Commencement Stories

At Georgia Tech, Commencement isn't just a ceremony, but a season of celebration. Each semester we celebrate our graduates by telling a few of their stories and exploring aspects of Tech's pomp and circumstance.

photo - three graduates in regalia

BREAKING DOWN THE CAP AND GOWN

Everything you always wanted to know about Georgia Tech's academic regalia.

grads taking photos

A PHOTO FINISH

Students share their graduation photos at the most picturesque places on campus, and Tech's staff photographer shares tips snd ideas to help you compose the perfect shot.

 

 

photo - scene from commencement

COMMENCEMENT WEBSITE

Find all commencement related information, and stream the ceremonies online.

photo - graduate holding diploma and program

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

For those who are still scrambling for the picture-perfect Commencement attire, here are some tips to help out.
 

 

Stories from Past Commencements

 

REFLECTION SPEAKERS

REFLECTION SPEAKERS CONNECT, INSPIRE

What would you say if you only had three minutes to sum up your entire Georgia Tech experience on one of the biggest days of your life?

MEGAN STEVENS

STEVENS EARNS FAMILY'S FIFTH TECH DEGREE

And she's not stopping there. This industrial and systems engineering major plans to earn another Georgia Tech degree next year.

lane mcaree

DEVELOPING A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE FROM TECH

As part of her Tech experience, business administration major Lane McAree traveled to Senegal to build a school for girls.

 

 

excel graduation

A NEW KIND OF GRADUATION

The first cohort graduates from Excel, a postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

GIULIANNA STOVALL

COMMUNITY IS WHAT MATTERS

Giuliana Stovall is pretty sure she knows one of every 64 students at Georgia Tech. She’s a Yellow Jacket and an engineering student, so, of course, she’s done the math.

A JOURNEY OF INDEPENDENCE

Aditi Shah, who lost her vision at age 15 and is the first person in her family to study in the U.S., is earning a master's in cybersecurity and headed to work at Microsoft.

FROM BALLET TO BUSINESS ANALYTICS

A Venn diagram of ballet and business analytics would find Heather Arentson positioned firmly in the intersection.

chloe thomas and kayleigh haskin

A LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP

These two Acworth natives met in fourth grade, lived together for four years, and have been nearly inseparable for 13.

patel sisters

SHARING AS SIBLINGS

Amy and Rachna Patel are 13 months apart and are both graduating from Georgia Tech early.

photo - ROTC graduates

GRAD CAPS & COMMISSIONS

Georgia Tech congratulates Spring 2019 graduates from its Air Force, Army, and Navy ROTC Programs.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Even when the odds aren’t in his favor, Ignacio Montoya has always managed to find his way. After a life-changing accident, he's learning to walk again and helping others do the same.

PURSUING A NONPROFIT PATH

Madison Kelley didn't plan to come to Georgia Tech, but after nearly five years, she has fallen in love with it. Next, she'll work for the Atlanta Mission.

DROPOUT TO SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Andrew Kell came to Georgia Tech out of high school, but he blew it. But, he got his life together and is now graduating with a bachelor’s degree and a 4.0 GPA.

miniature diploma

CELEBRATING SMALL

After Commencement, graduates eagerly check their mailboxes to receive their official degree — but they can also get a pocket-sized version of that prized piece of paper.

piedmont park

GEORGIA-GROWN GRADUATES

For many Georgia Tech graduates, the State of Georgia has always been their home. Some grew up as Tech fans, while others were raised in Bulldog families.

brandon gipson and ola johnson

FINDING COMMUNITY

Graduating students Brandon Gipson and Ola Johnson talk about their time at Tech and the family they found on campus.

world map with pins

FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

People come to Atlanta from around the world to study at Georgia Tech. Check out how some graduates got here, the experiences they've had, and where they're headed next.

photo - group of students

GRADUATES WITH GRATITUDE

Graduates from near and far share how they got to — and through — Georgia Tech, and who helped along the way.

glee club

GLEE IS IN THE HEART

Josh Ingersoll is excited for his Commencement, but it won't be his first. He's performed with the Glee Club at two other graduation ceremonies.

sam dennard

HE GOT IN AND GOT OUT

Sam Dennard was denied on his first attempt to transfer into Georgia Tech. He persevered, and now he is graduating with a degree in civil engineering.

first gen graduates

FIRST IN THEIR FAMILIES

The sweet celebration that is Commencement is all the more so when you're the first in your family to graduate from an institution of higher learning.

photo - emma siegfried

FAMILY FOOTSTEPS LEAD TO TECH

Emma Siegfried is the latest in a line of family members who have been attending Georgia Tech for more than 100 years.

photo - KYLE FORBES

SHOWING INITIATIVE LANDS DREAM JOB

Kyle Forbes went to Orlando for Spring Break, but not for fun. He went in search of his dream job as a theme park designer.

photo - OMSCS grads

COMMENCEMENT: NOT A VIRTUAL REALITY

For OMSCS students, Commencement is sometimes the first time they set foot on campus.

photo - Shay and Shannon Ashmon

THE ASHMONS: A FAMILY AFFAIR

Shay and Shannon were undergraduates together at Tech some 20 years ago.

photo - tech promise graduates

LIFELONG LEARNERS

While the focus during Commencement week rightly resides with Georgia Tech students, many staff are equally committed to advancing their education.

 

photo - students in Howey

FROM YELLOW JACKETS TO WORKER BEES

Students share their post-graduation career plans and how they navigated their way there.

photo - profiles in perseverance

PROFILES IN PERSEVERANCE

The college experience is different for every student. Three graduates share their journeys through unexpected twists and turns, and their determination to finish.

photo - group of commencement staff

UNDER THE HOOD

Georgia Tech staff and volunteers strive to make each event special for nearly 3,000 students.

photo - service grads

MORE THAN A MOTTO

Georgia Tech’s motto of Progress and Service is emulated by its student body. Graduates talk about their passion for service.

photo - vintage photo of commencement in Bobby Dodd stadium

LOOKING BACK

The history and traditions of Georgia Tech Commencements through the years, since 1890.

photo - group of tech students posing for picture

TECH REFLECTIONS

Five graduating students tell their version of the Tech experience and share memories as undergraduates.

photo - wedding photo of Katily and Benjamin

MAKING IT WORK

The challenges, surprises, and rewards of balancing love, marriage, and scholarship for two Georgia Tech couples.

photo - strudent holding photo of Tech Towers

A FAMILY TRADITION

As Tech celebrated its 250th Commencement in December 2015, a few graduates shared connections to Commencements past.

photo - tech promise graduates

FUTURES FILLED WITH PROMISE

The G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Scholarship program celebrates 10 years and hundreds of graduates.