Talks@Tech Hosts President Peterson for Student-Centric Q&A

What does President G.P. “Bud” Peterson envision for the students of Georgia Tech? What’s it like living in that big house on 10th Street? How many gold ties hang in his closet?

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, students can ask these questions and others when Peterson participates in Talks@Tech. He’ll give a brief opening before devoting most of an hour to an open mic question and answer session specifically for students. Organizers hope to make it an annual event.

“President Peterson often only has an opportunity to speak to students when we're upset with some sort of administrative policy,” said Graham Goldberg, a business administration and public policy student who heads the Talks@Tech committee. “We thought it would be great if he could address the student body independent of a hot-button issue.”

Goldberg hopes students will use the opportunity to talk face-to-face with the president about whatever issues, large or small, are on their minds.

“After all, a conversation is a two-way street and we want the topics discussed to result in tangible actions toward improving Georgia Tech,” he said.

Talks@Tech was designed by students as a way to hear from leaders in a variety of fields, make them available to students, and provide a catalyst for intellectual conversation. The group’s inaugural event hosted Bill Gates for a virtual Q&A with students last spring.

“The Talks@Tech initiative is a valuable student-led effort, and I’m honored to have the chance to address the students in this format,” Peterson said. “I’m looking forward to a lively, candid conversation.”

Peterson’s talk will be held in rooms 144 and 152 of Clough Commons. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can submit questions ahead of time via Facebook or Twitter.