Susan Goodwin Pappas, CE 1978, and Christopher “Chris” Pappas, CE 1978, met at Georgia Tech during their junior years in structures class. For the two, Georgia Tech was unfamiliar territory. Susan grew up in Great Neck, New York, and Chris hailed from Wilmington, Delaware. Their time at the Institute proved invaluable. Here, they took classes and participated in extracurricular activities that prepared them for meaningful careers — and they found each other. Since then, Susan and Chris have built a wonderful life together and have three adult children — each of whom has followed in their footsteps of academic and professional success — and two grandchildren, all thanks to the relationship they forged at Georgia Tech.

Both Susan and Chris were involved in Greek life at Georgia Tech, and they fondly remember being part of the vibrant culture of campus and Atlanta. They are grateful for the opportunities and experiences afforded by their Georgia Tech education and want future students to have those same types of opportunities.

“As we contemplated gifts we would like to make in our estate plans, Georgia Tech came right to the top of our list,” said Chris. “We both graduated from the School of Civil Engineering, so we hope our support will be used broadly for the betterment of the School and its students and professors.” For the couple, supporting education is a priority, and they want to ensure Georgia Tech continues to attract and retain the best students and professors. This shared value fueled their decision to make a sizeable seven-figure estate gift directed to the School, which will support civil and environmental engineering faculty, graduate fellowships, and laboratory equipment.

The Pappases appreciate how Georgia Tech has grown over the years and want to contribute to its continued advancement. Susan recalls one clear change from her time as an undergraduate. “I remember in my freshman calculus class there were over 100 students, but only two other women,” she said. Susan’s father was an engineer who died when she was 10 years old, and his career inspired her to pursue engineering. She appreciates that her Tech professors believed in her abilities. Both Susan and Chris are pleased by, and proud of, the dramatic increase in the number of women studying engineering here.

The couple’s latest gift builds upon their previous philanthropy directed to faculty support and undergraduate scholarships in the School.

“With this gift, Susan and Chris Pappas cement a remarkable legacy of continued support for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering,” said Don Webster, Karen and John Huff School Chair. “This gift will allow us to support and retain our excellent faculty and recruit top graduate students to give us a competitive edge over peer institutions. In addition, their gift perfectly aligns with our Transforming Tomorrow campaign priorities. We are grateful to the Pappas family for providing these resources for our faculty and graduate students.”

To inquire about making a gift or commitment to the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, contact Director of Development for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Tricia White at patricia.white@ce.gatech.edu.