AWER Club Secretary Neil Shorthouse introduced Mr. Chris Burke, Director of Community Development for Georgia Institute of Technology as our speaker. Chris began by noting that he taught at GT for ten years before becoming GT's leader for Community Development, succeeding Dr. Norman Johnson . He said one of his main jobs centers on ensuring that GT is as good as its reputation. 

True, Chris said, GT is a public good as a public university, but it also a luxury good too given the vast support systems for its students and its highly selective admission policy:  The fall 2025 incoming class totaled 4,500 only 6.7% of the 67,000 applications for admission. Importantly, GT places a large commitment on identifying and investing in students who might be failing. As a result GT graduates more than 90% of its entering freshman in 6 years which places it in the top ten of universities in the US.

He stressed GT's growing commitment to innovation by creating a Center for Entrepreneurship and purchasing the former Biltmore Hotel on West Peachtree to house it.  Its Maker Space is one of the largest in the US.  In 2024 GT earned 147 patents. And ... when one adds the online student population of 26,000 to the on-campus student population, GT is the largest university in Georgia. 

He was pleased to report the growing mutually beneficial relationship GT is developing with Atlanta Technical College.  While all are pleased with its football heroics so far during this 2025 season, GT may spend about $100M on all athletics while its research budget tops $1.6B, making it the 17th largest research university in the US.  GT's ten-year plan calls for doubling its number of degrees earned by 2030, it will come close to achieving that goal with the 2026 class, nearly a half decade ahead of schedule. 

Chris ended his remarks by mentioning $100 million gift to the College of Engineering from alumnus Mr. John W. Durstine , a 1957 mechanical engineering graduate who had a long career at Ford Motor Company.  Mr. Durstine passed away in February 2025.  The donation was part of his estate. This $100 million bequest, is the largest single donation in the entire history of the university. 

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Neil Shorthouse, Keyway Reporter