“It’s always a joy to welcome our alumni and friends back to campus,” says Susan Lozier, dean of the College of Sciences, Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair, and professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. “Winemaking is deeply rooted in science, involving chemistry, biology, and even physics, but what makes this event even better is being able to enjoy it with valued friends.”

The night provided a festive and flavorful opportunity for alumni to connect — and reconnect — with fellow Yellow Jackets and meet faculty, staff, and students from the College of Sciences. Showcasing the versatility of Georgia Tech alumni, the evening featured several wineries, including La Fête Wine Company, founded and led by Georgia Tech alumnus Donae Burston (Industrial Engineering 1998). 

In her welcome, Lozier provided updates on Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. “We have big plans for those funds, including expanding resources for our students and research faculty,” she says. “We greatly appreciate the support of those alumni donors who believe in what we are doing and contribute to our efforts.”

College of Sciences Director of Alumni Relations Leslie Roberts expressed gratitude to the many contributors who made the evening possible, including the Friends of Sciences. This group leads initiatives ranging from student career development and alumni recognition to alumni travel experiences. 

Roberts individually recognized Friends of Sciences steering committee members Paul Goggin (Physics 1991, M.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 1994); Bill Needle (Chemistry 1967); Heidi Schindler (Applied Biology 1997); Kathy Wilson-Chu; and Megen Wittling (Biology 2018).

“Our alumni community is incredibly engaged and passionate,” shares Roberts. “Events like this are a testament to the strength of those connections and the impact they continue to have on our students and mission.”

Recent winners of the Center for Programs to Increase Engagement in the Sciences graduate researcher poster contest were on hand to provide an inside look at current student research. Nathalie Chavarria (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences), Hargobind Singh (Bioinformatics), Adesh Thawale (Chemistry and Biochemistry), and Fnu Vidya (Chemistry and Biochemistry), provided insights on their winning research posters and answered questions.

Additionally, throughout the evening, alumni shared reflections on their time at Georgia Tech and the importance of staying connected:

• “Georgia Tech has been a huge and important part of my life,” says recent graduate Biswajit Banerjee (M.S. Bioinformatics 2025). “You don’t forget the place that launched your future.”
• Jim Davidson (Ph.D. Chemistry 1984) recently moved back to Atlanta with his wife, Julie. It was their first time at a College of Sciences event. “It won’t be our last,” says Davidson. “It was fun to meet other Yellow Jackets and engage with the College.”
• “It was the perfect Georgia Tech event, combining fun and a little learning,” says Piper Rackley (Biology 2022 and M.S. Biology 2024). “I love being in the same room with alumni of so many different ages and hearing about their time at Tech.”
• Ashley Zuniga (Biochemistry 2014) adds, “It’s all about the students and how we can help. It’s important to provide support and advocate for them.” 

When asked why she came to the event, Susan Goode Estep (Biology 1997) summed it up perfectly for the alumni in attendance: “It’s good to give back to a place that gave so much to us. We’re Ramblin’ Wrecks. We like science, Georgia Tech — and wine!”