STORIES
A tale of freshman naivity and Dr. Baker's boundless benificence: As a freshman, I received a parking ticket for failing to vacate a student lot before a football game. I wasn't aware of this parking policy and, with all the self-righteous indignation of a scolded prince, I went to Dr. Baker and asked what she could do. If I were sitting in her chair, I probably would have said, "You pay that fine and don't ever bother me with something this stupid again." Instead, she asked me to sit down, asked me how my courses were progressing, what activities I was pursuing, what I thought I might like to do when I finished school, etc. At the end of our conversation, she called up the chief of campus police (whom she addressed by his first name) and asked him if he could take care of a little problem. You can guess that this was the first of many parking tickets that I would receive at Georgia Tech, but it was the last one that Dr. Baker ever saw. I learned how incredibly generous she is with her time and I realized that one should not abuse such kindness. It is great and unachieved aspiration of mine to be so generous.
I had spent months organizing a 3 day student/faculty/industry
conference for the Georgia Tech Executive Round Table during my
senior year, which Dr. Baker and several PS scholars attended. During
the conference, I thought about little else except trying to pull
off the affair without a hitch. Suddenly, Dr. Baker surprised me
at one of the sessions by announcing that I had won the Phi Kappa
Phi Scholarship Cup for 1992 which was given for academic achievement
to one senior per graduating year. The whole room gave me a standing
ovation, the only one that I have ever received! What touched me
the most was not only that Dr. Baker was the first to tell me, but
that she told everyone else in the world (much like a proud mother).
Her "bragging" was a poignant illustration of the personal
investment that she made in my own education, not to mention the
education of every scholar in the program.
As an incoming freshman, I wasn't sure what I wanted to pursue as
a career, but liked the balance between engineering and business
in the industrial engineering curriculum. When I spoke with Dr.
Michael Thomas, then head of the ISyE school, during my PSP interview,
he asked, "Why are you interested in IE?" Apparently,
I was the first PS to start as an IE (as opposed to changing majors).
To get a better understanding of career opportunities, I chose to
participate in the cooperative education (co-op) program. In the
spring of my freshman year, I went to work for Milliken & Company,
a textile manufacturer, in the traditional industrial engineering
department at their carpet factory in LaGrange, GA. During that
quarter and the following fall quarter, I participated in a number
of important process improvement and plant layout projects. But
the project that caught my attention required me to develop an information
system that significantly improved operational efficiency.
When I went back to school in the winter of 1986, I asked my co-op
advisor if I could find another co-op job that would enable me to
experience computer systems development and integration. He told
me, "No - we don't like our students to switch employers."
Frustrated, I envisioned leaving the co-op program to work on my
own. I went to speak with Dr. Baker about it (I often stopped by
to visit Dr. Baker - she always had an open door), and she encouraged
me to speak with my co-op advisor again. "He already told me
'No,'" I complained. "Just go speak to him again,"
she suggested.
When I did, I was surprised to learn that he already scheduled 4
interviews. I ultimately worked in a great role with IBM (who sent
me to its internal school for systems development). What I did as
a co-op for IBM directly impacted almost every consulting project
I've done since I graduated. If Dr. Baker had not influenced my
decision, I surely would have been less successful.
I'm not sure she ever forgave me for not pursuing an advanced degree
(I liked ISyE because it was like getting an MBA and an engineering
degree at the same time) - but I'll always appreciate the many wonderful
things she did for me and for the other scholars I knew. In a world
where you are known more by your SSN than by your name, it is rare
to find an executive that is personally involved as was Dr. Baker.
The first hike up Stone Mountain in the early fall of 1983 was so
wonderful. I had sent letters inviting all the current President’s
Scholars to join me in a picnic-hike on a Saturday morning. We were
to meet in the student center. I sat there, wondering if anyone
would come. Since I didn’t have a car, it was going to be
a pretty long hike if no one showed up! Fortunately about 10 of
us carpooled out, bought KFC on the way, and had an amazing time.
That hike was the beginning of two of my most treasured friendships.
I also remember going to study in the conference room at the top
of the Tech Tower (before the Skiles Room was set up), finding Ken
asleep over his books. Riding the elevator down to the basement
to raid the vending machines was scary and spooky. Having dinner
with President and Mrs. Pettit at the President’s house was
a tremendous experience each year.
The interview weekends each year were great fun. I loved dancing
at the parties in Woodruff, talking with parents on the bus tours,
and talking with all the candidates about the wonderful PS Program.
Each year I was even more grateful to be involved and to learn from
all the talented scholars.
Dr. Baker and I discussed my goal of becoming a commercial airline
pilot some day. Key in the discussion was how intellectually fulfilling,
or not, flying for an airline would be and whether that line of
work would truly suit me. While the flying aspect can be rather
mundane (except for the odd moment of stark terror), there are opportunities
to use my engineering training. There are technical committees with
both the company and the union where I could put my other talents
and training to use. Also, the nature of an airline pilot's schedule
is such that I'll be able to volunteer as a substitute teacher in
the local school districts where I hope I can inject some of my
love of learning. For Dr. Baker, thank you for your wise, and prescient,
counsel that day. Your concerns were certainly justified, but circumstances
have provided me opportunities to use my education and further my
intellectual interests and still fly planes.
Dr. Baker's open door policy helped was invaluable as I was making
the adjustment to Tech. For example, she helped me put things in
perspective after I received my first report card. Even though my
concerns must have seemed silly to her (as they do to me now), she
was compassionate and thoughtful when dispensing her words of wisdom.
I really treasured her perspective as senior member of the faculty,
and as a role model.
I started my scholastic career at Tech with a bang -- a 4.0 my first
quarter -- but I never saw a 4.0 again! In fact, during my junior
and senior years my grades really took a dive, and Dr. Baker provided
me with both a stern warning to buckle down as well as some helpful
advice in examining my future. She reminded me that many scholars
pursue careers outside of engineering or science, and that success
was not always measured by technical prowess. Although this was
difficult to believe from within the confines of Tech, coming from
Dr. Baker I realized that maybe there was life beyond engineering.
Her advice and guidance served me well in both my graduate education
and my career.
I have no specific story other than remembering the hours I spent
working for Dr. Baker's office. Kathy was always such a friendly
person, but had to have things filed just so. Jan was always walking
so fast, with something on her mind. Mark working on that computer,
always willing to talk about something. Myra working on some project.
The big room of professor files and lots of filing. The halls stacked
with boxes and laying in the floor sorting out applications for
next year. Eating lunch on the 2nd floor porch of the Tech Tower.
Watching the squirrels run along the copper gutters through the
back window. Dr. Baker calling me James--one of the few I never
corrected. Climbing those three flights of stairs to get up there,
etc. etc.
I originally turned down the President's Scholarship in favor of
acceptance to the U.S. Naval Academy. I had to leave the Naval Academy
after one day because of a mix-up involving my partial deafness.
I was stuck in the middle of the summer having declined admission
and scholarships to all of my other college choices. Without a moment's
hesitation, Dr. Baker reinstated my scholarship offer at Georgia
Tech. I have no idea where I would be had she not acted as my "guardian
angel" that day.
I don't know if there is a favorite story per se, but here is a
shotgun list. You started "Mama Jo" (to go with Papa Joe
Pettit). Watching the program grow while on-campus, then wondering
if it would survive in the early '90's with Crecine, only to see
the program remain strong and vibrant (with a substantial amount
of credit due to the Scholars that were on-campus at the time).
The all-nighters in the study room deserve some mention. Always
(or at least it seemed that way) being able to talk with Dr. Baker
or Barbara Bibb (by the way, you might want to include Barbara or
some of the other office people - Jan ? is another one that I remember).
The change in how the PS candidate weekend was held might be worth
mentioning (mine was AWFUL; I think it got better as more students
came in). Andrew Chao (spelling ?) and the return of the literary
magazine/periodical (Erato, I believe). Sharon Just as the first
PS who was student body President. Wolfram Ploetz finishing Tech
in 9 or 10 quarters (straight through, as well). A picnic with the
volleyball game at the President's House (with Dr. and Mrs. Bourne).
Being amazed when I first saw Dr. Baker's car - a red Honda Prelude
(I didn't expect her to drive such a "sporty" car).
I have many fond memories. The ones that probably best characterize
my experience are those involving late-night studying in the Skiles
building with friends and other PS's. Invariably, many of these
study sessions turned into midnight runs to Krispy Kreme or IHOP,
or deep philosophical discussions about some tangential topic. These
are friends with whom I still keep in touch, and being a PS was
definitely an integral part of my entire college experience.
During the summer of 1992 I worked in the PS office coordinating
the Summerscape Program, which was a science camp for middle school
children. I had a great time working with Dr. Baker, Myrna Goldberg,
and several PS's who were TA's for the classes. In a prelude to
my future occupation, I carried a pager so the office could reach
me around campus, and by the end of the summer I was affectionately
known as "Beeperman" in the PS office.
I think one of my favorite memories from the PSP program was coming
to Tech for my on-campus interview in 1982. I'll never forget having
dinner with Dr. Pettit and Dr. Baker and thinking, "What in
the world is a boy from Snellville doing here?"
When my grades for a quarter dipped to the depths of 3.1, during
a very bad relationship, Dr. Baker left a note in my mailbox asking
if everything was alright; if I was having problems at home, etc.
I couldn't decide whether I was outraged at her meddling or thankful
that someone cared.
No one story stands out - most of my memories revolve around the
PS lounge in Skiles. Between the all-night study sessions, the ever
present coffee machine, odd rambling conversations with no clear
start or end, and the guy that used to live in the lounge one summer.
My fondest memories of the PS program are from my freshman year
when I would go to the PS room (in Skiles), and work on my EE1010
(Fortran) programs. I knew I could almost always find Steve Eddins
there to help me through the tough spots. He was an incredibly gifted
teacher. I hope you read this Steve! Thank you!
Staying up late studying in the PS lounge my freshman year with
two other PS's. By 3 am, we were standing on one of the tables,
had ourselves draped in toilet paper, and were singing random songs.
And no alcohol was involved.
I remember how great it was to have the Scholar Room in Skiles.
Not only did I not have to fight the crowds in the computer labs,
but I could also use my key late at night to use the faculty restroom
(which actually had a door on the stall!)
My real introduction to college was the night before the interviews.
The comraderie and commitment of PS students was obvious and made
me want to be one. A group of PS students took us out on the town
in Atlanta. Staying out late the night before an important interview
such as this one is normally not recommended but in my case it made
me more excited about the prospect of attending GT and being a PS
and gave me some cool things to talk about in the interview.
6 of my roommates (all PS's) and I got our apartment put in the
yearbook, listed as a campus organization. it required pulling a
lot of strings, including getting an official letter from the rha
president (who just happened to be a friend of ours). The picture
of the 7 of us was smack in between two major groups- connect with
tech and the national society of black engineers. It was pretty
funny.
hmm... that's hard. the first image that pops to mind is Mason &
Sheldon taking scooping ice cream at Junior's. But that's probably
b/c I took that photograph that is I think still around...
... I think it was a PS group that Ashley Gigandet took down to
the area that became the shaft (campanile & pool / fountain)
-- the designers had wanted to use red & black bricks, and we
agreed w/ Ash that they should be gold & not red...
I recall sitting at Freshman PS orientation and hearing the average
SAT scores of our incoming class and thinking "My gosh. I'm
pulling this group down. I've got a lot of work to do!!" The
high caliber of PS students not only is a credit to the program
and to Georgia Tech as a whole, but also an inspiration for all
students, even those who are also PS's!
I have no particular favorite story, only that whenever I went to
talk to her, she was incredibly well informed as to what I, and
my friends, were doing with regard to academics, theatre, and life
in general. I can understand having spies :-), but how she kept
track of all of the information was just amazing!
I don't really have any stories. The two best perks (other than
the scholarship itself) that I remember were the excellent registration
time slots [no longer a benefit] and the study room in the Skiles Building. I used the
study room for my all-nighters instead of my dorm room.
Creating a program to improve campus life transitions for incoming
Frosh PScholars Many of my ideas got scavenged (funny they weren't
interested until I proved it worked in the PS program) by other
Tech departments like FASET and Registration and were subsequently
used with all students. The reactions from incoming Freshmen were
reward enough. (I also enjoyed the time I put into being an inaugural
Faculty Friend in 1992. A similar experience.)
Dr. Baker handpicked my roommate my freshman year, because she thought
we would get on well together. Forest Platt was only 16, and launching
into college quite a bit early. We became the best of friends, and
remain so to this day. Forest was the maid of honor at my wedding.
She has a master's degree and is teaching school in Atlanta these
days.
After receiving the P.S. offer from Georgia Tech, my hometown local
newspaper (Herald-Citizen of Cookeville, Tennessee) wrote a front-page
article about me and the scholarship. My parents cried when they
read the article. I was briefly a "celebrity" in Cookeville
and received congratulations from several people who only knew me
through the newspaper article.
No great little pithy story, but instead a long story
of the use that I made of the extra computer time that we received
as a small part of the PSP... The short version is that I ended
up traveling a bit and meeting interesting people as a result of
those early internet explorations.
Ed Hefter, Geoff Considine, and I all had our first
daughters within 6 weeks of each other, years after leaving Ga Tech
(I'm not sure if Geoff was a PS, but he hung around with all of
us a lot – Ed and I met at the welcome to Tech reception for
the PSs which led to a great friendship).
It's not really a story so much as a way of life.
I loved the old PS room in Skiles. I was a math major, so it was
very convenient to hang out there in between classes. We had the
best discussions in that room, lots of joking and laughing, as well
as helping people out with the stress that inevitably came during
the quarter. It was a haven for us, and I was very glad to have
it!
That would have to be meeting my (now) husband in
the PS room in Skiles. There isn't much of a story to it, except
I (as all freshman do) had trouble getting the door unlocked and
opened, and when I got in, he was the only one in there. He introduced
himself and started teasing me about it. A year later, we started
dating.
This is more of a favorite memory... I went on the
inaugural PS hiking trip in 1997 as a counselor and enjoyed the
opportunity to spend time interacting with the other counselors
and meeting the incoming group of PS freshmen. It was really fun
to see the new students interact and develop friendships with one
another that I knew would last through college.
A favorite memory: The never empty computer and quiet
rooms in the basement of Skiles hall -- seemed someone was always
there, sometimes studying, often times engaged in some deep conversation.
We solved a lot of the world's problems late into the night in those
study rooms.
I remember how wonderful it was to finally have a
"President's Scholar" study room just for us in the Skiles
building back in 1984. I spent many hours there. It was a great
place to meet other Scholars, too. The administration with Dr. Baker
really supported us.
Several days before graduating last spring, four other
President's Scholars and I had lunch with Mr. D. William Brosnan,
our scholarship donor. I never imagined I would have the opportunity
to thank the person who made my five years at Tech possible.
During the on-campus PS interviews I met Melissa Dean
Hugenberg – we decided to try rooming together our freshman
year. We wound up being roommates during all 5 years at Tech and
for 3 years after graduation! Missy is a dear friend.
I don't really have one story, but many of my friends
were older PS'es. We somehow turned the PS Study Room into the PS
Lounge, and the socializing that happened there helped form many
friendships that have lasted years.
Not sure if this qualifies as a story, but I always enjoyed the
PS Interview weekend when I would host a prospective student, and
do such things as play midnight basketball with him, other PS's,
and their hostees.
It always amazed me how many President's Scholars from HBS wound
up at Harvard Business School pursuing their MBAs. When I was there,
GT was one of the top 20 schools represented at HBS, and it seemed
like over half of the GT alums were former PS's.
I met my first wife, Annette Toland, via the PS Program
– she was a PS as well. Although the marriage did not last,
it did produce two wonderful children who we are both very proud
of.
When I was a freshman, I was so impressed by Hoke
Curry, who one day in the PS study room in Skiles recited the entire
"Green Eggs and Ham" by Theodore Geisel. I'm still impressed
by the skill of memorizing poetry.
I fondly recall the comraderie.
How they got early registration [no longer a benefit] for all PS'rs, just
asked for it.
My favorite aspect of the program (besides the scholarship)
was the lounge in Skiles. I really enjoyed the conversations and
interactions that occured there.
The housing people not knowing that a Foundation Scholar
counted as a PS, and my having to get a signed letter from Dr. Baker
to get my housing :)
It's not necessarily a story, but I met two of my
closest friends today through the PS program. We've now known each
other for 11 years and still talk regularly and see each other regularly.
When I visited GT as a college Senior for the PS weekend,
I was hosted by Randy McDow (who was a GT senior at that time).
Within a year, Randy was the director of the program, which was
pretty neat.
The morning of my final round interviews, I popped
a tire turning onto Cherry Street. A professor came out and fixed
the tire while I went to my interview.
I've always been amazed at the number of Pses involved
with DramaTech over the years. We just keep gravitating there. And
then we tend to keep in touch.
Favorite story? I can't tell you a story, but the
revels associated with the PS weekends stand out clearly in a hazy
kind of way.
The experience of accepting an invitation from Alisha
Weathers (Waller) to hike up Stone Mountain and meet the rest of
the PSP scholars in the autumn of 1983.
My favorite was always hearing people introduce themselves
during luncheons, etc.
I just loved hearing the incredible diversity of people's interests.
One of the moms tried to "pick me up" for
her daughter after the Parents's Panel during the President's Scholar
Interviewing Weekend.
There is no single story regarding the PS program
that really stands out, but I did meet several interesting friends
through that.
I have many memories of Randy calmly and efficiently directing the
"controlled chaos" that ensued every year once the new
PS applications began arriving.
I spent 6 weeks last summer backpacking through Europe with my
college roommate, Todd Evans, another PS.
No specific story-- but lots of fun times, jokes, all night study
sessions, and hilarious top 10 lists in the PS room when it was
still in Skiles :-)
I can't say that I have a specific story. I can say that some of
my best friends at Tech were also scholars.You don't want to know
the particulars, but several of us PS's used to have a post-final's-week
blowout party in the old PS room in Skiles. Nice little stress reliever.
Can't think of one (memory loss due to motherhood........)
No stories...at least none that could be repeated (ha, ha).