Startup founders, corporate executives, an astronaut, and even a former dean of the College of Engineering- these were among the diverse professionals represented at the 2014 College of Engineering Alumni Awards Induction Ceremony. Held April 5 at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Atlanta, the event honored 25 of the College’s most accomplished graduates, as well as one longtime friend of the College.
Ken Whisenhunt, head coach of the Tennessee Titans (and an alumnus of the College’s civil engineering school), was the ceremony’s guest speaker and, as usual, Dean Gary May led the evening as host. “Our honorees tonight are perfect examples of the transformational power of higher education,” May told the crowd.
Those honorees were inducted into one of three categories: the Council of Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni, the Academy of Distinguished Engineering Alumni, and the Engineering Hall of Fame. Council members are younger professionals establishing themselves as future leaders, and Academy members are typically mid-career executives. Hall of Fame inductees boast the longest and most illustrious careers, and each honoree was invited to the stage to share personal remarks.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech alumnus C. Michael Cassidy, president and CEO of the Georgia Research Alliance, was given the Dean’s Appreciation Award. Reserved for just one person each year, this award recognizes the College’s most loyal supporters. “Mike gambled on a company incubated in the College of Engineering by having the GRA support Suniva – which is now one of the nation’s top manufacturers of solar cells and panels,” May explained to the audience.
But the event was about more than honoring the College’s most distinguished alumni and supporters – it was also a chance to reunite with old friends and reminisce about favorite Georgia Tech memories. And so, the ceremony concluded with none other than the Georgia Tech Alumni Marching Band playing – what else? – “Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech.”
Click here to view photos from the event.
Click here for the 2014 induction ceremony program.
Congratulations to the 2014 inductees:
