Like a wave, Pathway of Progress: Celebrating Georgia Tech Women is taking form near the John Lewis Student Center. The construction team has begun installing tension posts and will soon install over 3,000 mirrored, inscribed tiles in a networked mosaic that sweeps through the air. Construction is targeted for completion this fall, and a grand opening is planned for March 2025.

In March 2024, Georgia Tech announced the 70 inaugural honorees of the women from Tech area: alumnae who have forged pathways in their fields since leaving Tech. Today, we announce the inaugural honorees of the women at Tech area: the women who have made an impact on campus. Their contributions, each unique and significant, build the foundation of the larger story of women at Tech, from Tech’s founding in 1888, when women were not allowed to attend; to the campaign to admit women in the 1940s; to the first two female graduates in 1956; to the fight to admit women to all Tech majors in the 1960s; to breaking more barriers in the 1970s and 80s; and to the present day. It includes stories of women’s many “firsts” on campus and significant achievements in academics, sports, student government, and more. It includes recognition of women academics and administrators who have worked tirelessly to advance women at Tech and inspirational stories about the struggles that female students have overcome.  

Today, we offer the names of the women at Tech historic honorees.

This evolving, continuous tribute has three areas, beginning with a networked mosaic of inscribed tiles nestled in the landscape, wrapping around a circular, contemplative bench dedicated to the history of women at Tech. As it emerges from the ground, it expands into a network of pathways to present the voices of significant women from Tech, and as it reaches above the John Lewis Student Center terrace, it celebrates wishes for Tech’s future women. On opening day, 168 of the 3,000 inscribed tiles will present voices and stories from the installation’s inaugural honorees. Additional inscriptions will be added annually.

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In addition to the milestones inscribed as micro-stories on the tribute’s tiles, the project’s accompanying website will provide more in-depth resources.

The Pathway of Progress was made possible by generous support from Andrea L. Laliberte, IE 1982, M.S. IE 1984, and designed by Merica May Jensen, MGT 2008, M. ARCH 2011. A collaborative team across campus has supported its creation. Visit the project’s website to learn more.