House Resolution 1124 commended Allen Ecker, who also spent 10 years as director of the Applied Engineering Laboratory at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. Ecker, accompanied by CoE Dean Gary May, was at the Capitol on Feb. 26 to be recognized by the House. His wife and children were also present, and he made a few remarks recalling his days at Tech.

Ecker earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech, and then went on to get a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from The Ohio State University. He played football under Coach Bobby Dodd, and he took part in Yellow Jacket victories in the Cotton, Sugar, and Gator Bowls. Ecker has been inducted into Georgia Tech's Academy of Distinguished Engineering Alumni.

Eckers is a former executive vice president of Scientific Atlanta, where his leadership in developing a digital television cable network helped lead to Scientific Atlanta’s two Emmy awards in 2007 and 2008. Now retired, he is a philanthropist and supports autism research.