Marilyn Somers, Founder of Living History Program, is Retiring After Decades of Service to Georgia Tech

Marilyn Somers, Honorary Alumna 2008 and founder of the Georgia Tech Living History Program, is retiring at the end of this calendar year. Please join us, the Georgia Tech Alumni Association and countless others across the Georgia Tech family, in thanking Marilyn for her years of service and dedication.

Marilyn Somers singlehandedly created the Living History Program 26 years ago and has since cataloged 1,192 alumni, retired faculty, and staff interviews. The stories cross the gamut of the history of Georgia Tech from 1915 through 2019. The “firsts” are there, past presidents, astronauts, musicians, football players, and coaches—captains of industry. Interviewees include Jimmy Carter (twice), Dr. Clough, and George P. Burdell.

When the program began, Marilyn was a pioneer for documenting the interviews via video versus the industry-standard of audio. Averaging 40-50 interviews a year, Marilyn has led a team to diligently preserve the past. More than that though, Marilyn is one of the most beloved figures at Georgia Tech. She keeps in touch with all of her living interview subjects and their families. She sends close to 900 birthday cards every year and has been calling many of these contacts through the Covid-19 pandemic.