The Dream and the Journey Continue
January 18, 2013
This April marks the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Over the next few days, millions of people across the country, as well as the world, will commemorate his life, his work, and the dream he shared with us all. We in the Atlanta community will join together in service to honor a man whose unwavering commitment to eradicating injustice changed – and is still changing – the world.
While the ideals Dr. King embraced should not be – and have not been – relegated to one holiday, all of us here at Georgia Tech can, and should, mark this occasion in solemn reflection in appreciation of the sacrifice of past leaders. We should also take heart from their demonstrations of social courage. It is important that we all work to reflect and promote their vision as we pass the baton to a new generation. While many of those on the Georgia Tech campus today, and virtually all of our students, were not born into the struggles of the civil rights movement, we are, nevertheless, part of the journey.
Georgia Tech has a strong commitment to diversity, and we are purposeful in creating an inclusive environment in which diversity can thrive to create the very best possible educational setting. Thus, we must continue to enhance our culture of collegiality, close collaboration, global perspective, intercultural sensitivity and respect, and promote thoughtful interaction among a diverse community of scholars that includes all of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
May the ideals espoused by Dr. King help light the way and serve to guide us as we strive to create a brighter tomorrow.
G. P. "Bud" Peterson
President
