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Nov. 11, 2022
 
 
 

A Message from Mike Shannon, Interim Executive Vice President

Administration and Finance

 
 
 
 
 
 

Good Afternoon,

Mike ShannonThis has been a very special week for the Georgia Tech community and the nation overall. On Tuesday (or even earlier), many of us exercised our right to vote. Regardless of political viewpoint, I hope you take a moment to appreciate how fortunate we are to live in a representative democracy where we can freely cast our vote at the polls. As many of you know, I served for many years in the United States Army and swore to defend the Constitution of the United States. A key right of our Constitution is the freedom to vote. While no government is perfect, it makes me proud to be an American. I am hopeful for the future and the next generation of voters to come.
 
Being Veterans Day, I reflect on how none of this would be possible without our military veterans – the courageous and heroic defenders of our nation and democracy. Let me take this moment to say thank you to my fellow veterans. While we take today to officially celebrate and honor you, your commitment and valor is appreciated every single day of the year. On this Veterans Day, I salute you, your sacrifice, and your service. I vow that we will never forget!
 
Georgia Tech has a long and rich history of supporting and partnering with the armed forces that extends back to the 19th century. Did you know that seven of the Institute’s 12 presidents were veterans? And this only adds to the distinguished list of Georgia Tech community members who have played a role in serving our country and the Institute – truly living the Institute’s motto of Progress and Service.

Yesterday, we celebrated the unveiling of the Georgia Tech Veterans Walk of Honor which will serve as an expanded home and sanctuary for the Georgia Tech veteran community. The conceptualization and creation of this space is a partnership with the Veterans Resource Center – a critical student life service that helps our Georgia Tech veteran students get the support and benefits needed to ease their transition to college and civilian life. It was a day of gratitude and pride for Georgia Tech’s veterans, and I thank all of you who played a part in making this a very special event.

For me, the true highlight of the day was the unveiling of a bronze memorial honoring Colonel (Ret.) Ralph Puckett Jr., a former Georgia Tech student, who was recently awarded by U.S. President Biden the prestigious Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. Colonel Puckett earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Korean War nearly 72 years ago. If you have a moment, you can read about Colonel Puckett and his heroism.

I actually had the privilege of learning leadership skills from Colonel Puckett at Fort Benning when I was a young Army officer back in the early 1990s. Colonel Puckett is the living embodiment of the Army Values, the Soldier’s Creed, the Ranger Creed, and the Georgia Tech motto of Progress and Service. Yesterday, Georgia Tech had the fortune to honor him. I take great pride in being able to present him this recognition on behalf of the Institute for his selfless dedication to our country. Thank you, Colonel Puckett – you are an American hero and a proud Yellow Jacket!

And in the spirit of giving thanks, please join me and the A&F leadership team next Friday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. for the last A&F Virtual Town Hall of 2022. We will celebrate the many achievements in A&F during 2022 and give thanks to the teams who made them possible. In addition, please save the date for the A&F Holiday Celebration on Dec. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Exhibition Hall and join us for food and festivities. So, get out your ugly sweaters and wash your holiday-themed socks – we are going to have some fun and celebrate in the true spirit of “a festivus for the rest of us!” More details will be shared shortly.
 
Please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be helpful to you as we all live to uphold the motto of Progress and Service. If you can today, please find a veteran and shake their hand. They will surely appreciate it. Take care and thank you for all you do!


All my best,
Mike Shannon's Signature





Mike Shannon
Interim Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance
Interim Chief Business Officer

 
 
 
 
 

This Week In Photos


Campus Clash
As part of Ethics Week, campus leadership enjoyed a Family Feud-style contest in Campus Clash. Chaouki Abdallah, executive vice president for Research, hosted the event with featured participants (photo left to right) Luoluo Hong, vice president for Student Engagement and Well-Being; Mike Shannon, interim executive vice president for Administration and Finance; Dene Sheheane, president of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association; and Skye Duckett, vice president and chief human resources officer.

Veterans Celebration with Col. Puckett
Honoring Georgia Tech veterans during the Veterans Walk of Honor celebration with (photo left to right) General (Ret.) Larry Ellis; David Ross, director of the Veterans Resource Center, Mike Shannon; Col. Ralph Puckett Jr; and President Cabrera.

Veterans Walk of Honor
Rendering of the proposed walkway leading up to the Veterans Resource Center.