{"693688":{"#nid":"693688","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Recognizing the 2026 College of Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award Winners","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe College of Sciences hosted its second\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/2026-distinguished-alumni-awards-ceremony\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration\u003C\/a\u003E honoring eight alumni who embody the Institute\u2019s motto of\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EProgress and Service\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThroughout their inspiring careers, these eight alumni have demonstrated the values of excellence, innovation, integrity, and service that define our College of Sciences community,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ESusan Lozier,\u003C\/strong\u003E dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe semi-formal event kicked off the College of Sciences\u2019 Homecoming festivities, bringing together the honorees and their guests, along with College of Sciences students, faculty, alumni, and members of the Advisory Board and Young Alumni Board.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Provost\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ERaheem Beyah\u003C\/strong\u003E welcomed everyone and congratulated the honorees:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cEach of you took what you gained here and used it to create opportunities, solve problems, serve others, and make a difference in your professions and communities. That speaks directly to our mission to develop leaders who advance technology and improve\u0026nbsp;the human condition.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Impact Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/jeffrey-leddy\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJeffrey Leddy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EB.S. Physics 1978, received the Impact Award, the College of Sciences\u2019 highest recognition, given to alumni whose extraordinary engagement, leadership, and generosity are shaping the future of the College. A successful telecommunications and satellite technology leader, Leddy is a long-time member of the College of Sciences Advisory Board.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDuring his introduction, Dean Susan Lozier thanked him for this board service and for the seven Leddy Family endowments he and his wife, Pamela, created to offer meaningful opportunities for students and faculty.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESeveral student recipients of the Leddy Family Scholarship attended.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Leddy Family Scholarship means hope,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EIan Morgan,\u003C\/strong\u003E a second-year math major. \u201cMy scholarship is extremely motivating. Knowing they are investing in me makes me want to be the best I can be.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn his acceptance speech, Leddy said it was an honor to help students committed to going the extra mile.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Distinguished Young Scientist Excellence Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/austin-hope\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAustin Hope\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EB.S. Psychology 2014, received the Distinguished Young Scientist Excellence Award. Hope has served on the College of Sciences Young Alumni Board, regularly attends career and networking panels, and recently joined the College of Sciences Advisory Board. In her introduction, Dean Lozier called him one of the College of Sciences\u2019 most active volunteers. \u201cWhenever Georgia Tech asks, Austin says yes,\u201d said Lozier.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn his acceptance speech, Hope said Georgia Tech saved him and he especially appreciated the faculty and staff who \u201csaid yes when it didn\u2019t make sense to do so,\u201d enabling him to \u201cfind his groove as a student and leader.\u201d Currently a people leader at Google, Hope ended his remarks by thanking the College of Sciences for the \u201copportunity to serve.\u201d\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDistinguished Alumni Awards\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/fred-levin\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFred Levin, M.D.,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EB.S. Applied Biology 1972, a prominent physician who operates two endoscopy centers, was honored for his contributions to medicine in southeast Atlanta and his philanthropy at Georgia Tech. In his speech, he named challenges at Tech that helped form his work ethic, including mandatory drown proofing and a 1,130-page organic chemistry textbook.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe said he gives back because he appreciates the strong educational foundation he received at Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/belma-erdogan-haug\u0022\u003EBelma Erdogan-Haug\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPh.D. Chemistry 2003,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eis a strategic business and innovation leader, accomplished inventor, and thought leader. Currently the head of Global Application Engineering and Digital Transformation of the Industrials Business Unit at Henkel Corporation, she has served on the College of Sciences Advisory Board since 2020. Erdogan-Haug said Georgia Tech played an important role in shaping her as a scientist and leader and spoke about her passion for mentoring women students in STEM.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/tia-williams\u0022\u003ETia Williams\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003EB.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 1996, is an executive leader at Microsoft\u2019s Azure Data and early-stage venture investor. She is the vice chair of the College of Sciences Advisory Board and a board member of the new\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ai4science.ai.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;AI4Sciences Center\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp; In her speech, she called her time at Georgia Tech \u201cmagical\u201d and said she is most thankful for the \u201cunique privilege of learning computer science in the context of the science she loves, earth and atmospheric sciences.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Mathematics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/clemmie-whatley\u0022\u003EClemmie Whatley\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D., M.S. Applied Mathematics 1973, was the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/24\/celebrating-techs-first-african-american-female-graduate-clemmie-whatley\u0022\u003E first African American woman to graduate from Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003EA corporate leader turned educator, nonprofit founder, and author, she said the challenges she faced at Tech helped build her tenacity and character.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cClemmie has used her talent and experience in mathematics to lift people up,\u201d said School of Mathematics Chair\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMichael Wolf\u003C\/strong\u003E in his introduction.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhatley thanked her family, teachers, and friends and recognized \u003Cstrong\u003EGrace Hammond,\u003C\/strong\u003E who shares the distinction of being the first African American woman to graduate from Georgia Tech. The two trailblazers have remained friends over the years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/gil-amelio\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGilbert \u201cGil\u201d Amelio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPh.D., Physics 1965, M.S. Physics 1967, Ph.D. Physics 1969, is an internationally recognized tech leader, who served as the CEO and chairman of Apple Computer; the president, CEO, and chairman of National Semiconductor; and the president of Rockwell Communication Systems. His son, Anthony Amelio, Industrial Management 1987, accepted the award on his behalf and spoke of his father\u2019s love for Tech and the College of Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Psychological and Brain Sciences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/alumni\/tara-stoinski\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETara Stoinski, Ph.D.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPh.D. Psychology 2000, is the president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. An internationally recognized conservationist,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/24\/alumni-making-difference-tara-stoinski\u0022\u003Eshe leads global efforts to study and protect mountain gorillas and the ecosystems they call home.\u003C\/a\u003E When accepting the award, Stoinkski recalled that while other universities relied on mice and rats for psychological research, Georgia Tech\u2019s partnership with Zoo Atlanta, allowed her to study lions, tigers, lemurs, elephants, and gorillas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHonoring Dean Lozier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe evening concluded with a floral presentation to Lozier, who is stepping down as dean after seven years leading the College of Sciences.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJohn Sutherland,\u003C\/strong\u003E the 2025 College of Sciences\u2019 Impact Award winner, whose endowment established the Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair held by Lozier\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u003C\/strong\u003E praised her transformational tenure and thanked her for the impact she made on the College.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe will really miss you,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn his remarks, Provost Beyah also recognized Lozier\u2019s leadership, concluding:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cYou leave the College of Sciences stronger than you found it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo view images from the event, visit \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/gtsciences\/albums\/72177720336735812\/\u0022\u003E2026 Distinguished Alumni photos.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlumni, students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate this year\u2019s honorees, who shared stories of perseverance, service, mentorship, and giving back while reflecting on how Georgia Tech and the College of Sciences shaped their paths.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Alumni, students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate this year\u2019s honorees, who shared stories of perseverance, service, mentorship, and giving back while reflecting on how Georgia Tech and the College of Sciences shaped their paths."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-11-02 16:24:56","changed_gmt":"2026-11-04 17:06:59","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-11-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-11-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"681656":{"id":"681656","type":"image","title":"DA-winners.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECongratulations to the 2026 College of Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award winners!\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1793804024","gmt_created":"2026-11-04 14:53:44","changed":"1793805361","gmt_changed":"2026-11-04 15:16:01","alt":"Eight individuals in front of a screen displaying the GT logo.","file":{"fid":"266091","name":"DA-winners.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/04\/DA-winners.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/04\/DA-winners.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":544310,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/11\/04\/DA-winners.jpg?itok=NatWQqIi"}},"681658":{"id":"681658","type":"image","title":"Clemmie Whatley, Ph.D., (second from right) celebrated her award with members of her pickleball team.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EClemmie Whatley, Ph.D., (second from right) celebrated her award with members of her pickleball team.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1793806015","gmt_created":"2026-11-04 15:26:55","changed":"1793806015","gmt_changed":"2026-11-04 15:26:55","alt":"Five women stand around a Distinguished Alumni banner.","file":{"fid":"266094","name":"Pickleball3.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/04\/Pickleball3.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/04\/Pickleball3.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":59315,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/11\/04\/Pickleball3.jpg?itok=DYgBGzzl"}},"681659":{"id":"681659","type":"image","title":"Young Alumni Board members in attendance included Edward Freeman, Director of Alumni and Corporate Engagement Leslie Roberts, Megen Wittling, Stephen Crooke, Evelyn Ligon, Anne Marie Sweeney, Riana Burney, and Piper Rackley-LaScala. ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYoung Alumni Board members in attendance included Edward Freeman, Director of Alumni and Corporate Engagement Leslie Roberts, Megen Wittling, Stephen Crooke, Evelyn Ligon, Anne Marie Sweeney, Riana Burney, and Piper Rackley-LaScala.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1793806144","gmt_created":"2026-11-04 15:29:04","changed":"1793810711","gmt_changed":"2026-11-04 16:45:11","alt":"People dressed in evening wear stand in front of a sign with the GT logo.","file":{"fid":"266095","name":"YoungAlumniBoard.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/04\/YoungAlumniBoard.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/04\/YoungAlumniBoard.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":503810,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/11\/04\/YoungAlumniBoard.jpg?itok=OZBfvEJi"}}},"media_ids":["681656","681658","681659"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/sciences.gatech.edu\/news\/progress-and-service-action-honoring-college-sciences-distinguished-alumni","title":"Progress and Service in Action: Honoring College of Sciences\u2019 Distinguished Alumni"}],"groups":[{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2871","name":"distinguished alumni"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"173647","name":"_for_math_site_"}],"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\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}