PROGRAM HISTORY
Sometime during the 1980-1981 academic year, a family from Columbus, Georgia visited the Georgia Tech campus. While seated in the Office of Associate Vice President, Dr. E. Jo Baker, the parents explained that their son, a high school senior with a perfect 1600 SAT score, was considering Georgia Tech along with a number of other institutions. They inquired about merit scholarships for outstanding students. Although financial need was not an issue, the parents were concerned that their son receive recognition for his superior performance. Dr. Baker was forced to explain that no scholarships based solely on merit (other than National Merit) were available. However, she did promise to see if anything could be done to recognize this unusual student.
She related the family's situation to Dr. Walter Bloom, then Assistant to the President. He conferred with Suzanne Ferst Bloom, his wife, and the Ferst Foundation. They immediately agreed to sponsor a scholarship, and also decided to bring the matter to the attention of the Georgia Tech Foundation. An award was offered to the student, and although he chose to accept another scholarship at Duke University, the idea for the President's Scholarship had begun.
The Ferst Foundation and the Georgia Tech Foundation soon authorized six scholarships for the 1981-1982 school year. The Program Founders included:
• Prof. William Ames, Professor in the School of Mathematics
• Dr. E. Jo Baker, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Dr. Walter Bloom, Assistant to the President
• Dr. Denney Freeston, Associate Dean of Engineering
• Mr. Warren Heemann, Vice President for Development
• Mr. Jerry Hitt, Director of Admissions
• Mr. William T. Lee, Director of Financial Aid
• Dr. Marilu McCarty, Associate Professor in College of Management
• Dr. Elliott Pavlos, Professor in the College of Architecture
A comprehensive campus committee, chaired by Dr. Baker, was appointed to represent the four colleges at Georgia Tech, the Office of Financial Aid, the President's Office, Admissions, and the Office of the Vice President for Development. This committee established this criteria used to evaluate each applicant, and developed the selection procedures to be followed. Although scholarship would be a necessary component, the committee felt that a strong academic record alone should not be sufficient. The objective was to select outstanding students who had demonstrated the ability to balance scholarship with leadership. Over time, the committee has refined the assessment process, but the criteria today remains the same.
The performance of President's Scholars and their contributions to the campus environment validate the selection process. Their leadership has helped make the campus become a more attractive place for other students.
As of spring 2006, approximately 1170 students had graduated from Georgia Tech under the President's Scholarship Program, over 90 percent with Honors or higher. As undergraduates, Scholars have received numerous awards for outstanding achievements. They have held almost every leadership position available to undergraduates, from Student Government President to Editor of the Blueprint. They have run cross-country, led cheers and twirled batons at athletic events, submitted paintings for art exhibits, played in the band, sung in the Chorale, directed DramaTech productions, participated in Ms. Georgia Tech's Court, and even competed—and won—on Jeopardy. Today, President's Scholars continue to play vital roles in many campus organizations and activities.
As graduates, their careers are as diverse as their activities were on campus. If you need a corporate attorney to help you manage a merger, call a PS graduate. Seeking a physician who specializes in family care? How about gastroenterology? Call a Scholar. Need help in designing computer systems? Information on the economics of providing on-site repairs? Current research on the treatment of diabetes-mellitus? How to handle hazardous waste? Call a President's Scholarship Program graduate.
President's Scholars are exciting and creative as students, and they are exciting and creative as graduates. We are proud of all of them.