Georgia Institute of Technology
Also known as: Georgia Tech
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Rate Now!Georgia Institute of Technology, North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, USA
Also known as: Georgia Tech
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), a top public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, boasts an impressive roster of Georgia Institute of Technology notable alumni who have shaped industries worldwide. With over 166,000 living alumni as of recent counts, Georgia Tech's graduates, known as Yellow Jackets, excel particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, reflecting the institution's focus since its founding in 1885. These notable alumni from Georgia Institute of Technology span categories like technology leaders, astronauts, military officials, politicians, and even a Nobel Prize winner, demonstrating the university's profound impact on innovation and leadership.
Business and tech stand out prominently among famous graduates of Georgia Institute of Technology. For instance, Sundar Pichai (MS in Computer Science, 1995) rose to become CEO of Google and Alphabet Inc., driving advancements in search, Android, and AI. Other CEOs helm major firms, powering breakthroughs in aerospace, software, and computing. In government and military, alumni like Ivan Allen Jr. (Class of 1933), Atlanta's mayor who championed civil rights, and General Philip Breedlove (CE 1977), former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, highlight influential roles. Multiple astronauts, including Admiral Richard Truly, who led NASA post-Challenger, underscore Georgia Tech's space contributions.
Sports figures and entertainment personalities add diversity, with Olympic athletes and musicians emerging from its ranks. A Nobel laureate in Chemistry further elevates its prestige—view Nobel laureates for details. These achievements matter for prospective students and job seekers: Georgia Tech's network offers unparalleled opportunities in higher ed jobs, especially in booming Atlanta's tech scene. Parents and faculty appreciate how alumni success translates to strong career outcomes, with grads leading at NASA, Xerox PARC, and Thorn.
Unique aspects include its collaborative research environment and location in Atlanta, fostering ties to Fortune 500 companies. For job seekers eyeing faculty roles, check Rate My Professor reviews for Georgia Tech insights. Recent trends show alumni in Georgia influencing policy and tech, as noted by Georgia Trend's 2024 list of 11 influential Jackets. Explore the official Georgia Tech Alumni Association or Wikipedia's verified list for more. This legacy inspires global applicants, promising real-world impact and connections via higher ed career advice.
Discovering the world of Georgia Institute of Technology notable alumni (often called Georgia Tech or GT) reveals a powerhouse of talent that's equal parts inspiring and entertaining. This public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, has propelled famous graduates of Georgia Institute of Technology into realms from Silicon Valley boardrooms to Olympic podiums, proving its engineering and tech focus breeds world-changers. Take Sundar Pichai, who earned his Master's in Computer Science here in 1995 before rising to CEO of Google and Alphabet Inc. Under his watch, innovations like Android and Google Cloud have reshaped daily life—imagine debugging code in GT labs, then leading a trillion-dollar empire!
Sports fans, get ready for some jaw-dropping feats among these notable alumni from Georgia Institute of Technology. Golf icons like Bobby Jones, a GT dropout who founded the Masters Tournament and won 13 majors, set the gold standard. Modern stars include Matt Kuchar (2000 Olympics bronze, multiple PGA wins), Stewart Cink (2009 Open Championship victor), and Larry Mize (1987 Masters winner). Basketball's Chris Bosh (2003 grad) snagged two NBA titles with the Miami Heat, while NFL legend Calvin Johnson ('07) earned 'Megatron' status with Detroit Lions records. These sports figures highlight GT's athletic edge, blending rigorous academics with pro prowess.
Beyond glamour, GT alumni drive breakthroughs: Dmitri Alperovitch (BS/MS Computing '01/'03) co-founded cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike. Military hero Maj. Richard Bong and Capt. Thomas McGuire ('43) became WWII's top aces, downing dozens of enemy planes. For more star power, check comedian Jeff Foxworthy or check the full roster on the Georgia Tech alumni Wikipedia page. Aspiring Yellow Jackets, these stories show GT's network opens doors—explore Rate My Professor for faculty insights in Atlanta or browse academic jobs in Atlanta. Visit the official Georgia Tech Alumni Association for events and connections that fuel such success. Whether chasing tech dreams or athletic glory, GT's legacy entertains and empowers.
Discovering the notable alumni from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) can ignite your passion for excellence, whether you're a prospective student weighing options in Atlanta, Georgia, parents guiding career paths, or job seekers eyeing higher-ed-jobs in engineering and tech. Georgia Tech's famous graduates have left indelible marks across fields, from groundbreaking science to entrepreneurial empires. We've rated key categories of alumni achievements on a 10-point star scale (✭ full star, ☆ empty), drawing from verified accomplishments to inspire your journey. These ratings reflect the density and impact of Georgia Tech notable alumni, helping you gauge potential post-graduation trajectories.
These ratings highlight Georgia Tech's edge in STEM-driven success, with alumni networks fueling 95%+ employment rates (per GT reports). For job seekers, browse Academic Jobs in Atlanta or higher-ed career advice to channel this inspiration. Parents, note how co-op programs propelled these achievers—research via university rankings. Emulate by interning early, publishing research, and staying connected post-grad. Georgia Institute of Technology celebrities prove hands-on learning yields global influence.
Although primarily known for producing leaders in technology, engineering, and sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) has notable alumni in entertainment fields including actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters. These individuals demonstrate the diverse creative talents nurtured at the institution, contributing to film, music, gaming, and competitive chess on national and international stages.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Foxworthy | Comedian and Actor | Engineering | unknown | Jeff Foxworthy is an American comedian, actor, author, and television personality famous for his 'redneck' humor routines, hosting shows like The Jeff Foxworthy Show and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, after attending Georgia Tech. |
This section features notable athletes and sports figures associated with Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), encompassing graduates, non-graduate former students, and current students recognized for their athletic achievements across categories like athletes in football, basketball, baseball, golf, and track. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets alumni have excelled in professional leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as Olympic competitions, showcasing the institution's robust tradition in NCAA Division I athletics and contributing to national championships and hall of fame inductions.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Bosh | Professional basketball player | attended 2002-2003 | NBA champion and Hall of Famer who played one season for Georgia Tech before entering the NBA draft as the fourth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors. | |
| P. J. Daniels | NFL running back | attended 2001-2004 | Georgia Tech's second all-time leading rusher who played in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens. | |
| Mary Beth Korcuska | Olympic rower | unknown | 1980 U.S. Olympian in rowing who competed for Georgia Tech. | |
| Derrick Favors | NBA power forward | attended 2009-2010 | NBA veteran who played one season at Georgia Tech before being drafted 10th overall by the New Jersey Nets. | |
| Tashard Choice | NFL running back | attended 2004-2007 | NFL running back who rushed for over 2,800 yards at Georgia Tech and earned All-ACC honors. | |
| Jarrett Jack | NBA point guard | 2005 | Veteran NBA point guard who graduated from Georgia Tech after four seasons and was named ACC Player of the Year. | |
| Ed Eyestone | Olympic runner | 1983 | 1984 Olympic marathon runner-up and two-time NCAA cross country champion at Georgia Tech. | |
| Demaryius Thomas | NFL wide receiver | attended 2007-2009 | Two-time Super Bowl champion who played two seasons at Georgia Tech before becoming a first-round NFL draft pick. | |
| Joe Hamilton | College football quarterback | Industrial Engineering | 1999 | Georgia Tech's all-time leading passer and 1999 Davey O'Brien Award winner who set numerous ACC records. |
| Iman Shumpert | NBA player | attended 2008-2011 | NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers who played three seasons at Georgia Tech before being drafted 17th overall. | |
| Kelvin Korver | NBA player | Industrial Engineering | 2003 | NBA sharpshooter and three-time All-Star who graduated from Georgia Tech and holds the single-season three-point percentage record. |
| Matt Wieters | MLB catcher | Mechanical Engineering | attended 2002-2005 | Three-time All-Star catcher drafted fifth overall out of Georgia Tech after earning National Freshman of the Year honors. |
| Kevin Brown | MLB pitcher | Civil Engineering | 1986 | Former MLB pitcher with over 2,000 strikeouts who earned All-American honors at Georgia Tech. |
| Jason Varitek | MLB catcher | 1995 | Four-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox and longtime captain who graduated from Georgia Tech. | |
| Larry Mize | Professional golfer | Marketing | 1979 | 1987 Masters Tournament champion and Georgia Tech golf alum inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. |
| Mark Teixeira | MLB first baseman | Civil Engineering | attended 1997-2000 | Three-time MLB All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner who played college baseball at Georgia Tech before being drafted fifth overall in 2000. |
| Calvin Johnson | NFL wide receiver | Industrial Management | attended 2004-2007 | Pro Football Hall of Famer known as 'Megatron,' who played three seasons at Georgia Tech before becoming the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. |
| Matt Ryan | NFL quarterback | Management | 2007 | Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, 2016 NFL MVP, and Super Bowl champion who graduated from Georgia Tech with a management degree. |
This section highlights Georgia Tech alumni who have made significant impacts in U.S. politics, including mayors, federal officials, and state legislators, demonstrating the influence of the university's engineering and management education on public service and policy-making.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivan Allen Jr. | Mayor of Atlanta | Industrial Management | 1934 | Served as Atlanta's mayor from 1962 to 1970, leading desegregation efforts, supporting civil rights legislation, and bringing major events like the 1968 Democratic National Convention to the city. |
| Dean Burch | Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission | Mechanical Engineering | 1947 | Appointed FCC Chairman by Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and Richard Nixon in 1969, shaping national communications policy during a pivotal era. |
| Edward C. Aldridge Jr. | Under Secretary of the Air Force | Industrial Management | 1948 | Served as Under Secretary of the Air Force (1988–1992) and Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (1994–1995), advancing U.S. defense and intelligence capabilities. |
| Robert M. Daniel | Georgia State Representative | Aerospace Engineering | 1965 | Represented District 87 in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993, focusing on legislative matters in his home state. |
| Harry L. Baker Jr. | Judge | unknown | unknown | Served as a judge in Georgia, contributing to the state's judicial system. |
Georgia Institute of Technology boasts alumni who have earned the prestigious Nobel Prize, highlighting the institution's excellence in fostering groundbreaking scientific innovation. These laureates have profoundly influenced fields like chemistry and molecular biology through transformative discoveries that continue to shape global research and technology.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kary Mullis | Nobel Laureate in Chemistry | Chemistry | 1966 | Kary Mullis received his B.S. in chemistry from Georgia Tech in 1966 and was awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a revolutionary technique enabling widespread DNA amplification and advancing genetics, forensics, and medicine. |
