systems and district energy plants to ensure they are meeting campus demands. Any equipment issues, outages, or operational concerns immediately become top priorities. 

Once critical operations are addressed, his work shifts toward long-term improvements. 

"Whether we're responding to an emergency, making campus more resilient, identifying ways to operate more efficiently, advancing sustainability goals, or planning infrastructure that will support Georgia Tech for the next decade, there's always something new to tackle," he said. 

Supporting Every Corner of Campus 

From residence halls and classrooms to research laboratories, athletic facilities, and offices, reliable utility systems make teaching, learning, research, and campus experiences possible. 

Managing those services comes with unique challenges. 

One of the largest is the diversity of campus facilities, where each building, lab, or athletic facility comes with different operational needs. The age of campus infrastructure adds another layer of complexity, with some buildings featuring modern, energy-efficient systems while others have served the Institute for decades. 

The need to maintain uninterrupted service for critical operations makes planning and maintenance even more important. 

Advancing Sustainability Through Energy 

Many of Georgia Tech's sustainability goals are directly connected to the work of utilities management. 

"Our greenhouse gas inventory is heavily influenced by two key areas: the natural gas we use for heating and the electricity we purchase to power campus operations," Clonts said. 

One initiative he is especially excited about is the electrification of heating systems and transportation. 

The Institute is working to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by transitioning building heating systems to technologies such as heat-recovery chillers and expanding the use of electric vehicles across campus. Infrastructure and Operations also regularly invests in energy efficiency improvements, including lighting upgrades and HVAC system optimization. 

"This transition supports Georgia Tech's Climate Action goals, improves efficiency, and helps reduce local air pollutants," Clonts said. 

Technology is also changing the way utility systems are managed. Smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure now provide real-time utility data, allowing Clonts' team to monitor building performance more closely, identify unusual usage patterns, and make better-informed decisions. 

"We're also seeing significant innovation in heat pump and heat recovery chiller technologies," he said. "These systems can simultaneously provide heating and cooling while recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted." 

Letting Data Drive Decisions 

Data and analytics have become essential tools for Utilities Management. 

By analyzing utility consumption and building performance, the team can identify trends, prioritize projects, and maximize the impact of investments. "Instead of relying on assumptions, we use real data to help prioritize projects and investments that will have the greatest impact," Clonts said. 

Smart meters, building automation systems, and automated alerts also allow the team to quickly detect equipment issues and respond before they become larger problems. 

The Importance of Water Conservation 

While energy often dominates sustainability conversations, Clonts believes water conservation deserves more attention. 

Atlanta's history of drought challenges and the city's relatively high water and sewer costs make conservation efforts both environmentally and financially important. Residence halls are among the largest water users on campus outside of district energy plants, creating a significant opportunity for students to help make a difference. 

Simple actions, such as taking shorter showers, reporting leaks, and being mindful of daily water use, can have a meaningful impact when multiplied across thousands of students. 

"Water conservation is a sustainability effort where small individual actions can add up quickly," Clonts said. 

A Living Campus 

For students interested in careers related to infrastructure, energy, engineering, or sustainability, Clonts encourages curiosity and hands-on learning. "Georgia Tech is a mini city," he said. "Every day you're surrounded by a diverse range of buildings, transportation networks, and utility infrastructure." 

He believes that understanding how campus infrastructure works helps people recognize how much goes on behind the scenes and how individual actions contribute to a more sustainable campus. Ultimately, that behind-the-scenes work is what motivates him and his team every day. 

"What many people don't see is all the planning, monitoring, maintenance, and coordination that happens every day to keep problems from occurring in the first place," Clonts said. "When everything is working as it should, people can focus on teaching, learning, research, and campus life." 

The Institute is one of 17 public schools to receive a five-star ranking and the only institution in the state to receive the designation. To compile its list for 2026 and to “help families find schools that deliver strong value,” the publication evaluated more than 700 four-year colleges on 25 metrics, including graduation rates, costs, financial aid, student debt, and alumni salaries. 

In its breakdown, Money declares, “Georgia Tech gets results.” 

Cementing its status as a national leader in outcomes and value for all students remains a top priority in the Institute’s strategic plan. Since 2019, as in-state tuition has risen nationwide by an average of $2,200, Tech has reduced its in-state tuition and fees by nearly 25%. Georgia Tech students continue to outpace the national average with a 93% graduation rate, 75% of whom finish in four years or less.   

Tech recently completed its most successful fundraising year in history, including millions of dollars for need-based scholarships, advancing opportunities for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.  

The recognition from Money is the latest accolade Tech has received for its value creation and return on investment. The Princeton Review has named Georgia Tech a best value public college for three consecutive years, and this year, Tech retained its place on Forbes’ list of New Ivies, receiving the highest C-suite rating of any university. 

Georgia Tech’s commitment to transforming waste into a valuable campus resource has earned national recognition. The Institute recently received the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award, honoring the Office of Sustainability’s pioneering in-vessel composting program, which is helping Georgia Tech reduce waste, lower emissions, and create a more sustainable campus.  

The award is presented by APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, an international association that serves more than 1,300 educational institutions and facilities professionals. APPA’s Sustainability Innovation Award recognizes educational institutions that implement transformative programs or processes that enhance service delivery, improve environmental performance, reduce costs, and support student success through environmental stewardship. Recipients are selected based on innovation, sustainability impact, adaptability to other institutions, and measurable benefits to their campus communities. 

Turning Food Waste Into a Campus Resource 

Georgia Tech’s award-winning in-vessel composting program exemplifies how innovative infrastructure can support ambitious sustainability goals. 

The Office of Sustainability received a Recycling and Waste Diversion grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division in 2024 to implement the composter, which arrived on campus last year. A student-staffed collection program (using e-bikes and an electric golf cart) captures food scraps and compostable materials from campus housing and dining facilities, and processes them on-site using a specialized in-vessel composting system. This reduces the weight of material by approximately 80%, decreasing the demand for off-campus hauling.  

Unlike traditional composting methods, the enclosed system carefully controls temperature, airflow, and moisture, accelerating decomposition while minimizing odors and reducing the space required for processing. In just over six months, three student assistants have collected more than 5 tons (10,000 pounds) of materials from various campus locations. 

“Georgia Tech has grown a strong composting program thanks to high levels of commitment from Tech Dining, Housing, and Campus Services, plus a strong hauling partner,” said Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager in the Office of Sustainability. “The in-vessel composter has added an exciting new layer to our composting services. It’s been fun to see our students embrace the technology and share their ideas for how to improve campus operations.” 

By processing organic waste on campus, Georgia Tech diverts significant amounts of material from landfills, where food waste would otherwise generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The program supports the Institute’s broader sustainability and circular economy objectives by keeping resources in use and reducing environmental impacts. 

Why Georgia Tech Stood Out 

According to APPA, Sustainability Innovation Award recipients demonstrate creativity, measurable environmental and economic benefits, community impact, and the ability to serve as a model for other institutions. 

Georgia Tech’s in-vessel composting initiative stood out because it: 

• Demonstrates an innovative approach to campus waste management. 

• Diverts food waste from landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Creates a closed-loop system that turns waste into a useful resource. 

• Provides educational opportunities for students and the campus community. 

• Offers a scalable model that can be replicated by other colleges and universities. 

The program reflects the collaborative work of the Office of Sustainability and campus partners to create practical, measurable solutions that advance Georgia Tech’s sustainability commitments. 

A Model for the Future 

Receiving the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award highlights Georgia Tech’s role as a leader in sustainable campus operations and environmental stewardship. As institutions across the country seek innovative ways to reduce waste and meet climate goals, Georgia Tech’s in-vessel composting program demonstrates how thoughtful investments in infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for both the campus community and the environment.

On average, labs use four times more water and 10 times more energy than office spaces. This disproportionate impact makes laboratories some of the best places for reducing institutional energy use. Small actions can have a big effect; for example, increasing the setpoint of ultra-low temperature freezers by 10 degrees Celsius can reduce the device’s energy use by 30% and save over $150 per year per freezer. (That figure is derived from https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/8-ways-to-save-energy-in-the-lab/ and Georgia Power billing documents.) 

Before Sustainable Lab Certification, some campus labs had begun exploring reduced energy, water, and materials consumption through My Green Lab certification, a pilot program also sponsored by the Office of Sustainability.  

Shweta Biliya, a research scientist in the Molecular Evolution Core Lab, explained that while My Green Lab offered a helpful framework, translating certification requirements into actionable steps for her lab was difficult without local examples or tailored support. “Now that we have a resource on campus, it’s extremely helpful in that initial stage,” she said. “It helps you see how to approach everything, get support, and make it feel possible.” 

Biliya hopes more laboratories across campus will participate in Sustainable Labs Certification, helping to create a shared culture of sustainable research at Georgia Tech. “It might feel like one lab doesn’t make a difference, but when every lab contributes in small ways, it really adds up,” she said. 

A Sustainable Lab Certification information and celebration session will take place in September. To learn more about the program, visit the Sustainable Labs page at https://sustain.gatech.edu/sustainable-labs/.  

That’s the question that stood between Georgia Tech alumnus Austin Huguenard and the $100,000 grand prize on Fox’s The 1% Club.  

“You have no idea how relieved I was” at the question, the computer science graduate said. 

Huguenard was one of two players remaining from a field of 100 contestants. Questions challenge players’ logic and reasoning, whittling the field as each fallen player adds $1,000 to the pot, and the final question is one that only an estimated 1% of the public can answer. 

Players can split the final prize money, so when Huguenard locked in his answer of 1,179 with time to spare on the 30-second clock, he knew he had secured at least a share of the prize. It was revealed that his counterpart missed the question, making Huguenard the first to claim the full prize in the two-season run of the American version of the show.  

Not a “traditional trivia buff,” Huguenard’s proclivity for pattern recognition and logical problem-solving gave him the confidence to try out for the show. Over 15 rounds, the questions grew increasingly difficult. But, as players began to drop out, the Alpharetta, Georgia, native stayed calm and trusted the training he had received as a Tech student.  

“The 1% question was especially aligned with the way Georgia Tech helps teach you to think and to approach these difficult problems,” he said. “With these optimization problems, you have several constraints that must be satisfied while finding the best solution. This comes up in algorithms, discrete mathematics, and combinatorics classes. The clock is another factor that I felt prepared for because of the high-pressure moments I faced here." 

The pressure of being on the show paled in comparison to the nerve-racking nature of keeping his victory a secret.  

“It’s something I wanted to scream from the mountaintops and celebrate with everyone, and that was probably the most difficult part of the entire experience,” he said. Huguenard got that chance when the episode aired in mid-July as he hosted a watch party for his family and friends.  

He is now preparing to move to New York City to start his career as a software engineering analyst at Deloitte. While most of the prize money is headed for long-term savings, he’ll use some to furnish his apartment with the essentials as well as an espresso machine and baking tools. For now, baking is a hobby, and he says game show viewers shouldn’t expect to see him on the Ultimate Baking Championship any time soon. 

While adoption varies across healthcare systems, Georgia Tech researchers say AI is becoming increasingly integrated into medicine. At the same time, questions about privacy, trust, equity, and human oversight remain central to how the technology will be used in the years ahead. 

“Medicine has clearly embraced the human-AI fusion approach,” said Jon Duke, director of the Center for Health Analytics & Informatics at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. “The use of AI is encouraged, but reliance on AI is not.” 

From Clinical Workflows to Decision Support 

Many of healthcare's earliest AI applications focused on reducing administrative burdens. Today, researchers say the technology is increasingly helping clinicians access and interpret information. 

Duke points to the growing use of clinical AI tools such as OpenEvidence, which provide healthcare professionals with AI-generated, source-backed answers to medical questions. 

“AI is moving beyond administrative tasks and beginning to play a meaningful role in clinical decision support,” Duke said. 

Within electronic health records, AI is being used to generate clinical notes from patient-provider conversations and summarize complex patient charts. While healthcare systems have moved most quickly on efficiency-focused applications, Duke said AI is steadily becoming part of everyday clinical practice. 

Still, he believes human oversight will remain essential. 

“One of the biggest long-term questions is whether physicians trained alongside AI will develop the same level of independent clinical judgment as previous generations,” he said. 

Expanding Access Beyond the Doctor's Office 

Researchers also see AI creating new opportunities outside hospitals and clinics. 

Munmun De Choudhury, professor in the School of Interactive Computing, said AI is helping public health systems identify emerging mental health concerns by analyzing digital and clinical data. 

“AI is enabling public health systems to move from reactive to more proactive approaches by identifying emerging mental health concerns from diverse digital and clinical data sources,” De Choudhury said. 

Those insights may create opportunities for earlier intervention. 

“AI has the potential to identify subtle behavioral changes that precede worsening mental health, creating opportunities for earlier support before someone reaches a crisis,” she said. 

Alexander Adams, assistant professor in the School of Interactive Computing, studies wearable sensing systems, remote patient monitoring technologies, and point-of-care health tools. He said advances in AI are accelerating innovation in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical imaging, simulation, and biomarker discovery. 

“The biggest changes I am seeing are the increased productivity in pharmaceuticals, medical imaging, simulation, and biomarker discovery,” Adams said. “That has a downstream impact on what we can measure at the point of care.” 

According to Adams, smartphones and wearable devices have become increasingly important healthcare tools because of the amount of data they collect. 

“No stand-alone medical devices generate nearly as much data as smartphones and smartwatches, making them a natural place for modern AI,” he said. 

He also sees significant potential for AI-enabled technologies to improve access in rural and underserved communities. 

“These technologies are especially important for underserved and rural populations that often have less access to care and face higher risks of complications,” Adams said. 

Balancing Innovation and Human Connection 

Despite growing interest in AI, researchers caution that adoption is not without challenges. 

“The real opportunity lies not in building more autonomous AI, but in designing systems that strengthen human judgment, clinical expertise, and community care,” De Choudhury said. 

Although AI has advanced rapidly, its impact on chronic disease management has remained limited, said Rosa Arriaga, professor in the School of Interactive Computing. 

“AI holds a lot of promise but hasn't delivered much in the way of real-world applications,” Arriaga said. 

She also raised concerns about how increased reliance on data-driven tools could affect interactions between clinicians and patients. 

“The fear is that clinicians become ‘data checkers’ and have even less interaction with patients,” she said. 

At the same time, Arriaga said AI is having its greatest impact in the mental wellness space. 

“There are now randomized controlled trials showing that some people are willing to receive ‘therapy’ from an AI agent and that this intervention is beneficial,” she said. 

However, she cautioned that those developments should be considered alongside potential risks. 

“Greater interactions with AI may lead to greater isolation, and parasocial relationships with AI may erode the social fabric,” Arriaga said. 

Shaping the Next Era of Healthcare 

Despite differing views on the opportunities and challenges, the researchers see AI becoming a lasting part of healthcare. 

“AI is accelerating everything,” Adams said. “Even through rapid iteration and simulation alone, it will accelerate medical devices and point-of-care technologies.” 

As healthcare organizations continue to explore where AI can improve care, researchers say the future of medicine will depend not only on technological advances but also on how effectively those tools support the people who deliver and receive care.