Georgia Tech Launches Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership

The Georgia Institute of Technology has established the Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership, a new interdisciplinary institute designed to prepare students to navigate the intersection of technology, civic life, and leadership. The naming was recently approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in recognition of a transformative philanthropic commitment from Georgia Tech industrial engineering alumnus Michael E. Tennenbaum and his family.

Building on initial seed funding from the State of Georgia and shaped by substantial engagement with Georgia Tech stakeholders, and in alignment with the vision of the Board of Regents, the Governor's office, and the Georgia General Assembly, the institute will serve as a convening hub for students, faculty, and external partners. Tennenbaum's investment will create a permanent endowment to support the institute's long-term operations and strategic initiatives. It will also expand programming, strengthen faculty and student engagement, and help position Georgia Tech as a national leader in addressing societal challenges through innovation.

"At Georgia Tech, we believe that technological innovation and civic leadership must go hand in hand," said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. "The Tennenbaum Family Institute will help to ensure that our students grow as productive, open-minded, engaged leaders, ready to work across ideological lines to get the job done. We are grateful to Michael Tennenbaum and his family for making this vision possible."

Rooted in Georgia Tech's motto of Progress and Service, the institute will foster open inquiry, civil discourse, and responsible problem-solving through teaching, research, and public engagement. Georgia Tech's strengths in engineering, computing, the liberal arts, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration position it to address important questions arising from rapid technological change. "Given the complexity of modern social life, the Tennenbaum Family Institute will be essential in building the well-rounded, technical leaders we'll need in the future," said Amanda Murdie, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts at Georgia Tech and Ivan Allen Jr. Chair.

"The institute will support new courses and programming that encourage students to grapple with a wide range of perspectives and prepare them to lead in a world shaped by rapidly advancing technology," said Aaron Levine, interim executive director of the Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership and interim chair of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy. "We hope this new institute will engage our students and faculty with external partners as they work together to address pressing real-world questions at the intersection of technology and the human condition."

Tennenbaum is a distinguished alumnus and business leader whose philanthropy has supported entrepreneurship initiatives, interdisciplinary research, student scholarships, faculty positions, and programs across Georgia Tech. He also played an instrumental role in the growth of CREATE-X, the Institute's student startup program. In recognition of his achievements, leadership, and service, Georgia Tech awarded an honorary doctorate to Tennenbaum in 2016.

"The challenges facing society today do not fit neatly within any one discipline," said Tennenbaum. "Addressing them requires leaders who understand technology, appreciate civic responsibility, and can work across differences to find solutions. My family and I are proud to support Georgia Tech in creating an institute that will encourage the exchange of ideas and will prepare the next generation of thoughtful leaders."

Tennenbaum's commitment is part of Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech, helping advance priorities to expand opportunity, accelerate innovation, and strengthen Georgia Tech's impact in Georgia and beyond.