The Georgia Tech Ambassador Program was created in 1989 as an outgrowth of the Student Alumni Association.
Under the guidance of John Carter, Vice-President and Executive Director of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, the program has grown into an active group of undergraduate students who are recognized for leadership qualities, communication skills, knowledge of the Institute, and an unlimited enthusiasm for Tech. Often, the Ambassadors are the first people that many alumni meet when they arrive back at Tech.
The Ambassadors offered alumni guided walking and bus tours of campus. The bus tours followed the loop around campus while the guides pointed out major improvements on campus due to the Olympics. The buses also stopped by the Aquatic Center for a detailed tour.
Whitney Hopkins, who was responsible for the campus tours, noted that while the bus tours accommodated many alumni, "the walking tours were more personal and spontaneous."
Manisha Shetty guided a walking tour. When asked about the personal interaction with the alumni, she remarked, "The best part was seeing that their enthusiasm for Georgia Tech hadn't faded...even 40 years after graduation."
Many of the returning alumni graduated decades ago, but it is encouraging to find out that they continue to return yearly. One alumnus returning this year was Col. C.B. Drennon, recipient of last year's Service Award. Drennon "got out" in 1931 and is reported to be the last living person to know the true identity of George P. Burdell.
The Adopt-An-Alum program pairs students with alumni. They stay together for a day and share information and thoughts about Tech.
This program benefits our alumni by giving them an opportunity to go "behind the curtain" and communicate with students through a common bond. This interaction enables many alumni to justify their donations to Tech. As tuition creeps upward year after year, it is often overlooked that our alumni graciously donate of their own wealth in order to keep that rise to a minimum.
During Homecoming, not only did the Ambassadors help alumni by giving them tours and "adopting" them, but they also helped to greet alumni and distinguished guests in the President's Box during the football game. The Ambassadors helped to attach a face to the campus to which alumni returned. Also, they were involved on the field during halftime. Three of the five candidates for Ms. Georgia Tech were Ambassadors.
Whether it was through guiding tours, participating in an "adoption" program, or helping in the President's Box, the Georgia Tech Ambassadors were deeply involved in meeting the charge that alumni feel welcome as they return to campus.
As Jennifer Hansard reflected, "The best part about the day was the opportunity to show my pride about Tech and its growth. Homecoming means so much more that the football game or the Greek activities--it is when the alumni really do 'come home' to Tech."
