Student-Alumni Networking Events

Photo of students, faculty, alumni, and planning professionals mingling in the atrium of Georgia Tech's West Architecture building.

The alumni network connected with the School of City and Regional Planning is one of its most powerful and enduring assets. Regular mixers allow students to connect with alumni, along with other professionals in the planning field, building professional networks and creating opportunities for future careers.

Combined with the hands-on learning provided by the studios, students gain insight into current real-world planning problems, and have opportunities to discuss – and sometimes help tackle – challenges our municipalities face today.

Scenes from Fall 2026 Reception with Georgia Planning Association

Students, alumni, faculty, and members of the Georgia Planning Association gather in the atrium of the West Architecture building.

Students, alumni, faculty, and members of the Georgia Planning Association gather and mingle in the atrium of the West Architecture building.

Gulsah Akar, chair of the School, passes a microphone to Allison Stewart-Harris, president of the Georgia Planning Association.

Gulsah Akar, chair of the School, and Allison Stewart-Harris, president of the Georgia Planning association, welcomed attendees with a few words before returning to mingle in the relaxed atmosphere.

Attendee checking out a School of City and Regional Planning tote bag.

Attendees received various promotional items, including tote bags and bucket hats with the school logo.

Four students gather in a line for a photo.

The reception provided an opportunity for current students to reconnect after the summer break. The School's bucket were a popular promotional item.

Student in the recently-launched undergraduate Urban Planning and Spatial Analytics program looks at a phone with Kristen Wescott, past president of the Georgia Planning Association.

Kristen Wescott (MCP 1998), past president of the Georgia Planning Association, talks with a student in the recently-launched undergraduate Urban Planning and Spatial Analytics program.

Scenes from the Spring 2026 Student Alumni Mixer

Students and alumni chatting at a college social event.

Students, faculty, and alumni braved rainy weather to gather in the atrium of Georgia Tech's West Architecture building. The relaxed atmosphere gave ample opportunity for reconnecting with peers and building new relationships.

Gulsah Akar gives introductory remarks at a lectern.

Gulsah Akar, chair of the School of City and Regional Planning, opened the short program with a brief recap of news and events throughout the school year. The presentation including a short video of scenes and people throughout the year.

Student Planning Association representative speaks to gathered alumni and students.

Representatives from the Student Planning Association spoke briefly about why they chose the School, and what the community and program has meant to them.

Gulsah Akar and alumnus David Versel holding up his award certificate.

The night was also an opportunity to recognize recipients of the Jack Glatting Mentor Award, which honors alumni and professionals for their exceptional commitment to supporting SCaRP students. Here, David Versel (MCP 1997) receives his award.

Gulsah Akar and Elizabeth Ward Williams holding an award certificate.

Elizabeth Ward Williams (MArch. and MCRP) was the night's second recipient of the Jack Glatting Mentor Award.

Gulsah Akar and Christy Dodson holding an award certificate.

The night's final recipient of the Jack Glatting Mentor Award was Christy Dodson (March. and MCRP 2018). Afterwards, Elizabeth Ward Williams rejoined her at the podium to speak about their experience as alumni and lecturers in the program.

Jennifer Ball addressing gathered students, faculty, and alumni in front of a College of Design banner.

The evening's program concluded with Jennifer Ball (BS Arch. 1994, MCP 2001) reflecting on the importance of the School to Georgia's municipalities, and the importance of the alumni network to the School, alumni, and students alike.