The Institute will be hosting a full day of activities to celebrate the investiture of President “Bud” Peterson, Tech’s tenth president, on September 3.
The events aim to celebrate the historical event with the Tech community.
“As students, we are extremely lucky to be able to partake in this entire process — from the investiture to aiding in the development of the Strategic Plan,” said Alina Staskevicius, Undergraduate Student Body President.
“This year, we have the unique opportunity to literally shape the future of our Institution,” Staskevicius said.
The day will begin with the 11 a.m. Investiture Ceremony in the Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Many distinguished guests including Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, several Georgia state legislators, presidents from other Georgia universities and all Tech faculty are just some of the guests invited to the event.
Students are also encouraged to attend the ceremony. Therefore, all classes will be cancelled from 12 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Among other things, President Peterson is expected to speak about the launch of the Institute’s Strategic Plan. Peterson’s Strategic Plan features goals for the Institute that he hopes are achieved over the next 25 years.
After the Investiture Ceremony, President Peterson will host a Strategic Plan discussion to discuss the points of Tech’s strategic plan for the future.
Students and anyone interested in Tech’s future are encouraged to participate in active discussions with President Peterson and representatives from the Office of the President regarding the plan.
The meeting will take place in Tech Square. There will be two meetings, an hour and a half long each, where five different topics regarding the Strategic Plan will be discussed.
The meeting is intended for students to take an active role in the Strategic Planning process and gives President Peterson the opportunity to explain his vision for the Institute.
“As students, we often hear that we are at the heart of everything our administration does. So, it is our responsibility to share in the Investiture of our new President. It is our duty to participate in the Strategic Planning process with the campus leadership, and communicate our ideas and vision for the future of Tech,” Staskevicius said.
To wrap up the Investiture activities, SGA is organizing a Campus Welcome Back Celebration in Calloway Plaza at 7 p.m.
The event is a student-led celebration that will feature student organizations as well as free food and T-shirts.
Representatives from SGA promise that there will be plenty of high quality entertainment for the students and faculty to enjoy.
The finale of the day’s celebrations will be a fireworks show in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
This event is a chance for the Tech community to come together and celebrate with the new president, as well as an opportunity to start a new Tech tradition.
If the event is popular enough with students and faculty, the Welcome Back Celebration could become a regular fixture in the fall schedule.
“[I’m] really excited with the opportunity to have this event. It’s a great opportunity to foster the welcome back spirit in the Georgia Tech community,” said Corey Boone, SGA VP of Communications.