IN THIS ISSUE Honoring Our Veterans • Military Research • CoE Gives Thanks
Volunteer Opportunities • Service Anniversaries
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The ISyE alumnus and professor of the practice served for 32 years, worked for the NBA, and just finished his doctorate. Ahead of Veterans Day, Johnson talked about his service and his not-really-retirement retirement.
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| Thank You for Your Service
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A number of staff and faculty in the College have served in the United States Armed Forces. A few shared photos and a few details.
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| Master Sgt. Tiffany Sneeze
U.S. Air Force Reserves, U.S. Air National Guard
2000-2008, 2010-present
Current Role: Financial Manager II, ME
“I was the noncommissioned officer in charge of the immunizations clinic for more than eight years. In that time, I was recognized nationally for my contributions to the Mobile COVID Vaccination Team in 2021.”
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| Senior Airman John Temple
U.S. Air Force
1992-1998 (Active Duty)
Current Role: Academic & Research IT Support Engineer Senior, CEE
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| | Sgt. Mike Anderson
U.S. Marine Corps
1994-1999 (Active Duty)
Current Role: IT Support Professional Manager Senior, CEE
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CoE Research Supports Military Objectives
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Army veteran Griffin Fitzgerald recently participated in research to advance prosthetic control so walking with a robotic device is more intuitive, natural, and easier in the real world. The ME team is working to make it easier for patients to climb stairs or walk up ramps using a robotic prosthesis without having to trigger different modes or compensate in some unnatural way. Fitzgerald lost his right leg above the knee after a blast injury in Afghanistan in 2011.
From Senior Research Scientist Kinsey Herrin: “He’s absolutely amazing — he supports research every chance he gets and has participated in a ton of studies, though this was his first with us at Georgia Tech. He supports and trains new patients who have recently undergone amputation to help them walk better, and he just generally has an amazing, ‘I can do it!’ attitude.”
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Georgia Tech’s Veterans Resource Center promotes student learning and development and supports degree completion for students who are veterans, military, reservist, guard members, and dependents. The Center offers comprehensive support services that enhance and complement the academic experience — information sharing, referral services, outreach, opportunities for involvement, and more.
Location: BioQuad, between Ford ES&T and MoSE buildings (311 Ferst Dr. NW)
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Georgia Tech Veterans Day Lunch
The Veterans Resource Center is hosting its annual Veterans Day Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Ferst Center lobby. All students, faculty, and staff who are veterans or currently active in any of the Armed Forces branches are invited to attend.
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Our colleagues share some of their favorite Thanksgiving traditions:
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“Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, my family and I eagerly engage in a cherished tradition of volunteering. This meaningful tradition was initially introduced to me in 2017 when I joined my fraternity in Chicago. Inspired by the impact it had in our community, my family and I continued this tradition when we moved to Atlanta in 2019.
“We find ourselves at a local shelter, giving our time and energy to those who need it the most. The act of volunteering is not just a routine; it's a deeply rewarding experience that enriches our holiday season. The sense of
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fulfillment and the knowledge that we are making a positive difference in the lives of others add a special, heartwarming dimension to holiday festivities.
“This tradition is becoming a cornerstone of our holiday celebrations, and it's one we're committed to preserving for years to come. It's a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude and compassion during the holiday season.”
– Mack Curtis, Academic Assistant II, ME
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“We make sure we have everything that is needed in the house by Tuesday/Wednesday so that there is no reason for us to leave the house on Thanksgiving (if truth be told, we cook everything Wednesday night!). We get up Thursday, have breakfast, and share what we are thankful for. Then we watch football and snack on dinner for the rest of the day, so when dinner rolls around, we have dessert and continue watching football or the backs of our eyelids before retiring for the evening.”
– LaShone Simmons, Faculty Support Coordinator, CEE
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“We spend Thanksgiving with family — either immediate or extended. One year, we went to Hawaii to be with Jennifer, my oldest daughter; last year, we spent Thanksgiving with Morgan, our youngest daughter, in the Dominican Republic. This year, we will be in Raleigh, North Carolina, with my husband Steve’s family. We always go around the table, wherever we are, sharing what we are thankful for.”
– Vickie Brian, Assistant Director of Administrative Operations, AE
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“My family comes over and we have a big feast with turkey and dressing, ham and all the fixings, and of course, my famous citrus cake. Also, we decorate our home to bring in the Christmas Spirit.”
– Yame Rollins, Development Assistant Senior, ISyE
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Image courtesy: Hosea Helps
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We’ve curated a few Thanksgiving and holiday season opportunities to give time, food, or financial support to nonprofits making a difference in metro Atlanta.
Hands On Atlanta
Hands On Atlanta connects volunteers and supports with nonprofits across metro Atlanta. Their calendar features 20+ projects or opportunities every day with organizations across our community. As they say, “Find a trusted partner with a meaningful project, and together let’s do something good.”
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Thanks for Giving (Volunteer, Donate Food or Funds)
The Center for Family Resources believes improving family stability enhances community stability. Every family deserves the Thanksgiving tradition of a meal together. Thanksgiving week can be even more financially stressful when students are home from school for more than just the holiday meal. For over 37 years, the Center has helped Cobb County families to build lasting memories and create traditions through our annual Thanks for Giving program. With your help, we will reach our goal of serving 1,000 families.
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NFCC Seasonal Programs (Volunteer, Donate)
Join North Fulton Community Charities in helping families in need in our community by supporting our seasonal assistance programs. For families who are struggling to afford the basics, the cost of seasonal extras can be a substantial financial burden. Each year, our caring community of supporters comes together to help families with seasonal needs.
Toyland Shop – donate new, unwrapped toys, contribute funds, or volunteer to help out at the shop
Senior Baskets – donate a basket for local seniors or volunteer to help receive and sort baskets
Food Pantry – donate high-need items or even shop on Amazon
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Hosea Helps Holiday Dinner Events (Volunteer, Donate)
Every holiday season, Hosea Helps serves more than 20,000 meals in person or packed to-go and delivered to the homes of senior citizens and households without transportation. Volunteer opportunities typically open 3-4 weeks before events.
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Lift Up Atlanta Projects (Volunteer, Donate)
Since 2011, Lift Up Atlanta has helped thousands of people with basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, school supplies, educational services, warm wear, and more. Currently, the organization is working on a variety of winter and holiday programs, including: Holiday Food Baskets, Warm Wear Drive, Adopt a Child/Children for Christmas, and a Toy Drive.
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What Are You Thankful For?
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The Thanksgiving holidays have many of us considering all that we appreciate in our lives. Here’s a bit of what’s fostering gratitude across the College:
“I have so much to be grateful for, and I feel so lucky that is the case. Gratitude has been a constant theme for me lately as I recently got married. I felt grateful throughout the planning process and immensely so as we got to celebrate with our family and friends throughout our wedding weekend. I know these feelings of gratitude will continue as we look back on our wedding day and cherish those memories.”
– Kaitlyn Luppino, College Advising Consultant, Dean’s Office
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“One of the main things I am thankful for is my work family. A lot has changed in the 10 years I have been at Georgia Tech, but the one thing that remains the same is that I love my job. Not many people can say that, so I do not take it for granted. I am so grateful to work in an office and a school where individuals are recognized for their strengths and encouraged to give their best. I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up, and I am doing it every day. I am blessed!”
– Lenna Applebee, Academic Advisor II, ME
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“I am thankful for having such a GREAT work family. We spend just as much of our time with the people we work with as we do with our biological families. That’s not to say we don’t have our issues/disagreements, but you work through them by talking it out with the person and/or our managers. I think we have a great group of people, and that really makes the days go by with less stress.”
– LaShone Simmons, Faculty Support Coordinator, CEE
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“There are so many things that I am thankful for — my children, my boyfriend, and my sister. I am also grateful for this time of year. I am always so happy to welcome fall — the cool weather, changing leaves, and football (Go Jackets!! 🐝)”
– Kirsten Dillard, Program Support Coordinator, Dean’s Office
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| “I’m so thankful for the unconditional love of family and friends — and even more so with the recent loss of my mother. My family and friends ALWAYS show up, but there’s just something different about the love and support I've received these last several months. My family ... 🥰”
– Tiffany Sneeze, Financial Manager II, ME
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“I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ and my faith. I am thankful for the wonderful people I work with, the health of my family, and God’s blessings.”
– Vickie Brian, Assistant Director of Administrative Operations, AE
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“It may be cliche, but I am thankful for my family — especially my son and daughter. It took us a few years to have children, but they are both young adults now and happy Georgia Tech/College of Engineering graduates.”
– Douglas Williams, Senior Associate Dean for Finance & Administration
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“I am grateful for my amazing improv community at Whole World Improv Theatre. From the talented performers to the supportive audience, the community creates a vibrant and inclusive space for laughter, creativity, and personal growth. I am thankful for the friendships formed, the stories shared, and the joy experienced through the art of improvisation.”
– Eden Kahssai, Associate Director of Development, ME
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Swag Wanted: President’s Graduation Celebration
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CoE has a table at the President’s Graduation Celebration, and we’re asking every School to donate some swag for our graduates. Please deliver your swag to Tech Tower, 3rd floor front desk, or contact lynnae.hill@coe.gatech.edu for pickup by Monday, December 4.
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Congratulations to our colleagues celebrating service anniversaries in September and October. We have 63 folks who’ve worked with us from one to 35 years! Thanks for all each of you brings to our community. 💛
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Congratulations, Retirees!
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Join us in celebrating our co-workers and friends who’ve retired over the last year or so. Georgia Tech honored them in October alongside retirees across campus at the Institute Retirement Ceremony.
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Teresa Askew, Unit Administrative Officer, ECE
Peggy Bard, Admin Professional Sr, ISyE
Gee-Kung Chang, Professor, ECE
Ye-Hwa Chen, Professor, ME
Jacquline Cox, Program & Ops Mgr, College of Engineering
Kathy Crews, Event Coordinator II, ISyE
John Doane, Senior Research Engineer, ME
Russell Dupuis, Professor, ECE
James Godard, Asst Dir-Admin Ops, MSE
Itzhak Green, Professor, ME
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| Nolan Hertel, Professor, ME
Raymond Hill, Senior Research Technologist, ECE
Sheldon Jeter, Associate Professor, ME
James Kenney, Professor, ECE
Radhakrishnaiah Parachuru, Senior Academic Professional, MSE
David Rosen, Professor, ME
Madhavan Swaminathan, Professor, ECE
Hsu-Pin Wang, Professor, ISyE
Wayne Whiteman, Principal Acad Professional, ME
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Richard Terry (ChBE) and Lori Federico (ChBE), our grilling photo contest winners this summer, had lunch with Dean Beyah.
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One last “Happy Halloween” from Gru (Diego Remolina, Dean’s Office) and the Minions (Angie Remolina, Dean’s Office, and Peter Huynh, ECE), who made the rounds of our Schools last week. They spread smiles and candy to every corner of the College — and not too much mayhem (though we’re not sure what the other Minions and Dr. Nefario were up to … ).
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Sudie Davis, ISyE
LaJauna Ellis, Dean’s Office
Sarah Flake, ChBE & MSE
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| Melody Foster, ME
Dawn Franklin, Dean’s Office
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| Michael Gooden, CEE
Marva White, AE
Shalonda Williams, ECE
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