The University System of Georgia Board of Regents (BOR) presented several awards to Georgia Tech during its 2015 BOR Facilities Conference last Friday, Nov. 6, in Athens, Georgia.

Steve Swant, executive vice president for Administration and Finance, received the Cornerstone Award for his strong and passionate leadership qualities and ability to navigate the Institution with enthusiasm and perseverance. Since joining Tech in 1996, Swant has been instrumental in defining Tech’s campus sense of place with his long-term vision for Tech’s urban campus. An architect by training, one of Swant’s true passions is developing a living-learning laboratory on campus — one where sustainable practices taught in the classroom and tested in the laboratory are deployed to create a more sustainable environment and culture at Tech. To this end, he has championed the Campus Master Plan, which — throughout its evolution — continues to guide the Tech campus to its fullest potential. 

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Chuck Rhode, vice president for the Office of Facilities Management for going above and beyond normal job responsibilities and for demonstrating exemplary service while at Georgia Tech. Since joining the Institute in 1995, Rhode has led the effort to restructure the Facilities department, resulting in economies, efficiencies, and best practices throughout the organization. He continues to champion the development and support of innovative facilities through programs such as Green Cleaning, a national award-winning recycling program and industry-leading preventative maintenance technology.    

Georgia Tech received the Sustainability Award for the Chapin Building Rehabilitation Project. As part of the Georgia Tech Historic Preservation Plan, the Chapin Building is significant because of its campus cultural history, as it is one of only 12 buildings that contribute to the Georgia Tech Historic District. Built in 1910, the building served as the first infirmary on the Georgia Tech campus. During its most recent renovation in 2014-2015, the building’s early character was restored by removing non-original walls and restoring the original historic fabric. Additional improvements included ensuring ADA compliance features, upgrading HVAC and electrical systems, and restoring the historic wood flooring.

Finally, the BOR awarded Technology Square the Regents Award of Excellence for its embodiment of a “spirit of place” on the Georgia Tech campus. Since its beginnings in 2003, Tech Square has grown to become the hub of innovation not only for metro Atlanta, but also for the greater Southeast. A mixed-use expanse comprised of 1.4 million square feet of office, research, retail, and hotel space, Tech Square boasts more than 100 startups and innovative companies.