One Helluva Holiday Party
By: Sharita Hanley | Categories: Alumni Interest
The winter holidays may be months away, but the spirit of Georgia Tech knows no season. Last December, Yellow Jackets across five regions of the country gathered in their communities to celebrate Home for the Holidays—a tradition that brings alumni together with current students for festive connection and Ramblin’ Wreck camaraderie.
These laid-back events offer something for everyone: campus nostalgia, networking opportunities, good food, and great company.
Christopher Carter, IE 07, hosted a helluva holiday event in Dallas, Texas. “My wife and I are festive and very much into the holiday spirit, so we put up Christmas lights and trees around the house.” That was just the beginning.
“We made a taco bar, a holiday drink bar, and a dessert bar,” says Carter, a 2023 40 Under 40 honoree, Professor of the Practice, and academic director of Tech’s Project Management program. The setup was a hit with the younger alumni crowd. Once the weather turned chilly, everyone gathered inside.
Guests introduced themselves by class year, degree, career goals, and a favorite Tech memory. Many people mentioned Junior’s Grill and football games at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
“The common ground we found as a group was one of my favorite parts of the night,” Carter says. In true Tech fashion, the event also sparked a little friendly competition. “We made a game to determine which engineering major had the most people in attendance; the Computer Science and Chemical Engineering majors won! Mechanical Engineering came in second place. I’m Industrial Engineering, so I was hoping for higher numbers.”
For Carter, the best part of the night wasn’t the food or the games—it was the people. “I simply loved spending time with like-minded Yellow Jackets. We have a bit of a ‘unique’ personality,” Carter says, admitting his wife noticed and laughed at the “technical and nerdy” conversations the group had. “It’s important for me as an alumnus and a Georgia Tech faculty member to inspire and treat fellow alumni with hospitality.”
Hosting the event gave Carter a chance to do just that, welcome a diverse group of attendees that included the North Texas Alumni Chapter president and a former mentee, who showed up with his fiancée. “It was a real treat having him in my home for the first time.”
You don’t need to be an expert party planner to organize an event. All it takes is a little Tech pride and a genuine desire to bring Yellow Jackets together. “It will be a fun time,” Carter says. “Focus on the relationships, not the prep.”
Thinking of Hosting?
It’s easier than you might think, and worth every minute of planning time.
Here’s all you need:
✔ Love for Georgia Tech
✔ A cozy home or gathering spot
✔ Favorite food or go-to takeout
✔ A genuine desire to connect with Yellow Jackets in your area
Visit GTalumni.org/GetInvolved and apply to be a Regional Alumni Ambassador if you are interested.
