Service Milestones

GTHR

Service Milestones

At Georgia Tech, people are our greatest asset. We strive each day to nurture our community and create an environment where employees grow and thrive.

To acknowledge the commitment of our employees and celebrate their accomplishments, Georgia Tech formally recognizes employees’ years of service when their tenure reaches one, five, 10, and 25 years. Georgia Tech Human Resources partners with Staff Council to coordinate recognition for our one- and five-year service recipients within the month of their anniversary date. 10-year and 25-year service recipients receive an acknowledgment from GTHR in the month of their anniversary and are also invited to attend our annual Service Recognition Luncheon held each Spring.

2024 Service AWARDS HONOREES

Thomas Capitano

10 YEARS

What lessons have you learned throughout your years of service at Georgia Tech that you’d like to give as advice to other employees?

View every day as an opportunity to learn and grow, because Georgia Tech is an institution of constant change, especially within the research administration environment. For those who enjoy learning, this is a wonderful environment for such learning opportunities.

Anita M. Carter

10 YEARS

What has changed the most and what has stayed the same throughout your time at Georgia Tech?

The new Student Center and Exhibition Hall at the center of campus are both amazing new spaces that were not there when I started at Georgia Tech, but one thing that has not changed is that there is always “life” happening all around the Tech Green adjacent to these new spaces. There is always something going on, and that is something special about our campus that I hope never changes!

Michael Evans

10 YEARS

What has changed the most and what has stayed the same throughout your time at Georgia Tech?

Tech is such a fascinating place. I feel like student creativity has blossomed since I started here in 2013. Student organizations like SMILE, Science-Art-Wonder, Seek Discomfort, and Bits of Good highlight how much more students are using creative activities to make an impact both on and off campus.

Britanny McCormick

10 YEARS

What is your fondest memory of Georgia Tech and why does it mean so much to you?

Getting accepted into Georgia Tech’s Evening MBA program. Having had worked at Georgia Tech for eight years prior, I knew the prestige that this school held and was honored and so proud of myself for being accepted to finally become an official Yellow Jacket. Joining the Evening MBA program has been an incredibly fulfilling and life-changing experience.

Ashley Toomey-Flinn

10 YEARS

What is your fondest memory of Georgia Tech and why does it mean so much to you?

I helped to organize the GT20kAway initiative for the Education Abroad Team. We were able to pay for a student’s flight for their study abroad experience in South Korea. It was such a fun day, and the students were very deserving. I remember lots of smiles, laughter, and humility from the student accepting the plane ticket and how our Team came together to celebrate. 

Yolonda Cameron

25 YEARS

What lessons have you learned throughout your years of service at Georgia Tech that you’d like to give as advice to other employees?

A few lessons I’ve learned at Tech and elsewhere: 

  • Consider Everyone and Everything a Teacher: Every encounter and experience holds a lesson or a blessing.  
  • March to the Beat of Your Own Drum: Seek and do what allows you to show up authentically and bring your whole self to work. 
  • Be the Change You Wish to See in the World: If we want the world to be more kind and friendly, we ourselves must embody these qualities. 

Kevin Pittman

25 YEARS

What is your fondest memory of Georgia Tech and why does it mean so much to you?

Graduation: finally getting that diploma in my hands and knowing I’d made it out. Of course, “out” is figurative: I accepted a full-time job in OIT and have remained part of Georgia Tech for over twenty-five and a half years now, changing units to the College of Liberal Arts ten years ago. A lot has happened during my working years, but nothing has quite topped the feeling of earning that diploma. 

Liberty Smith

25 YEARS

What has changed the most and what has stayed the same throughout your time at Georgia Tech?

As much as this campus has grown and evolved over the past 25 years, what amazes me is the changes in TECHnology. On my first day, there were no smartphones or campus WiFi, heck, hardly anyone I knew had laptops. Our mail was the old ACME complex and we used command line interface tools such as Elm and Mutt to access our mail. 

Chandler Coe

25 YEARS

What is your fondest memory of Georgia Tech and why does it mean so much to you?

As a member of the GTRI IT Department, I remember a townhall given by GTRI President Dr. Bob McGrath where when “encouraging the troops” he stated that “No one makes it into GTRI by accident. If you are here, then you are one of the best at what you do.” 

Brett Hulst

25 YEARS

What is your fondest memory of Georgia Tech and why does it mean so much to you?

I met my best friend at Georgia Tech, the day she started working here. Of all the wonderful things that Georgia Tech has afforded me, that is the biggest gift. We became friends through the experience of working on campus on 9/11 in the Housing Department. We chaperoned a study abroad trip at the same time. We were in countless meetings and retreats together and developed our own ways of communication to express or joy or other emotions felt in meetings. 

2024 Service Recognition Luncheon

The 2024 Service Recognition Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Renaissance Hotel Midtown to honor those who have reached 10 or 25 years of service between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Honorees will receive further details via email.

Honorees are encouraged to share this milestone with others via online and social media outlets.

2024 Service Recognition Luncheon

FAQs for Service Recognition Luncheon

Can I stream the event online?

We are not able to provide virtual access to this event. Photos will be shared on our website following the luncheon. 

What is the Service Recognition Luncheon?

The Service Recognition Luncheon is an annual event hosted by Georgia Tech Human Resources to honor and celebrate employees who have reached significant service milestones, specifically the 10 and 25-year marks, during the past fiscal year. 

Who is invited to attend the Service Recognition Luncheon?

All full-time employees who have reached 10 or 25 years of consecutive, benefits-eligible service to Georgia Tech within this fiscal year (July 2023 – June 2024) are invited to attend and bring one guest. Other Institute executive leaders with employees being recognized are also invited to attend.

Do I need to RSVP for the Service Recognition Luncheon?

Yes, all invited employees are required to RSVP yes or no for the luncheon. This helps us ensure we have an accurate count for catering and seating arrangements and know where to mail your recognition item to those who cannot attend. An email invite to eligible employees was sent on February 21, 2024 with a reminder on March 13, 2024. RSVPs closed on March 21, 2024. We cannot accept late additions.

What can I expect at the Service Recognition Luncheon?

The luncheon will feature a program that includes addresses from the executive leadership team, student performers, acknowledgment of milestone recipients, presentation of 25-year Gold “T”s, and opportunities for networking and socializing with colleagues. A three-course plated meal will be served.  

What are the parking options at the Renaissance Midtown Hotel?

If you are driving and wish to find parking, we suggest that you arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to the event start to allow yourself ample time to park. The venue does offer valet parking for our event attendees at a discounted rate of $15 for four hours. We can provide valet parking validation for our 25-year honorees only. Our volunteers will give you a validation sticker at the check-in desk upon arrival. If you have a campus SmartPark permit, we suggest using E81 Tech Square/GT Hotel Deck off of Spring Street. This deck is less than 2 blocks from the venue. E84 behind the Academy of Medicine, directly across from the hotel, accessed via Seventh Street is also available in metered or paid parking areas. 

What should I wear to the Service Recognition Luncheon?

A photographer will be present and 25-year honorees will be asked to walk on stage to receive recognition from President Cabrera. We recommend dressing comfortably yet professionally for the occasion. Business casual attire is appropriate. 

What if I am unable to attend the Service Recognition Luncheon?

While we encourage all milestone recipients to attend and be recognized, we understand that scheduling conflicts may arise. If you are unable to attend the luncheon, please RSVP no as soon as possible. Once you RSVP no, you will be prompted to include your preferred mailing address so we can still ensure you receive your certificate or Gold “T.” Due to space limitations, we are not able to add you to the invite list in future years if you miss the event this year.  

Can retirees attend the luncheon?

Georgia Tech values the contributions of retirees and seeks to honor their dedication to the institution. Retirees are eligible to attend the luncheon, just like active employees, if they reached 10 or 25 years of consecutive benefits-eligible service this fiscal year. The luncheon invite will be sent to your Georgia Tech email address if you qualify.

When and where will the Service Recognition Luncheon take place?

The 2024 Service Recognition Luncheon for 10 and 25-year milestone recipients will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Midtown Hotel.

Can I bring a guest to the Service Recognition Luncheon?

All service honorees can bring 1 guest to the luncheon, but you must have RSVP’d your guest and select their meal option in advance. Please do not bring a guest whom you have not RSVP’d, as we cannot guarantee additional meals or seats.  

What is the anticipated schedule or timing for this event?

Check-in and photobooth opportunities will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the pre-function foyer. Doors to the ballroom will open at 11:45 a.m. with the luncheon beginning at 12:00 p.m. The formal program will start at 12:40 p.m. while guests are eating dessert. The program will conclude around 1:45 p.m. followed by an opportunity to take a group photo with President Cabrera. 

How do I get to the Renaissance Midtown Hotel from campus?

The campus Stinger Bus Gold Route drops off directly across the street from the hotel. To view campus bus routes that intersect with your primary location, refer to this webpage. The venue is a 4-minute, 0.2 mile walk from the GT Barnes & Noble in Tech Square. Head East on 5th Street NW towards the Scheller College of Business. Turn left onto W Peachtree Street NW. The hotel is 2 blocks down to the left. 

What if I RSVP'd yes and can no longer attend?

We’re sorry you will not be able to join us. Please let Mattie Hamilton (mattie.hamilton@gatech.edu) know as soon as possible that you need to change your RSVP. This ensures our catering and seating arrangements are accurate. We will ensure your commemorative gift is mailed to you following the event. 

Will there be any special accommodation for dietary restrictions at the luncheon?

Yes, we strive to accommodate dietary needs and preferences. Our main entrées will be chicken, salmon, or vegetarian pasta. If those do not fit your dietary requirements, please indicate so on the meal selection form, and we will work with the chef to accommodate your individual needs.  

Will there be photography at the Service Recognition Luncheon?

Yes, there will be photography at the luncheon to capture memorable moments from the event. Photos may be used for internal communication purposes and shared on the Georgia Tech Human Resources website and social media channels. If you have any concerns about photography, please let us know in advance. Photos will be shared via a drop box link to all participants after the event, so you may use them for your own purposes too. 

Formal Service Recognition Programs

At Georgia Tech, employees are recognized for consecutive years of benefits eligible service at the Institute.

Ten and Twenty-Five Years of Service
Georgia Tech Human Resources contacts 10- and 25-year service honorees, and their supervisors, prior to their service anniversary month, so this important milestone in an employees’ life can be celebrated in a way most meaningful to the employee. In addition to receiving an invitation to the Service Recognition Luncheon in late spring, 10-year recipients receive a certificate in recognition of their commitment to the Institute. 25-year recipients receive their choice of a gold tack pin or charm, presented to them by the Institute’s President, signifying our appreciation for their dedicated years of service.

Please contact Mattie Hamilton regarding our 10 and 25-year service recognition program.

One and Five Years of Service
Working closely with GTHR, Staff Council coordinates recognition for our one and five-year service recipients. In addition to receiving communication celebrating their milestone in the month prior to their anniversary, honorees also receive a recognition gift on behalf of Staff Council. Please contact Staff Council regarding our one- and five-year service recognition program.

Digital Recognition Swag 
At Georgia Tech, we believe employees should be recognized for their service to the Institute in the manner that is most meaningful to them. For honorees or departments wishing to celebrate their or their employees’ milestones visually, we’ve created a variety of digital options below to use during the employee’s anniversary month.

1 Year

Download the social media assets.

5 Years

Download the social media assets.

10 Years

Download the social media assets.

15 Years

Download the social media assets. 

20 Years

Download the social media assets.

25 Years

Download the social media assets.

30 Years

Download the social media assets. 

35 Years

Download the social media assets. 

40 Years

Download the social media assets.