Georgia Tech Hopes To Name Student Center After John Lewis

February 3, 2026

Georgia Tech has proposed renaming its student center after civil rights leader John Lewis, who represented Atlanta's 5th congressional district in Congress for many years. Although Lewis never attended Georgia Tech, he frequently visited the campus, mentored students and faculty, and advocated for important federal student aid programs like Pell Grants. The student center currently honors Fred B.

Who is affected

Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff
The legacy and memory of John Lewis
Fred B. Wenn (whose name would be removed from the student center but honored with an interior plaque)
The Georgia Board of Regents (decision-making body)
The Atlanta community and Georgia's 5th congressional district constituents

What action is being taken

Georgia Tech's administration has submitted a proposal to rename the student center
The Georgia Board of Regents is reviewing the proposal
The school is planning to install a plaque honoring Fred B. Wenn inside the building

Why it matters

This renaming honors John Lewis's significant contributions to civil rights and his decades-long relationship with Georgia Tech, where he mentored students and advocated for federal education programs. It represents the university's effort to recognize civil rights history and leadership while maintaining connections to the Atlanta community Lewis served. The change also reflects broader efforts by institutions to honor civil rights figures through prominent campus naming decisions.

What's next

The Georgia Board of Regents plans to review Georgia Tech's proposal on Tuesday.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle