Georgia Tech’s rich and longstanding military heritage is a legacy of both service and progress. In Bob Wallace’s great history of Tech, Dress Her in White and Gold, he talks about the beginnings of Tech’s engagement in the defense of our country. When the United States entered World War I, Georgia Tech offered its facilities “for any war work that might be needed.” But the government replied that the education Tech provided was more critical to the nation than anything else the Institute could supply, and thus it should continue following its core mission.
Still, Tech soon began a number of special programs to support war efforts, including military aeronautics, radio communications, wireless telegraphy and even auto track construction. (I tried looking this term up but couldn’t find it; I assume this refers to the development and operation of tank treads. Correct me if I’m wrong, alumni!)
In June of 1916, ROTC was established on campus. Georgia Tech’s first ROTC commander arrived in December of 1917, and almost 100 years later, our ROTC programs still rank among the strongest in the nation. Georgia Tech’s research program is also part and parcel of ensuring that our country remains a technological leader in defense matters. In 2013, Tech was granted more than $300 million in research awards from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and the Department of Defense, and that doesn’t count other related work that we do for the NSA and other agencies. There are so many amazing stories to tell—including those involving alumni who’ve served our country in remarkable ways—that it’s been quite a challenge to select which ones to fit into the 108 pages of this magazine. We hope you enjoy the stories we’ve chosen to share, and what we couldn’t will no doubt wind up in a future issue. I also want to tend to a little business here as well.
Our second annual Gold & White Honors Gala was finally held on March 25 after “Snowmageddon 2” delayed our planned February event. The gala came off beautifully, and we honored some of our incredible alumni and friends for their great service to Tech. We also raised more than $400,000 for the Association’s student programs, including the Student Alumni Association, the GT Student Foundation and the GT Ambassadors. These programs are building the future alumni leaders of Georgia Tech, and the caliber of our student members is striking. These young adults will inspire you and give you great hope for the future of America. Thanks to our great sponsors, including the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises, who presented the event. Please take a look at the enclosed booklet.
Finally, you’ll note a couple changes on the masthead of the magazine. Roger Slavens has joined us as editor, and he brings more than 20 years of magazine and journalism experience to the role. His predecessor, Van Jensen, is off to follow a lifelong dream to write comic books. He’s now the co-writer for DC Comics’ The Flash and Green Lantern Corps. Good luck to Van and welcome to Roger!
As always, thank you for your terrific support of Georgia Tech. Alumni are one of Tech’s greatest assets, and you prove that fact day after day, year after year.
Joseph P. Irwin, IM 80
President & CEO
Georgia Tech Alumni Association
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