State Employees Recognition Week
May 7, 2009
In his recent proclamation of State Employees Recognition Week, Gov. Sonny Perdue states that: "These hardworking men and women demonstrate dependability, initiative and practical stewardship of state resources."
I wholeheartedly concur, and this proclamation seems like a good time to reflect on my first month at Georgia Tech and share what I've observed of our organization and its people.
Last weekend, we marked the end of another academic year with the graduation of approximately 2,500 students. They are the best and most visible representation of our institutional ethos, and it was a great pleasure for me to personally congratulate each individual's achievement. But it also led me to reflect on the people behind the scenes, the staff who work in support of our vision to define the technological research university of the 21st century and educate the leaders of a technologically driven world.
While faculty are recognized as the heart and soul of any great university, our staff are the backbone, for they represent the support that keeps any great university running smoothly. I value and have tremendous respect for the contributions our staff makes to add to our reputation and prestige. We are fortunate here at Georgia Tech to have such an exceptional and dedicated workforce.
Most of all, I'm struck by the level of passion displayed for the Institute and its ideals. This is a solutions-oriented environment that values independent thinking and a hands-on approach. At its best, this combined effort produces superior graduates, greases the wheels of our state's economic development engine, and improves the lives of citizens both at home and abroad.
Each of us has a role to play in the execution of our mission "to provide the state of Georgia with the scientific and technological knowledge base, innovation, and workforce it needs to shape a prosperous and sustainable future and quality of life for its citizens." As we begin to think about broader strategic planning, I also plan to call upon your institutional experience. In the coming weeks and months, I will be meeting with academic and administrative departments in an effort to better understand your perspectives on what works for Georgia Tech as well as what is necessary for us to achieve even greater success.
I want to commend our faculty and staff for helping to make this university the great institution that it is today. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, and I welcome your comments, questions, and feedback at president@gatech.edu.
Sincerely,
G. P. "Bud" Peterson
President
