Philanthropy and the Power to Transform

Woodruff Strong builds on the School’s existing initiatives to support students.

Mechanical engineering graduate student Jairo Y. Maldonado-Contreras is a member of the first class of students to receive the Woodruff School First-Generation Fellowship. The fellowship, made possible through a partnership with Shell, awards $2,500 to first-generation graduate students who demonstrate excellence in academics, factoring in research and external recognition.

“As a recipient of the Woodruff School First-Generation Fellowship, I feel empowered to achieve my goals while embracing my status as a first-generation student,” said Maldonado-Contreras.

Maldonado-Contreras is a member of the Exoskeleton and Prosthetic Intelligent Controls (EPIC) Lab, led by Associate Professor Aaron Young. His research focuses on developing intention recognition algorithms that allow lower-limb robotic prostheses to execute the intended movements of users across a variety of environments – ramps, stairs, and level ground. After completing graduate school, he plans to become a professor.

“I enjoy teaching and would like to have a positive impact on the lives of students. Also, the idea of having my own research laboratory is exciting,” he said.

Another group that supports students is the Mechanical Engineering Grad Student Mental Health Committee. It was initially formed as an ad hoc committee during the 2019 fall semester as a way to improve the culture around mental health among graduate students. In three years, the group has worked to implement initiatives, improve policies, and initiate dialogue to ensure Woodruff School students can succeed without compromising their mental health and well-being.

Studies have shown that poor mental health is linked to poor academic performance – resulting in low test scores, poor attendance, and a greater chance of withdrawing from college.

“Creating an inclusive academic environment requires providing for the needs of those who are most vulnerable in our community. Some students may not be in a vulnerable place today, but that does not mean they won't face a circumstance in which they become vulnerable in the future,” said Bettina Arkhurst, a member of the Mechanical Engineering Grad Student Mental Health Committee.

“Support would let students know that even if things in life go wrong, the Woodruff School won't let them slip through the cracks – they are seen, cared for, and can access help, financial and otherwise when they need it most.”

As an example of potential support, Arkhurst points to funding that would facilitate systemic support for students who may be facing toxic work environments, a mental health crisis, or other difficult life events, including the loss of a loved one or having to support a family member in need.

“Supporting students in this way would be a game-changer,” she said.

Off to a Strong Start

Woodruff Strong’s fundraising initiative is already off to a strong start. Since the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year, the Woodruff School has been rolling out pieces of the program with great momentum.

In August, the School announced Women of Woodruff (WoW), an organization made up of College of Engineering alumnae and friends who are committed to ensuring women mechanical engineering students and faculty have the tools they need to thrive.

According to the National Science Foundation, the number of women earning engineering degrees has more than doubled over the past two decades. However, the nationwide ratio is just 1 in 5.

WoW’s mission is to attract, support, and retain women students and faculty in the Woodruff School, and the organization supports all key areas of Woodruff Strong. WoW aims to provide career guidance, mentorship, and connections with leaders in industry and academia, as well as reward outstanding women students through scholarships.

“It’s exciting to be able to give back to Georgia Tech and the Woodruff School after everything they have done for me,” said Rebeccah Brown (MS ME ’01, PhD ME ’03), vice president of Global Regulatory Affairs at MiMedx Group, Inc.

Brown serves as vice-chair of the Woodruff School Advisory Board and is a founding member of WoW. She and Advisory Board Chair Larry Montgomery (ME ’78), president of the Montgomery Family Foundation, played an integral role in launching the organization.

“Any resources we spend to help female students maintain their endurance and drive that results in success at the end of their student experience is a resource well spent,” Brown added.

In addition, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a globally revered humanitarian leader, visited Georgia Tech earlier this month to engage in a conversation about managing stress and developing mental resilience. More than 500 students, faculty, and staff attended the event, “#TechMeditates – a Dialogue on Mental Wellness with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,” hosted by SKY at Georgia Tech.

Several campus leaders played a vital role in Gurudev's visit to campus. Ranjan, along with Shatakshee Dhongde, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and Arijit Raychowdhury, Professor and Steve W. Chaddick School Chair in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, helped extend the invitation in an effort to support one of the three focus areas of Woodruff Strong, Academic Well-Being, and one of the six focus areas in Georgia Tech’s Strategic Plan, Cultivate Well-Being.

Ranjan says the Woodruff School’s momentum won’t stop anytime soon. Last year, the School established an endowment to honor Samuel Graham, Jr., who spent 24 years in the Woodruff School as a first-generation graduate student, professor, associate chair, and chair, elevating the School and Georgia Tech community in countless ways.

Research shows that first-generation students drop out of school due to a lack of funding and other critical resources and support. Up next, the Woodruff School will award the first Samuel Graham, Jr. Fellowship to a deserving first-generation student.

Ways to Support Students in the Woodruff School

There are many more ways generous donors can positively affect Woodruff School students over the next five years and beyond:

• A gift from $45/month (for five years) will grant membership into WoW, allowing a donor to play a critical role in empowering women students to thrive.
• A gift from $25,000 will endow a scholarship or fellowship for students, giving them the momentum to start and continue their studies at a leading technological research university of unmatched scale.
• A gift of $2 million will provide students access to online counseling services, granting them 24/7 access to a mental health professional who can help them respond to mental health needs.
• A gift of any amount directed to student support will provide School leadership with flexible funds, enabling them to grow alumni and corporate mentorship programs, host career and culture-building activities, or offer mindfulness programming, to name a few initiatives.

“We look forward to engaging with individuals, corporations, and foundations who believe in the Woodruff School’s educational and research missions – those who will enable us to strengthen the School for generations to come,” said Ranjan.

Learn more about making a gift.