Each December, Georgia Tech’s winter break offers faculty, staff, and students an opportunity to unwind, relax, and recharge. As winter break unfolded, staff members across our dedicated OUE team took a well-deserved pause from their daily routines to create memories filled with joy, warmth, and meaningful experiences. Here's a brief glimpse into the moments that made our staff’s winter break truly special:
Steven Girardot and his family went skiing in Colorado over the holiday. "My 7-year-old daughter is already a much better skier," he says. "I consider myself more of an 'après skier!'” They had a lot of fun enjoying the snow, eating s'mores, and being together.
Katherine Lawlor, Program & Operations Manager for First-Generation Student Initiatives in ASA, met her six-month old nephew, Silas, for the first time. Katherine received lots of baby cuddles, and Silas greatly enjoyed the gift of a stuffed bumblebee from his Aunt Katherine.
Joy Harris, Director of Women in Engineering, visited the Gold Coast of Australia during the holiday break for a professional conference. Joy had a blast kayaking on the crystal blue waters of the Australian coast—oh, and the conference was nice, too!
Chris Reaves, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Executive Director of E2L, celebrated Christmas with a family brunch full of food, loved ones, and mimosas. He also witnessed an exciting milestone for any parent—his son earned his driver’s license!
Stefan Smith, Data Scientist for Undergraduate Analytics and Planning, traveled to Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia—almost as far south as you can get city-wise in the world before you reach Antarctica. Stefan and some friends hiked through Torres del Paine national park, up to Grey Glacier and to Mirador las Torres, the base of the park’s three peaks. He also spent a week in central Chile to spend time with friends and family for Christmas.
Andrea Comsa, Interim Executive Director of the Career Center and Director for Undergraduate Co-ops and Internships, and her family had fun in the Cancun sun over the winter break!
Roberta Berry, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, spent her holiday break visiting four Italian cities with her husband and their three adult sons. Through adventures in Bellagio, Milano, Firenza, and Roma, Roberta and her family saw amazing art, architecture, and vistas.
Kyle Poe, Career Educator in the Career Center, spent his holiday embracing the joy of giving. In addition to his amazing career educator skills, Kyle also owns his own company, Evil Genius Designs. Over the break, Kyle visited a Waffle House in Douglasville, where he encountered Alan, a dedicated WH employee. Kyle was so impressed by Alan’s amazing customer service, that he decided to return to the restaurant to gift Alan some merchandise from his company to thank him for a job well-done!