georgia tech alumni travel 2024

Georgia Tech

Trips for graduating seniors and alumni ages 22-35

Dear Graduates, Young Alumni & Friends

The Geogia Tech young alumni travel program offers you this opportunity by bringing you together with individuals in the same age range, with similar backgrounds and experiences, while enriching you on well-designed, hassle-free tours of the world. Explore the world with young alumni and friends of peer institutions, ages 22 – 35. These programs provide social, cultural, and recreational activities and many opportunities for learning enrichment and enjoying a connection back to your school.

These tours are of great quality and value and designed with our 45 years of experience in the young professional travel market. Click on the buttons below to find detailed itineraries, travel dates, pricing or to book online. If you have any questions about our young alumni travel program, please contact AESU Alumni World Travel by emailing: [email protected] or call 800-638-7640.

What do past travelers say about our trips?

Really liked how everything was planned for us – the main things we wanted to see, yet still a lot of free time to do what we wanted.

The tour was a fantastic introduction to Europe and I had an amazing time seeing new places and meeting new people.

It was my first time taking a tour like this. It was a great experience and fellow travelers made things even better!

Not only was this a vacation, it was a wake-up call for me to see the world!

This trip was phenomenal! I loved visiting both large and small towns, sampling the local cuisine, and meeting fellow alumni on the trip. I have made some lifelong friends and look forward to my next trip with AESU!

10/10 would recommend!

The tour was phenomenal. I felt like I got more than my money's worth. The logistics were planned perfectly. This is exactly what I dreamed of but could never plan myself.

I loved this trip! The tour was phenomenal!

I really enjoyed this tour! The mix of scheduled and free time was just right for people like myself that came in without any prior plans.

It was the most fun I’ve ever had!

This trip was the most amazing and rewarding experience!

I loved this trip! The tour was phenomenal

2024  Grad Trip

Classic Europe Grad Trip

16 days • 5 countries New Date: May 15 - 30, 2024 • from $3,825

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2024  young alumni trips.

Egypt: Valley of the Kings

Land package per person in 2-share: $2,998 New tour dates: April 28 - May 5, 2024

Land package per person in 2-share: $2,598 Tour dates: August 31 - September 8, 2024

Flavors of Ireland

Land package per person in 2-share: $2,856 Tour dates: August 10 -18, 2024

Discounts & Info

The Early Bird catches the worm: Book early and snag the biggest discounts of the season.

Payment Plan

Loyalty Program

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Embark on another learning adventure

The world is calling

The expertise and knowledge to put your mind at ease., when you join us, your job is to enjoy yourself. our experts are trained to make your trip as seamless and carefree as possible. whether it’s a key ready for you as soon as you walk into a hotel or a beginner lesson in the local dialect, we go the extra mile to make sure you have every need met along your journey., who is ahi.

We've mastered the "must-see" destination.

Are you a travel insider yet.

A look at our legacy.

Georgia Tech Alumni Association

Georgia Tech Alumni Association and Go Next are pleased to offer exceptional travel opportunities available to you, your family, and your friends. Join fellow alumni and experience the camaraderie of exploring the world with like-minded travelers. Each Go Next trip has been thoughtfully selected with you and your alma mater in mind. We take care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy the company of your fellow alumni.

Because of the exceptional value and limited space, we encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible.

Reservations and Questions

Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended to protect you, your belongings and your travel investment. The Georgia Tech Association will send you information regarding travel insurance as soon as your reservation is submitted .

Georgia Tech Alumni Association Group Programs

Join us as we explore the gorgeous green coasts of Ireland, Scotland, Norway, and Denmark on an 11-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Sirena .

Immerse yourself in alluring history, awe-inspiring architecture, and the natural wonders of the world on this 7-night river cruise through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands aboard Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Destiny.

Dive into a week of artistic inspiration, architectural marvels, and romantic moments as you set sail on an unforgettable voyage aboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina .

Captivating history and mesmerizing scenery unfold in the majestic Pacific Northwest on this 8-night adventure aboard American Cruise Lines’ American Song, with an included 1-night stay in Portland, Oregon.

Toronto to Vancouver by Rail

Embark upon a once-in-a-lifetime rail odyssey across Canada's five provinces, gliding through rolling prairies, rugged lake country and the snowy peaks of the magnificent Rockies. This five-star journey features hotel stays at luxurious, historic rail properties bookending four amazing days and nights in Prestige Class aboard VIA Rail's  The Canadian . This nostalgic rail experience harkens the golden age of train travel.

Program Highlights

– Enjoy the serenity of travel by rail as you spend four days unplugged from the outside world, with the beauty of the Canadian wilderness unfolding before you.

– Relax at leisure within your private Prestige Class stateroom—providing 50% more living space than other class cabins—featuring a picture window that's 60% larger than standard cabin windows, a leather couch by day that transforms into a comfortable double bed with luxury linens by night, heated floors and walls, private en suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen TV, and turndown service.

– Prestige Class amenities also include a small travel group size (26 guests max), dedicated concierge service, priority seating in the dining car, and complimentary snacks and beverages in the Park Car 24-hours a day.

– Awake each day to majestic, panoramic views outside your cabin's picture window. Inside The Canadian , many amenities await you among the first-class, art deco style cars, with abundant leisure time to enjoy them all.

– From your stateroom, or from the Prestige Park car's lounge and dome seating, admire the vastness and diversity of Canada—starting at the shores of Lake Ontario, traversing across five provinces—including expansive prairies and the Canadian Rockies—and ending in Vancouver.

– Savor the best in Canadian cuisine with a selection of local and regional specialties prepared by onboard chefs and served on the dining car’s elegant china. Lunches and dinners are three-course meals featuring specialties like Veal Chop with Cajun Spices, Canadian Lake Trout, and Pan-Seared Duck, served with complimentary beer or wine.

– Learn about the landscape, history, and people of Canada's provinces through onboard lectures and presentations.

– Set out on a guided panoramic city tour of Vancouver.

What's Included

• 1 night at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto and 1 night at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, both famous, luxury Canadian Railway hotels
• 4 nights accommodations in Prestige Class onboard VIA Rail's The Canadian , where you'll relax while traveling through ever-changing scenery of prairies, the Canadian Rockies, and the Pacific Northwest
• 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (snacks and bar orders are included while aboard The Canadian )
• Special welcome and farewell receptions
• Full guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director as well as expert onboard guides
• Admission to all activities and tours as described in the 7-day itinerary
• Private motor coach transportation for the sightseeing tour
• Gratuities for Orbridge Travel Director, onboard guides, drivers, porters, VIA Rail attendants, and wait staff for included meals
• Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

VIA Rail Canada, like other passenger railways in North America, operates on tracks owned by freight companies. While VIA Rail strives for on-time departures and arrivals, increased freight traffic on the railway will often cause delays. These delays could result in delayed departure from Toronto, delayed arrival in to Vancouver, and shortened / limited time off of the train. The majority of your time on this tour will be spent aboard the train. Simply unplug and embrace the journey. Onboard services are guaranteed and any changes to the schedule will be communicated and updated as the journey continues.

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Ontario, Canada Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Welcome to Canada! After arrival, transfer to the Fairmont Royal York—a beautiful, historic property ideally situated steps away from Union Station and minutes from Toronto's main attractions.

This evening, relax and mingle with fellow travelers during a special welcome reception.  Overnight: Fairmont Royal York (R)

Day 2: Toronto | Board VIA Rail's The Canadian  | Hornepayne Wednesday, October 9, 2024 This morning, we'll walk across the street to Toronto Union Station to embark upon the journey on rails. Delight in a special mimosa toast to celebrate the departure and an exciting week ahead.

While The Canadian travels across Ontario, venture into the Prestige Park car to embrace the constantly changing scenery and capture endless photo opportunities from the upper-level dome. Combine the passing views with equally outstanding cuisine in the train's dining car, prepared by onboard chefs using specially sourced, local ingredients from the regions through which you will pass. 

This evening, fall asleep to the steady sound of the rails, and open your blinds to greet the morning's lovely panoramic views. Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 3: Winnipeg, Manitoba Thursday, October 10, 2024 Today offers scenes of boundless prairies as the train continues to Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Look forward to daily informative discussions by the travel director and concierge staff. Seek opportunities to spot wildlife, including black bears, wolves, and eagles. During the stop in Winnipeg, if time allows , guests can walk and explore the sights, including an outside visit to Forks Market. Remember that excursions off the train are contingent on the train’s progress and possible delays. Pack your sense of flexibility and ease into a relaxed mode of "cruise control" while an attentive staff caters to your needs and keeps you informed.  Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 4: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Edmonton, Alberta Friday, October 11, 2024 Today it's all aboard for Saskatoon. Visit one of the beautiful observation cars to witness the passing landscape, stop into the Prestige Park Car to taste some of Canada's top-tier varietals with freshly made hors d’œuvres, or grab a pal and a window seat for a friendly game of cards. Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 5: Jasper | Kamloops, British Columbia  Saturday, October 12, 2024 Today is your final full day aboard the train, with planned, brief   stops in Jasper and Kamloops. Admire the dramatic and ever-changing landscape as the train navigates the Canadian Rockies and unveils a world of raw and rugged beauty. Marvel at the scenery along the Fraser River and the incredible obstacles overcome to build a railway here.

One of today's highlights will include Hell's Gate, the most slender part of the Fraser River. It is aptly named for its narrow cliff walls that create a funnel for hundreds of millions of liters of water rushing through every minute. For perspective, consider the volume of Niagara Falls—Hell's Gate is double that. Capture the soaring cliffs and churning waters of the mighty river with your camera during this memorable experience.  Overnight: The Canadian (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vancouver Sunday, October 13, 2024 This morning enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Vancouver.

Set off on a guided city tour to discover the lush gardens and notable totem poles of Stanley Park and the cobblestone streets of Gastown. Afterward take advantage of leisure time to stroll the vendor stands on Granville Island.

The remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring Vancouver or perhaps take advantage of the luxurious amenities at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

After dinner at leisure, rejoin fellow travel companions for a special farewell dessert reception to celebrate this epic cross-country adventure. Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (B,R)

Day 7: Vancouver | Depart for U.S. Monday, October 14, 2024 After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Vancouver International Airport for flights home. Guests continuing on the optional post-tour will take the ferry to Victoria. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

Activity Level

Guests should be comfortable boarding and disembarking trains without assistance, walking and moving between cars while the train is in motion, and navigating steep, narrow stairs to the upper level of the observation car. All hallways are narrow and have handrails, but train travel can be unpredictable and some unexpected movement may occur. Guests who enjoy the relaxed pace of train travel will delight in spending much of the program's time on the railway. At brief train stop locations, ground may be uneven and covered in loose gravel, with no sidewalks. 

Accommodations

Fairmont royal york—toronto.

Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1929, it was the tallest building in Canada at the time—and featured magnificent architecture and luxury, including more than 1,000 en suite guest rooms, a glass-enclosed roof garden and a concert hall with a 50-ton pipe organ. It has recently undergone a five-year, multimillion-dollar renovation to combine stunningly redesigned guest rooms with carefully preserved historic elements.

Located directly across from VIA Rail's Union Station, this elegant downtown property is minutes away from the city's best attractions and features five restaurants, four lounges and an indoor pool, gym, spa and business center. Underneath the hotel begins a 19-mile underground network of shopping and malls, featuring more than 1,200 stores, accessible by the direct entrance from the hotel lobby.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, pillow top bed, flat-screen HDTV, Wi-Fi (additional fee), coffee and tea maker, minibar, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer.

VIA Rail’s The Canadian

October 9 - October 12

VIA Rail continually renovates and redesigns its fleet—originally built in the 1950s—to retain a vintage, historical feel while providing modern, comfortable and stylish accommodations.

Aboard The Canadian, you'll experience an inviting blend of modern amenities with a sense of nostalgia offering the perfect way to unplug and enjoy nature's beauty at a slower pace.

The Canadian offers comfortable accommodations, thoughtful service, beautiful views from the domed Prestige Park Car and gourmet cuisine made by onboard chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Prestige Class provides an elegantly appointed cabin, including an oversized picture window with blinds, flat-screen TV, modular leather L-shaped couch seating by day and comfortable double bed with luxurious bedding at night, and private en suite bathroom featuring a shower, deluxe amenities and hair dryer. Guests in Prestige Class also enjoy priority boarding, private concierge service with in-cabin cocktails and canapés, turndown service and privileged access to the Park Car.

All cabin beds are doubles. Due to cabin size and layout, separate twin beds are not possible in Prestige Class.

NOTE: Due to lack of a reliable signal   along much of the route, Wi-Fi is not available on board. However, connecting to Wi-Fi may be possible at these stations: Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper, and Vancouver. Cellular phone service may be available in some areas.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Opened in 1939 in a partnership between the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railways—and just in time for a visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth—this opulent gem, known as the "Castle in the City," quickly became a landmark in Vancouver. The hotel has hosted many famous entertainment acts and was once even home to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The recently renovated hotel features distinguished restaurants and lounges, a gym and a spa.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, pillow top bed, flat-screen HDTV, Wi-Fi (additional fee), coffee and tea maker, minibar, bathrobes, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Optional Pre-Tour

Niagara falls & toronto.

Discover the wonders of Niagara Falls and Toronto. With the guidance of a skilled captain, get up-close and personal with Canadian Horseshoe Falls and breathtaking Great Gorge, experiencing the roar, power and mist they create. Additionally, enjoy a guided city tour through Toronto to explore a majestic castle, a vibrant farmers market, and 360º views from the CN Tower.

Day +1: Arrive in Toronto, Ontario, Canada Sunday, October 6, 2024 After arriving to Toronto Pearson International Airport transfer to the hotel.

Settle into your accommodations and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore the city. Overnight: Fairmont Royal York

Day +2: Toronto | Niagara Falls  Monday, October 7, 2024 Today embark upon what many consider to be Canada's most memorable experience: a cruise around majestic Niagara Falls. Witness Mother Nature's power during a thrilling Hornblower boat tour led by passionate guides who entertain with legendary stories, history, and fascinating facts about the Niagara region. Niagara Falls started forming around 12,000 years ago from glacier activity and consists of three waterfalls—the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Learn how the combined water flow of the cataract falls results in enough hydroelectric power to fuel the entire area.

Next enjoy lunch overlooking the falls followed by leisure time in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This picturesque town epitomizes old charm with clapboard houses, tree-lined streets, and lovely gardens—some dating from the early 19th century. Delight in Niagara-on-the-Lake's character and history by strolling around and viewing landmarks, such as the Memorial Clock Tower, Niagara District Court House and St. Vincent de Paul Church. There is much to see on quaint and unhurried Main Street, with its unique shops, beautiful flower beds, and historical buildings. Satisfy your sweet tooth by sampling locally produced "chimney cakes," ice cream, gelato, jams and marmalades. Overnight: Fairmont Royal York (B,L)

Day +3: Toronto | Main Program Begins Tuesday, October 8, 2024 After breakfast set off on a half-day guided city tour. Marvel at the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era as you explore the exterior and grounds of Casa Loma ,  a historic castle built atop Davenport Hill overlooking downtown Toronto. Once the residence of Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy and eccentric Canadian financier, this grand mansion required 300 men, three years, and $3.5 million to build. If interested, discover more of Casa Loma's fascinating past along with fabulous and fanciful gothic architecture.

Next prepare your tastebuds for lunch at St. Lawrence Market—hailed by National Geographic as one of the top food markets in the world.

Afterward visit the CN Tower—a celebrated icon of Toronto's skyline at more than 1,815 feet high and one of the "Seven Modern Wonders of the World." Soar to the sky in one of the glass elevators to 1,122 feet for the outdoor observation deck to feel the breeze. On a clear day, gaze at astounding views of the city and lake, Niagara Falls off in the distance, and sometimes, even helicopters flying below you.

This evening join fellow travelers to begin the main program.  (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace (sometimes on steep or slippery surfaces), get in and out of a motor coach, board a water vessel, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance.

October 6 - October 7

• 2 nights at the Fairmont Royal York (or similar)
• 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch
• Guided city tour of Toronto
• Access to all stops included on the city tour 
• Private transportation to/from Niagara Falls
• Niagara Falls boat tour
• Gratuities to local guide and driver

Optional Post-Tour

Enjoy two nights in delightful Victoria—British Columbia’s picture-perfect capital. This colorful pedestrian-friendly city is an ideal spot for whale watching, biking, shopping and sampling from the wide variety of cafés and restaurants that line bustling Government Street.

Day 7: Vancouver | Victoria Monday, October 14, 2024 This morning take an included transfer to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Aboard a BC Ferry cruise the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver to Victoria—a passage providing unlimited scenery with a likelihood of spotting various marine wildlife.

Arriving to Victoria explore world-famous Butchart Gardens—a national historic site of Canada replete with lush greens and colorful blooms. Blossoming for more than 100 years, it offers 55 acres of gardens with 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses and 50 full-time gardeners who create a wonderland of beauty everywhere you look. 

Afterward stop for lunch on your own before joining a local guide for a panoramic tour of Victoria through Chinatown, past the Parliament buildings, along Dallas Road and through Beacon Hill.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Explore some of Victoria's most beautiful downtown sites, including: Christ Church Cathedral, with its gothic stone architecture, magnificent stained glass windows and Helmuth Wolff organ; Craigdarroch Castle, a stunning Victorian mansion; Bastion Square, site of the original Fort Victoria, with its spectacular views of the local harbor; or the renowned Royal British Columbia. Overnight: Fairmont Empress

Day 8: Victoria Tuesday, October 15, 2024 Today features additional opportunities to explore more of this charming city. Enjoy a walking tour of the downtown to appreciate its history and culture or a whale-watching cruise to see the wildlife-filled waters off the coast. Take time for a carriage ride, English-style high tea, or a stroll through some of Beacon Hill Park's 200 acres. There is an endless array of ways to fill your day. You may even choose to end the day with a renowned haunted Victoria tour or a visit to one of the many craft breweries in town. Your hotel concierge can help set up a day perfect for you. Overnight: Fairmont Empress (B)

Day 9: Victoria | Depart for U.S. Wednesday, October 16, 2024 After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary transfer to Victoria International Airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast

Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, get in and out of a motor coach, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance.

Fairmont Empress

October 14 - October 15

Welcome to Canada's "Castle on the Coast." Located on Victoria's Inner Harbour, this luxury hotel offers unparalleled hospitality and comfort. The Fairmont Empress has been named a Condé Nast  Readers' Choice and Gold List hotel and honored by Travel+Leisure  as a top Canadian hotel. Also a National Historic Site, the Empress is an alluring blend of classic, contemporary, vintage and cutting-edge. Enjoy the various on-site amenities including a full spa, fully equipped gym and indoor heated pool. Or perhaps experience Tea at the Empress—a daily tradition since 1908.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, cable TV, high-speed internet and Wi-Fi (additional fee), coffee and tea maker, bathrobes, safe, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer.

• A 1.5 hour ferry cruise from Vancouver to Victoria across the Strait of Georgia
• 2 nights at the Fairmont Empress (or similar) with breakfast each morning
• Guided panoramic city tour
• Admission to Butchart Gardens
• Gratuities to local guide
• Airport transfer for guests departing during the suggested times

Terms and Conditions

THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2022.

Note: Travel credits and transfers are subject to the Terms and Conditions agreed upon at the time of the original reservation.

ORBRIDGE® TERMS AND CONDITIONS, RELEASE AND BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

For Around the World by Private Jet Terms and Conditions, click here .

This Agreement includes contractual terms and conditions and releases Orbridge, LLC from liability. Any payment to Orbridge, including but not limited to deposits or full payments, constitutes your acknowledgement of, and agreement to, this Terms and Conditions, Release and Binding Arbitration Agreement Orbridge set forth below and in subsequent tour documents.

Limitation of Responsibility. Orbridge LLC, its shareholders, directors, officers, employees and affiliates (collectively, “Orbridge”), does not own or operate any entity that provides goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions or equipment used thereon, food service or entertainment providers, etc., even if they use the “Orbridge LLC” or “Orbridge” name. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Orbridge is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Orbridge is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience (collectively, “losses”) in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging or vessel facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics, pandemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Orbridge. In addition, I release Orbridge from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.

Rates. Program rates are based on minimum participation levels, current fares and costs (air, water, land, rail), tariffs and currency values. While Orbridge does everything possible to maintain the listed program rates, they are subject to change effective immediately upon posting unless otherwise specified by Orbridge. In the case of invoicing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice with the correct pricing.

Reservations, Deposits and Final Payment. To secure your reservation, deposits are due upon placing a reservation as follows: (1) $850 per person per program and $500 per person per pre-tour and/or post-tour except for programs noted in (2) and (3); (2) $2,500 per person for Antarctica Discovery and African Expedition and $500 per person per pre-tour and/or post-tour; (3) a non-refundable $750 per person is due for Tanzania Wildlife Safari’s Rwanda pre-tour. Orbridge accepts payment by check, automated clearing house (“ACH”), wire transfer or major credit card. 

Final payment, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives, is due for: (1) all programs except Antarctica Discovery and African Expedition—no later than 90 days prior to the program’s scheduled departure date; (2) Antarctica Discovery and African Expedition—no later than 195 days prior to the program’s scheduled departure date. 

If your reservation is made between the final payment due date and the program’s scheduled departure date, the full cost of the program, plus any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives, is due at the time of registration. 

If final payment is not received by Orbridge by the final payment due date, Orbridge may, at any time and with or without notice, cancel your reservation in its sole discretion with no right of refund.

Reservation Grace Period. Reservations made no sooner than 120 days prior to all programs’ scheduled departure date, except Antarctica and African Expedition, and no sooner than 225 days prior to Antarctica’s and African Expedition’s departure date may be cancelled within 30 days following the reservation date (“Grace Period”) for a full refund.

All payments made for Tanzania Wildlife Safari’s Rwanda pre-tour are non-transferrable and non-refundable.

Notice of termination must be received by Orbridge during the Grace Period and provided in writing either via email or mailed letter. The date of receipt will be used for the effective date.

Reservation Changes.  Reservation changes (including, but not limited to, name changes) are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Reservation changes will not incur an administration fee except in the following cases: 1) Reservation changes completed 90 or fewer days from the program’s scheduled departure date for all programs except Antarctica and African Expedition will incur a $150 administrative fee plus any third-party penalties and/or charges. 2) Reservation changes completed 195 or fewer days from the program’s scheduled departure date for Antarctica Discovery and African Expedition will incur a $150 administrative fee plus any third-party penalties and/or charges. In addition, any reservation changed from double occupancy to single occupancy will be charged the single occupancy rate, which will be due at the time of final payment or upon receipt of an updated invoice if received after the tour’s final payment due date.

Reservation Cancellation and Refunds. Notice of cancellation must be submitted to Orbridge in writing either via email or mailed letter. The date of receipt will be used for the effective date and the cancellation will be processed as follows:

(a) For all programs except those noted in (b) and (c), if the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge more than 90 days prior to the program’s scheduled departure date, all monies paid to Orbridge for the main program and for any pre-tour and/or post-tour will be refunded less an administrative fee of $350 per person for the main program and $200 per person for a pre-tour and/or post-tour. If the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge between 90 and 76 days prior to the scheduled departure date, a 25% cancellation fee will be applied to the full cost of the program, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives, and the balance will be refunded. If the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge between 75 and 61 days prior to the scheduled departure date, a 50% cancellation fee will be applied to the full cost of the program, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives, and the balance will be refunded. If the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge between 60 and 46 days prior to the scheduled departure date, a 75% cancellation fee will be applied to the full cost of the program, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives, and the balance will be refunded. If the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge within 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date, a 100% cancellation fee will be applied to the full cost of the program, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives.

(b) For Antarctica Discovery and African Expedition, if the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge more than 195 days prior to the scheduled departure date, all monies paid to Orbridge for the main program and for any pre-tour and/or post-tour will be refunded less an administrative fee of $950 per person for the main program and $200 per person for a pre-tour and/or post-tour. If the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge between 195 and 150 days prior to the scheduled departure date, a 25% cancellation fee will be applied to the full cost of the program, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives, and the balance will be refunded. If the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge between 149 and 120 days prior to the scheduled departure date, a 50% cancellation fee will be applied to the full cost of the program, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives, and the balance will be refunded. If the cancellation notice is received by Orbridge within 119 days prior to the scheduled departure date, a 100% cancellation fee will be applied to the full cost of the program, including any pre-tour and/or post-tour, optional excursion(s) fees and optional electives. 

(c) All payments made for Tanzania Wildlife Safari’s Rwanda pre-tour are non-refundable. 

A 100% cancellation fee applies to all non-refundable airfare. Refunds, if any, will be processed within 30 days of our receipt of your written notice.

Travel Insurance. Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. In addition, we recommend that you consider obtaining a policy(ies) that will cover emergency medical evacuation insurance and cancel for any reason insurance. Travel and cancellation insurance policies and dates by which policies must be purchased vary by provider/insurer, maximum coverage (including cancel for any reason) is generally only available for purchase within 14 days of your reservation being confirmed. It is advised to determine your insurance needs and make necessary arrangements soon after reserving on tour. If you do not have, but are interested in purchasing, travel and cancellation insurance please contact us.

Program Cancellations or Postponements.  All programs are subject to cancellation or postponement by Orbridge prior to the scheduled departure date for reasons such as, but not limited to, insufficient participation, or logistical problems that, in Orbridge’s sole judgment, may impede program operations or represent conditions or events that may expose program guests and/or Orbridge to undue risk of harm, injury, damage or inconvenience. In the event of program cancellation or postponement by Orbridge, Orbridge may offer you alternative arrangements such as the option to join the same tour on a different date or a different tour. If the price of your alternative booking is lower than your original booking price, Orbridge will refund the difference within 30 days of the alternative program’s departure date. If it is higher than your original booking price, Orbridge will invoice you the difference and you will be responsible therefor. Transferred guests are subject to the terms of the original tour. Except for force majeure, if a program is cancelled or postponed by Orbridge, Orbridge will refund all payments made within 30 days of notice of program cancellation or postponement if an alternative arrangement is not offered.

Itineraries. Accommodations, the itinerary, travel directors or expedition leaders, lecturers, hosts, faculty or organization representative, and arranged excursions are subject to change or substitution at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Orbridge’s control. Reasonable efforts will be made to operate programs as planned, however adjustments, substitutions and changes may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. Orbridge may, in its sole discretion, withdraw a program or any part of it, make such alterations or substitutions to the itinerary or program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and pass on to program participants any expenditures or additional costs caused by any such adjustments, or by delays or events beyond its reasonable control.

Not Included. Unless otherwise specifically noted in the itinerary, program prices do not include the following expenses, which if applicable are your sole responsibility to pay and satisfy: trip cancellation insurance and passenger travel protection plan; domestic, international, and internal airfares except as indicated in program inclusions; transfers and luggage handling fees except in connection with scheduled group flights; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes; airline ticketing fees; airport transfers when arriving/departing on other than scheduled group dates; excess baggage charges; any new value added taxes or other taxes added to program costs by applicable governmental authorities; gratuities to drivers, guides, or ship’s crew not specified; meals and beverages other than those specified as being included in the itinerary; sightseeing not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability); ship, air, or transportation fuel surcharges, if applicable; any items not on the “included” list of the tour documents.

Health and Fitness to Travel. Through your participation in your tour, you assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare and acknowledge that Orbridge cannot absolutely guarantee your safety or health. Your physician can provide guidance on your personal health risk and precautions to take while traveling. Some programs include physically active elements. To enjoy these programs as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required and Orbridge will require all guests to follow local, state, national and/or World Health Organization health and safety mandates. Accordingly, you must be in good physical and mental condition to participate. You represent that you have no physical, mental or other condition, impairment or disability that may or will cause or create a risk of injury or other hazard to yourself or others in respect to any aspect of the program you have selected. Orbridge may, in its sole discretion, limit, restrict or prohibit from participation in any aspect of any program any individual that it considers in its sole discretion to be impaired or unsuitable due to fitness level. In addition, Orbridge may, in its sole discretion and at the participant’s sole expense, remove the guest from the program, or restrict the program-related activities of any individual whose physical or mental condition may or is likely to cause a hazard to himself/herself or others, or otherwise impair the enjoyment of other program participants. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported in writing to Orbridge at the time a program reservation is made. Should you have any questions or need any clarification about a specific program, please ask for details at the time of registration. Orbridge will try to accommodate your situation if possible. 

Accessibility. Orbridge cannot guarantee that the transportation, lodging, and entertainment/sightseeing accommodations will be accessible to all persons regardless of their physical and mental condition. In addition, many of the activities involved in each program include walking or the like for some distance on uneven ground or pavement or moving water as well as the ability to walk up and down stairs without assistance. Should any individuals seeking to participate in a travel opportunity need special accommodations to ensure their enjoyment of the trip, kindly provide notice at the time the reservation is submitted, and we will see if your participation is feasible. Please understand that the Americans with Disabilities Act is inapplicable outside the United States. 

At the time of reservation, Orbridge needs to be notified to determine if the special needs of an individual traveler can be met through special arrangements. It is possible that minor modifications to the services can be provided, but only if Orbridge is made specifically aware of anticipated needs. This notification should be made in writing no less than two weeks prior to the planned travel. Neither Orbridge nor any of the providers of transportation, lodging, or other services can provide special accommodations without this advance notice. 

Where an individual with certain specific needs will be traveling with a group, it is necessary for other members of that person’s group to be available to assist as necessary. Neither employees of Orbridge nor any suppliers of services can allow any of their employees to provide physical assistance to any guests. 

Travel Advisories. The State Department and the Centers for Disease Control periodically issue statements and advisories about risks to travelers. These statements are country specific and contain important information. The State Department information can be found at www.travel.state.gov , and the CDC statements can be found at www.cdc.gov . Orbridge highly recommends everyone to review these sites. 

Children. Orbridge welcomes the participation of children in most of its programs. However, in the event you do include your children or other minors for whom you serve as legal guardian (“Dependents”) in your travel plans, you hereby agree that you are and shall be at all times solely responsible for their care, actions, safety and protection during the program and any pre-tour and/or post-tour. Should you have any questions whether a particular program or inclusion is possible or suitable for your Dependent(s), please contact us. 

Baggage. Program rates include the price of one piece of policy-compliant baggage per person during the land, cruise or rail portion of the program only unless specified in the itinerary. Air carriers and motor coaches often impose significant other restrictions or limitations on the number of pieces, size and weight of luggage and may reject or impose additional fees on luggage exceeding such limitations or restrictions. All such fees are your sole cost and responsibility. In addition and regardless of location or transportation method, your baggage and personal effects are and shall at all times be at your sole risk throughout the entire program. Please check with your air carrier for other applicable baggage restrictions and limitations. 

Travel Documents. All guests are responsible for possessing and maintaining necessary travel documents. These documents shall be valid under state and federal law and as required by foreign countries being visited. Orbridge is not responsible for invalid travel documents and repercussions thereof. 

For U.S. citizens, valid passports are required for travel to foreign destinations and some countries require specific visas prior to entry. Please direct any questions in respect to visa requirements to Orbridge, which shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide answers as a courtesy, provided that it shall remain your sole responsibility and obligation to obtain and verify that you have all required travel documents, including visas, necessary and appropriate for the program location(s) and sufficient blank pages in your passport for visas and immigration stamps. In addition, some countries require your passport to have an expiry date of not less than six months after your anticipated return to the United States. Orbridge disclaims all liability for any expenses or costs you may incur due to your prohibition or restriction from entering a country on the program itinerary or reentering the United States at the conclusion of the program. If travel documents fail to meet these requirements, boarding of aircraft or ship to any international destination may be denied and entry into such countries may be denied.

Photos and Videos. Orbridge may take photographs and/or video of its trips and participant grants Orbridge permission to do so and for it to use such for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to participant. In addition, Orbridge may use, without compensation, any photographs or video taken by tour participants and submitted to Orbridge or to SmugMug without payment of any compensation. In submitting any such photographs or videos to Orbridge or SmugMug, participant warrants that he or she took the image and that the dissemination of same does not violate the copyright rights of any person.

Data Rights, Permissions. Data collected and/or derived by Orbridge resulting from your use of the Website is the sole and exclusive property of Orbridge and may be used in any manner consistent with its Privacy Policy located on Orbridge’s website. By submitting to Orbridge a digital or hard copy form that includes your personal contact information, including without limitation, your email address and telephone number(s), you give Orbridge and any other entity identified on the form permission to use that information to contact you and as otherwise may be described on the form and/or in the Privacy Policy.

Other. Dates, program details and costs are based on tariffs, exchange rates and other information current at the time of printing, but are subject to change at any time. While we do not anticipate material revisions of the itinerary or its included features, we do reserve the right to substitute accommodations or modes of transportation and to make any changes in the itinerary Orbridge, in its sole discretion, deems necessary and in that case any additional expense or cost will be paid by the individual guest. Your baggage and personal effects are your sole responsibility at all times. It is prohibited by federal law and Orbridge policy to bring illegal drugs, firearms, or other contraband (including marijuana for medical or recreational purposes) on any program.

Orbridge may at any time and without notice modify these terms and conditions, and any modification so made will be effective for all reservations made from and after the posted Effective Date.

In the event any term in these terms and conditions is deemed unenforceable the unenforceable clause shall be interpreted to give effect to the parties’ intentions to the greatest enforceable extent, and all other provisions hereof shall remain fully enforceable according to their terms.

Individual Supplier Contracts. Individual contracts/terms from Orbridge’s contracted suppliers govern the relationship between that supplier and the Orbridge guest. These respective contracts/terms often establish limits on liability, limits on claims, define the time to file claims, the acceptable jurisdictions for making claims, etc. They should be reviewed with care.

Click any of the following for links to:

Alaskan Dream Cruises (Discover Southeast Alaska)

Albatros Expeditions ( Antarctica Discovery )

Amadeus River Cruises (Flavors of Provence River Cruise, Cruise the Danube By Luxury River Ship)

Lazy Bear Lodge  (Polar Bears of Churchill, Polar Bears & Beluga Whales)

Metropolitan Touring (The Galapagos Islands)

Ponant (Northern Adriatic: A Nautical Voyage, Cruise the Majestic Nordic Fjords, The Greek Isles by Luxury Sailing Yacht, Aegean Sea Odyssey: The Greek Isles & Historic Türkiye)

Teton Science Schools (Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone)

Registering for a tour and submission of payment to Orbridge acknowledges guests’ acceptance of the above contracts/terms for relevant suppliers. In addition, guests may be asked to sign an acknowledgement of these or other individual supplier’s terms upon arrival on tour as a condition of participation.

Binding Arbitration. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the brochure, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in Seattle, Washington, either according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Washington law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. By agreeing to these terms and conditions, both parties are waiving their right to a trial by jury. Any arbitration commenced against Orbridge must be on behalf of only the individual(s) to this Agreement and his or her immediate family members traveling with them, such as a spouse or child. Under no circumstances can participant be part of a class or other joint action.

Acceptance of Contract. ANY PAYMENT TO ORBRIDGE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DEPOSITS OR FULL PAYMENTS, CONSTITUTES YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AND AGREEMENT TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH ABOVE AND IN MORE SPECIFIC TOUR DOCUMENTS.

©2023 ORBRIDGE LLC. All rights reserved.

ORBRIDGE, ORBRIDGE DESTINATION SPECIALISTS, ORBRIDGE GROUP, and OBR are service marks of Orbridge LLC. The service marks and trademarks of any supplier appearing in these materials are owned by each respective company. 

WAST# 602828994; CAST# 2098750-40   

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Georgia Tech football lands commitment from Athens-area four-star prospect

Georgia Tech football has picked up Prince Avenue Christian defensive lineman Christian Garrett after he decommitted from Georgia earlier this month.

He posted his pledge to the Yellow Jackets, where his former teammates Aaron Philo and Bailey Stockton are on the roster, on X (formerly Twitter) after he told On3's Hayes Fawcett.

"AGTG!! I'm home," it reads.

AGTG!! I’m home https://t.co/U2u86RmP82 — Christian Garrett ™ (@Christiangarr53) August 26, 2024

The 6-foot-3 1/2, 285-pound Garrett is rated a four-star class of 2025 recruit. He's the state of Georgia's No. 16 and the nation’s No. 18 defensive lineman, as well as the No. 142 player overall per the 247Sports Composite .

He's part of a program that has won back-to-back state championships and is currently 1-1 to open the 2024 season, coming off a 31-21 loss to Mallard Creek over the weekend.

Garrett becomes the 23rd hard commitment for Georgia Tech’s 2025 class. There are 11 defensive linemen on the roster, three committed.

Garrett had originally committed to Georgia in June, but later decommitted for reasons unknown. He had offers from all over, including Clemson, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida, but his top two were Georgia and Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets upset No. 10 Florida State 24-21 in their season opener in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.

Garrett takes the field again on Friday with the Wolverines, who are hosting Blessed Trinity at 7:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Prince Avenue D-lineman Christian Garrett commits to Georgia Tech football

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‘Georgia Trend’ Names Tech Alumni Among Most Influential Georgians

For their efforts to transform their communities through public service, leadership, and philanthropy, 11 Georgia Tech alumni have been named among Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians for 2024.  

Brian Blake, EE 1994 – President, Georgia State University 

Under Blake’s leadership, Georgia State University received a school-record $224 million in research grants in fiscal year 2023 and is preparing to construct its third research tower on campus. Now in his second year, Blake, the university’s first Black president, launched a strategic plan that will guide GSU through 2033 with the goal of building on the four pillars he set when he arrived: research and innovation, student success, college to careers, and identity and placemaking. 

Ángel Cabrera, M.S. PSY 1993, Ph.D. PSY 1995 – President, Georgia Institute of Technology 

Contributing $4.5 billion to the state economy , Georgia Tech leads the 26 University System of Georgia member institutions and ranks among the leading research institutions in the U.S. with over $1.45 billion in research awards annually. In November, Cabrera announced the Comprehensive Campus Plan , which will increase the Institute’s footprint around Atlanta and includes the innovative Arts Square project, two new residential halls, a thermal energy plant, and additional infrastructure upgrades throughout campus. 

Lisa Cupid, ME 2000 – Chair, Cobb County Board of Supervisors 

A board member since 2013, Cupid became the first female and first Black chair in 2021. Throughout her career in public service, Cupid has championed efforts to expand transit services and enhance public safety measures, and continues to advocate for inclusion and equity for all Cobb County residents. In 2022, she was appointed to chair the National Association of Counties’ economic development subcommittee. Alongside her duties on the board, Cupid is an attorney and a former policy analyst and manufacturing process engineer. 

Andre Dickens, ChE 1998 – Mayor, City of Atlanta 

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Roderick McLean, M.S. EE 1993 – Vice President and General Manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, Lockheed Martin 

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Jannine Miller, MBA 2013 – Executive Director, SRTA, GRTA, and Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority 

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Jerald Mitchell, MBA 2011 – President and CEO, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce 

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Valerie Montgomery Rice, Chem 1983 – President and Dean, Morehouse School of Medicine 

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Raphael bostic, hon ph.d. 2022 – president and ceo, federal reserve bank of atlanta .

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James Quincey, HON Ph.D. 2020 – Chair and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company 

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Chris Womack, HON Ph.D. 2023 – President, CEO, and Chair, Southern Company 

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Steven Gagliano - Institute Communications

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Georgia Tech Scheller Launches Global Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

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Scheller Tech Square at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Executives pursuing the popular Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification at Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business can now take their experience global.

Scheller has added an option to travel to Panama to work with Georgia Tech alumni on a real-world business problem at a local company. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: Certification Project in Panama is available to students beginning this fall. Scheller describes it as a “first of its kind immersive project” for such a certificate.

WHY PANAMA?

Scheller Business School has offered Green Belt certification courses to executives for more than a decade. Courses teach problem solving and efficiency practices to professionals from any industry, working through DMAIC principles: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Courses are delivered through live virtual sessions alongside asynchronous assignments. Students traditionally applied their learning to a process improvement project for their own organizations to earn the certificate. In lieu of that final project, executives can now choose to travel to Panama to work with alumni at Empresas Bern , a real estate company in the country.

During the weeklong immersion, participants will network with Georgia Tech alumni and local business leaders, visit cultural sites, and tour local companies to understand Panama’s role as a global logistics hub. This international business exposure is a key differentiator for the Scheller Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program.

Home to the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most critical trade routes, Panama is a hub for logistics, finance, and commerce. The country’s growing economy and position as a gateway between the Americas offers a unique vantage point to observe and engage with real-world business challenges, particularly in industries that rely heavily on process optimization and efficiency.

“We’re thrilled to expand Scheller’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program and offer professionals the opportunity to work directly with a global company to gain invaluable hands-on experience,” said Bob Myers, faculty director of Lean Six Sigma programs.

“The program solves the challenge that many students encounter – They never receive their Green Belt certificate because they haven’t completed the project component. This immersive experience not only enhances their skills but also broadens their global perspective, making it a truly transformative experience.”

SCHELLER’S EXEC ED INNOVATION

The new Panama Project option is just the latest in a series of innovations in Scheller’s executive education offerings. Last fall, it launched five new three-day courses designed to prepare leaders and entrepreneurs for the fast-changing business world.

• AI for Business
• Corporate Innovation and Intrapreneurship
• Emerging Tech Strategy and Leadership
• Entrepreneurship for Non-Venture-Backed Startups
• Women in Entrepreneurship

These courses will be offered this fall September 17-19 in either live online, in-person, or hybrid formats. Cost for each is $2,495. You can learn more about them here.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course meets virtually on October 15, 17, 22, and 24, and the Certification Project in Panama is December 8-14. Registration is now open. Learn more here.

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Everything From Brent Key's Thursday Press Conference Ahead of Matchup With Georgia State

Jackson caudell | aug 29, 2024.

Georgia Tech's matchup with Georgia State is now just two days away. The Yellow Jackets are hoping to follow their win over Florida State with a strong showing on Saturday night vs the Panthers in the programs first ever matchup. Ahead of that matchup, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key met with the media on Thursday for his second press conference of the week and here is everything that he had to say.

Opening Statement...

"It'll be a good environment out there. So, you know, I mean, they said 83 degrees. It'll be a nice Saturday night for football. So, you know, excited to be home, excited to be back at Bobby Dodd and have a chance to play in front of our fans and our crowd expecting a lot of people to be here and show up enthusiastic and you know from our fans and our alumni and the students that's what's exciting to be back in front of the students again just the way we closed out the season last year with with the fans you know another night game here it will be really exciting really exciting atmosphere to play And so, you know, as a football team, we've had another good week of practice. You know, it's been really a, you know, four or five week journey now of these guys, you know, really answering the call every day to come out to work. Understanding that yesterday means nothing about today and every, you know, have good practice one day, you just have to build on it the next. And talked a lot about standards and identities, right? And, you know, long ago, when I first started out, we said that, in the entire organization, you know, everyone's held, and myself, you know, a number one is, you know, we're all held to the same standard. And we want to walk through that door every day and get the absolute best we can possibly be, do the absolute best job we can possibly do, in order to make this football team be able to have opportunities to be successful in the weekend. And, you know, I think we've gotten to the point where we've set a standard. Well, standards don't stay the same. standards every day standards are very emotional.

Identities, though, identities, identities like your name. Like, your name stays with you. Name is who you are. It's not what you do. Well, a standard is what you do. It's what you're known for doing, but an identity becomes actually who you are. And that's our job. We don't have an identity yet, right? That's the next step that we're working towards. It's establishing an identity of the 2024 Georgia Tech football team. And when, you know, you get 12 opportunities guaranteed to put in, you know, we'll put 365 days at work a year in on this, and you get 12 opportunities guaranteed. So we've got a one game season this Saturday that we're really excited about, excited to play a team right down the road that it's, you know, an in -state team. A lot of the players and, you and coaching staffs are familiar with each other, playing back here at Bobby Dodd under the lights. So again, it's a great opportunity for us, but it's just that it's another opportunity. Last week means nothing to do with this week. Next week means nothing to do with this week. This is a one season game for us, and that's what we're going to go about."

1. On the familiarity with the Georgia State coaches and players and how that could help them on Saturday...

"No, it doesn't. I know a lot of people on, you know, for the most part, every staff that we're going to play this year. It doesn't. People, good football coaches, all right, they put together schemes that are personnel driven. They put together schemes and calls and plays and runs and passes and blitzes and coverages. They put those things together for what's best for their team. We don't know their team. We know some of the personnel that was on their team. So like I said on Tuesday, this game is about us being the best version of ourselves at 8 o 'clock on Saturday night. This is about us going into the game and then be able to make adjustments within the game, no different than we had to be done last week. That's what we have to do. We can't get caught up and worrying about what may or may not. Those are all hypotheticals. You sit there and guess on something, and now you're starting over at 8 o 'clock. It's not about that. It's about us being the best we can be. We're exposed to a lot of different things in practice every day. We have been since the beginning of spring ball on both sides of the ball and special teams. So it's about our guys playing fundamentally sound, playing with a great effort, playing for 60 minutes, playing each play one play at a time, come to the sideline, stay in the course, trust in the plan, trust in the preparation, and playing a complete game."

2. On the health of the running back room...

"eah, you know, you never know how a game was going to play out. You know, last week was a 53 play game so it was really only room for two guys in a perfect world you look for three guys in a game to carry the load so the health is good health is really good in the running back room in other places we'll see but the running back room we're full go right now."

3. On how practice has gone this week...

"I'm never satisfied. You ought to know that. There's no satisfaction. All right. There's no satisfaction at all. I mean, that's just to top out to be average, in my opinion, to be satisfied, right? You can always be better. You can always do more, right? You can always be a better version of yourself. You can always be a better person. You can always be kinder. You can always be faster. You can always be tougher. You can always be stronger."

4. On the possibility of playing Georgia State more in the future...

"I'm not, I don't have anything to do with the scheduling. You know, we have small input on those things. We have a conference schedule that we play every year, and then we want to be able to play the best opponents we can possibly play. They create value for Georgia Tech. They create value for our fan base, and they create value for recruiting. And when you play a team in state, yeah, there's cross -over. There's people that have interest in both parties. There's people that have gone to both schools. So, You know, to be able to have a crowd, you know, at this game on Saturday night, I think it's going to be a wonderful thing. And, you know, to play games like this in the future, again, we take every opportunity we can to play another game. I mean, people have asked before about the extended playoffs. I mean, I just said, I mean, we only guarantee 12 times a year to play. We work. I mean, it's only game like that. Baseball, I mean, they're not – they play a lot of games. I mean, not football, and every game is like a different season. You start over again. So, you know, be able to play more games, have an opportunity to play more games. I play people that are close to us, and it's easier on travel. I know it's easier on people having to get on a flight and go somewhere staying hotels, all those things. So the efficiency of it, I think, is good."

5. On capitalizing on the momentum the program has right now...

"You know, like I said on Tuesday, the momentum was really something that's established each week in practice. You know, momentum doesn't carry over internally week to week. Momentum doesn't carry over season to season. Momentum really doesn't carry over day to day. I mean, we all wake up and every day's a new day. The sun comes up to next day, just like you did the day before. So now when you look at the fan base, I don't know if it's momentum or it's more just the energy, it's excitement. And really that starts with President Cabrera. It starts with our athletic director, J. Bat, you know, the alignment they've created really from the top down for our athletic programs to be able to, you know, have a good product, put a good product on the field. But, again, those things go week in and week out. It's always exciting to have the fan support behind you. And when you play at home and you have fans, I mean, our fans, our student section, I mean, they truly are going to be a 12th man in this game. They're going to help us within the game, right? And, you know, game play for 60 minutes, play for four quarters and for us to be able to have our fan base and our students to be there that whole time, right? That's important. It's really important. That's why they call it a home field advantage. And we want to create one of the best ones in the entire country here at Bobby Dodd."

6. On the kicking game...

" I hope our kickers don't kick one through it. It'd be way off if they did. The goalpost are still where they were. They didn't move those. They moved a building, so if it goes through that big gap, we got problems."

7. On preparing for the various different personnel and schemes that Georgia State could bring with all of their transfers ...

"Again, those are hypothetical things, right? And this is a game that the more gray you become, the less chance you have for success. The more gray you are as a coach, the more gray it's going to become to the players, way, the ifs way, those way, yeah, you look at film of players, individual players from different places, but now you've got players that are playing in possibly a different scheme. How are they going to play within that scheme? How are they going to play in that environment? Those are all things that we can't worry about those. Do you want to worry about them? Heck yeah. I mean, that's human nature, just to worry about those things. But I'll be darned if the players are going to worry about it. We've got a colossal task at hand at 8 o 'clock on Saturday night. Everyone is aware of that. Everyone knows that. And that task at hand is to go out and be a better version of the Georgia Tech football team this season than we were last week. Bottom line, that is it. All right, we will have to make great adjustments as a staff. I'll have to make great adjustments as the head coach. I'll have to be on my toes of things of the unknowns that could occur. That's why you prepare and we practice the way we do."

JACKSON CAUDELL

Jackson Caudell has been covering Georgia Tech Athletics For On SI since March 2022 and the Atlanta Hawks for On SI since October 2023. Jackson is also the co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast and he loves to bring thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage to everything that he does. Find him on X @jacksoncaudell

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