Reflecting on Tech
They say that all good things must come to an end, but maybe they don’t have to. Even after finals come and go, packing begins and friends scatter to different places perhaps the best things just become part of who we are. As the semester winds to a close and campus starts to empty, here at the Technique, we are reflecting on not just what we are leaving behind, but what we are taking with us — what made this year at the Institute worth remembering.
When we began to look back on the semester, two fundamental motifs stood out: the progress being realized on cam- pus and the resilience of our student body in the face of adversity.
While we’ve certainly shared in the frustration over campus construction — in fact, we dedicated an entire consensus to it — we’re also beginning to see the fruits of all that noise and delay. New bike lanes have started opening up around Tech, easing traffic and making commutes safer. The long-awaited Pathway of Progress near the John Lewis Student Center finally opened, creating a space that honors the legacy of women who shaped Georgia Tech. Funded and designed by women, the monument features reflective honeycomb tiles etched with the stories of influential female alumni and leaders. It’s not just a beautiful place to pass through — it’s a moment of pause, a place of pride, and a reminder of the progress we can still make.
In Tech Square, exciting changes are already taking shape. New buildings are rising to support research and innovation, and a growing list of restaurants are opening their doors, bringing fresh energy and flavor to Midtown. Plus, expanded BuzzCard payments at the restaurants provides more flexibility to the student body. These aren’t just cosmetic changes; they’re signs
of a campus and a city evolving together.
Tech has also made strides in integrating arts education into its academic and cultural fabric. The Arts Square initiative, which aims to repurpose the Randall Brothers buildings on Marietta Street, will create an environment that fosters collaboration at the intersection of science, art and technology.
This innovative space will also strengthen ties with Atlanta’s vibrant and growing media scene, offering students and faculty new opportunities for creative expression and development. Complementing this initiative, the Artist-in-Residence program, established in 2022 through the Library, continues to thrive, providing students with unique opportunities to work closely with renowned artists. By bridging the gap between art, technology and media, the Institute is working to reshape our STEM-only reputation, cultivating an interdisciplinary environment that encourages creative exploration and innovation.
The all-new Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy marks a signif- icant step in recognizing the growing importance of interdisciplinary education, particularly as the Institute strengthens its partnership with organizations like CNN to offer students hands-on opportunities in media and policy.
These changes are indicative of Tech’s broader commitment to not just being a STEM powerhouse, but a school that fosters well-rounded, forward-thinking individuals ready to lead in multiple sectors. One excellent example of this is our school’s Mock Trial Team, which ranked #10 in the nation and showcased the competitive spirit of our students and their ability to excel in areas outside of engineering.
Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of this year has been the incredible resilience shown by the Tech community, especially in the light of challenges that tested our values and unity. As changes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies loomed and campus resources closed, our student body responded not with silence, but with strength. We saw GT Students for Belonging bolster their social media presence in a matter of weeks, sharing information on legislative changes to an audience of over 700 followers and even organizing a protest SB 120, a bill that would have restricted DEI efforts at Georgia Tech. This was a clear signal that students were no longer passive observers but active participants in the fight for the campus culture they wanted to see.
The election of Sultan Ziyad and Xiomara Salinas to the SGA presidency has energized our student government, with fresh leadership ready to bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. The election also showcased record numbers of student participation and investment in our student government. In town halls and campus discussions, students spoke up, voicing their concerns and hopes for the future in the wake of significant changes. They didn’t shy away from advocating for what they believe is right and pushing for a campus where every student has a voice. In times of need, our student body has consistently come together—not just to face adversity, but to rise above it.
As we reflect on this year, it’s clear that the progress we’ve made on campus, the strength of our community and the resilience we’ve shown together all speak to something fundamental: the enduring spirit of the Institute. Through policy shifts and moments of uncertainty, we’ve emerged stronger, more united and more committed than ever to making our voices heard and shaping the
future of this institution.