{"685547":{"#nid":"685547","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Progress and Service in Action: Honoring College of Sciences\u2019 Distinguished Alumni","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe College of Sciences hosted its first-ever\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/2025-distinguished-alumni-awards-ceremony\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration\u003C\/a\u003E to honor eight alumni who embody the Institute\u2019s motto of\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EProgress and Service\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Eand reflect the transformative power of an education from Georgia Tech. Held at the Historic Academy of Medicine, the event brought together more than 200 faculty, students, and alumni, including Georgia Tech President\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/president.gatech.edu\/about\/biography\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003E\u00c1ngel Cabrera\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003Ea College of Sciences alumnus, and Alumni Association President\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EDene Sheheane\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cA university\u2019s success is measured and reflected in the achievements of its alumni,\u201d notes Cabrera. \u201cIt is a great source of pride for Georgia Tech to recognize these College of Sciences alumni and their impressive accomplishments \u2014 across the world and at Georgia Tech.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESix alumni\u0026nbsp;\u2014 one from each School \u2014\u0026nbsp;received the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EDistinguished Alumni Award\u003C\/strong\u003E:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/jack-mccallum\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJack McCallum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EApplied Biology 1966, a surgeon-turned-entrepreneur and educator, was honored for his contributions to medicine, business, and philanthropy. He joked that medical school was easier than Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/kelly-sepcic-pfeil\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKelly Sepcic Pfeil\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EM.S. Chemistry 1992, Ph.D. Chemistry 2003, a scientific leader in flavor and sweetener technology, was recognized for her global career and support of women in chemistry. She thanked Tech for supporting her as a young working mother who traveled globally for business while earning her graduate degrees.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/rutt-bridges\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERutt Bridges\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPhysics 1973, M.S. Geophysical Sciences 1975, a pioneer in seismic software and climate solutions, author, and venture fund owner, was celebrated for his entrepreneurial success and philanthropy. His introduction revealed that he worked for $3.50 a day as a roustabout and well digger before Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESchool of Mathematics\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/frank-cullen\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrank Cullen\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EMath 1973,\u0026nbsp;M.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering 1976,\u003Cbr\u003EPh.D. Industrial and Systems Engineering 1984, a serial entrepreneur and longtime supporter of faculty research, was honored for his business leadership and philanthropic impact. He entered Georgia Tech at just 16 years old \u2014 and didn\u2019t leave for 14 more years!\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/nathan-meehan\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENathan Meehan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPhysics 1975, a globally recognized petroleum engineer, business leader, and educator, was celebrated for his technical leadership and commitment to early-career scientists. His introduction showcased his many professional accolades as well as his self-proclaimed status as the \u201cbest BBQ cook of his generation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESchool of Psychology\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/margaret-beier\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMargaret Beier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EM.S. Psychology 1999, Ph.D. Psychology 2004, now chair of Psychological Sciences at Rice University, was honored for her research on lifelong learning and academic leadership. She thanked the faculty and researchers who inspired and supported her, enabling her to realize her dreams.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe evening also included two special honors:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EYoung Scientist Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/kristel-topping\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKristel Bayani Topping\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPh.D. Physiology 2021,\u0026nbsp;a principal researcher at The Home Depot, dedicated her win to her two young daughters and thanked her mentor School of Biological Sciences Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ELewis Wheaton\u003C\/strong\u003E for helping her become a \u201cbetter scientist and leader.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EImpact Award\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/alumni\/john-sutherland\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJohn Clark Sutherland\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Physics 1962, M.S. Physics 1964, Ph.D. Physics 1967, currently the dean of Science and Mathematics at Augusta University, was recognized for being an\u0026nbsp;exceptional graduate whose sustained engagement, visionary leadership, and strategic support significantly advanced the College\u2019s mission.\u0026nbsp;Sutherland spoke about how far Georgia Tech has come since he was a student and the importance of continuing to invest in the Institute\u2019s future through student support.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis celebration marks a significant milestone for our College,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ESusan Lozier\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair. \u201cOur alumni are not just a part of our history; they are central to our future. Their leadership, generosity, and engagement support our faculty and inspire our students.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn her closing remarks, Lozier thanked alumni\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EPaul Goggin\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPhysics 1991, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ECharlie Crawford\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EApplied Mathematics 1971, for their help in creating the celebration as well as\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ELeslie Roberts\u003C\/strong\u003E, director of Alumni Relations, for \u201cher vision, persistence, and championship of an alumni recognition event.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe awards presentation concluded with a rousing performance by the Georgia Tech Glee Club and a reception to celebrate the award winners.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt was an amazing night recognizing eight incredible alumni who have made such a difference in the world,\u201d says Roberts. \u201cWhat struck me the most about this night was the humility of our honorees. In their speeches, they thanked Georgia Tech for launching their careers and recognized others for their efforts. They are truly an inspiration to the Yellow Jacket community.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe College of Sciences\u2019 community came together to celebrate the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing the diverse achievements and inspiring journeys of eight alumni.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The College of Sciences\u2019 community came together to celebrate the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing the diverse achievements and inspiring journeys of eight alumni."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2025-10-06 12:02:22","changed_gmt":"2025-10-06 16:29:16","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678267":{"id":"678267","type":"image","title":"(First row, left to right): Susan Lozier, John Clark Sutherland, Kelly Sepcic Pfeil, Margaret Beier, and Rutt Bridges. (Second row, left to right): Jack McCallum, Angel Cabrera, Kristel Bayani Topping, Frank Cullen, and Nathan Meehan.","body":"\u003Cp\u003E(First row, left to right): Susan Lozier, John Clark Sutherland, Kelly Sepcic Pfeil, Margaret Beier, and Rutt Bridges. (Second row, left to right: Jack McCallum, Angel Cabrera, Kristel Bayani Topping, Frank Cullen, and Nathan Meehan.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1759752211","gmt_created":"2025-10-06 12:03:31","changed":"1759766058","gmt_changed":"2025-10-06 15:54:18","alt":"A group of individuals standing on the stairs.","file":{"fid":"262270","name":"distinguishedalumniwithleadership.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/06\/distinguishedalumniwithleadership.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/06\/distinguishedalumniwithleadership.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2492543,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/06\/distinguishedalumniwithleadership.jpeg?itok=N1icPVvJ"}},"678269":{"id":"678269","type":"image","title":"Dean Susan Lozier closed the event by thanking all in attendance for helping to \u0022build a tradition that will continue to highlight the incredible reach of our College of Sciences alumni.\u0022","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDean Susan Lozier closed the event by thanking all in attendance for helping to \u0022build a tradition that will continue to highlight the incredible reach of our College of Sciences alumni.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1759754347","gmt_created":"2025-10-06 12:39:07","changed":"1759754347","gmt_changed":"2025-10-06 12:39:07","alt":"a woman at a podium in front of a screen highlighting all of the Distinguished Alumni Award winners.","file":{"fid":"262272","name":"IMG_0323.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/06\/IMG_0323.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/06\/IMG_0323.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1336776,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/06\/IMG_0323.jpg?itok=EMPfbp3_"}},"678268":{"id":"678268","type":"image","title":"Three generations celebrated Kristel Bayani Topping\u0027s award.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThree generations celebrated Kristel Bayani Topping\u0027s award.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1759754051","gmt_created":"2025-10-06 12:34:11","changed":"1759755892","gmt_changed":"2025-10-06 13:04:52","alt":"A family group standing in a hallway","file":{"fid":"262271","name":"Topping.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/06\/Topping.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/06\/Topping.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1725994,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/06\/Topping.jpg?itok=-ssa2mKe"}}},"media_ids":["678267","678269","678268"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/college-sciences-announces-inaugural-distinguished-alumni-award-honorees","title":"College of Sciences Announces Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"},{"id":"172338","name":"Alumni Georgia Tech Alumni Association"},{"id":"171949","name":"Alumni Awards"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura S. Smith, writer\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}