School of Public Policy Second School to Meet Campaign Goal

Posted August 28, 2024

The School of Public Policy is the second of four schools at Georgia Tech to meet its campaign goal as part of Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech, the more than $2 billion comprehensive campaign designed to secure resources that will advance the Institute and its impact — on people’s lives, on the way we work together to create innovative solutions, and on our world — for decades to come.

“We are incredibly grateful to the individuals and organizations who have demonstrated their support for our students and research through their generous donations,” says Cassidy Sugimoto, school chair and Tom and Marie Patton Chair in the School of Public Policy. “These gifts will allow us to provide transformative experience for our students and to continue to address the most pressing policy issues of the day.” 

The School also saw 100% participation in giving from its advisory board, an indication that its alumni and friends value the important work underway, Sugimoto adds.

A significant portion of the School’s $10-million goal was given to support the School’s efforts to develop future leaders in energy policy. One transformative gift, from Brook Byers and family, helped create the Byers Family Pathways to Policy Fellows program. These fellowships give graduate students invaluable experience through year-long internships in Washington while expanding the School’s network and reach in the nation’s capital. The program also gives crucial support for students to live in Washington for a year. Internship placements so far have included the U.S. Senate budget committee and the senate offices of Jon Ossoff and Bill Cassidy.

Additional funding was received to continue the sustainability-focused Master of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Management (MSEEM) fellowship program and other student support activities. In addition, Daniel Matisoff, professor in the School of Public Policy and director of the MSEEM program, received a gift from United Parcel Service (UPS) to partner with students to study policies and strategies that could help boost the use of alternative fuels.

The School received support for its Law, Science, and Technology program, including the Susan Van Acken Fund to support students interested in taking the LSAT and applying to law school; a fund to support intellectual property activity; and support for Georgia Tech’s successful Mock Trial team.

“It’s clear that donors and organizations recognize the vital teaching and research underway in Public Policy,” says Richard Utz, interim dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. “From AI ethics to science policy in Washington, Public Policy students and faculty are helping improve lives and keeping humanity at the center of technological innovation.”

To make a gift or commitment to the School of Public Policy or learn more about Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech, visit transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu.