We are thrilled to share that our Board Chair, Andrea Laliberte, has received the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the highest honor the university can give to an individual. This prestigious recognition reflects her exceptional leadership, her commitment to service, and her transformative impact on education and philanthropy.

Andrea, a two-time Georgia Tech graduate and former senior executive at Coach, has long exemplified what it means to lead with heart, integrity, and vision. Following her corporate success, she returned to Georgia Tech as a Professor of the Practice and Executive in Residence, where she inspired countless students to pursue bold, purpose-driven careers.

One of her most impactful contributions is the Pathway of Progress: Celebrating Georgia Tech Women, a permanent campus installation honoring the accomplishments of more than 100 Georgia Tech alumnae. This initiative wasn't just about recognition but embodied Andrea's lifelong commitment to giving back, a value instilled by her parents that she has carried throughout her life. As she shared in her speech, "Give your time, your talent, and yes your money. Even when it's just a little."

This tribute features stories from trailblazing women across industries and generations, including astronauts, Olympic medalists, and engineers. Designed by fellow alumna Merica May Jensen, the installation is a living testament to the power and progress of women in STEM.

In her inspiring commencement address, Andrea emphasized that true success comes not just from professional achievements but from how we contribute to others. She shared how her parents taught her early about the importance of giving back, a lesson that guided her decision to choose returning to Georgia Tech over a higher-paying corporate position. Her personal journey from saving in a Christmas Club account as a child to making transformative philanthropic gifts demonstrates how giving becomes both a habit and a source of joy. For Andrea, philanthropy isn't just about financial contributions but about creating opportunities for others and addressing challenges she experienced firsthand.

Andrea's passion for service goes well beyond her alma mater. As our board chair, she leads with that same energy, intention, and deep care for the community we serve. Her recent recognition is not only a milestone for Georgia Tech but a moment of pride for all of us who have had the privilege of working with her.

"Use your talents. Create your opportunities. Most importantly, do what excites you. That's where success and joy live. And always, always give back in time, talent, or treasure," Andrea shared in her commencement address. "Because when you give, the blessings come back tenfold."

Please join us in celebrating Andrea and this incredible achievement. Her journey reminds us that our greatest accomplishments often come when we focus on lifting others. As she exemplifies through her leadership of our board, giving back isn't an afterthought but a fundamental part of a meaningful life and career. We are deeply grateful for her generosity, wisdom, and her living example of how service to others creates ripples of positive change across generations.