By Ann Hoevel | October 27, 2025
College of Design faculty, staff, alumni, and their families gathered on the front lawn of the Architecture East building to get ready for a big game. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets were 7-0 leading up to the Homecoming Game with Syracuse University, and campus was packed.
Decked out in gameday white and gold, Dean and John Portman Chair Ellen M. Bassett welcomed the College of Design crowd with a special visit from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band, led by School of Music Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies Chris Moore (who is also the Director of Athletic Bands.) A drive-by from the Ramblin’ Wreck and a visit from Georgia Tech’s mascot, Buzz, inspired shouts and cheers.
Proudly wearing name tags that showed off majors like Architecture, Building Construction, Industrial Design, City and Regional Planning, and Music Technology, the College of Design alumni attending the Homecoming Tailgate mingled with old friends and beloved faculty. Few could resist stealing away into the East and West Architecture buildings to reminisce about the studios where they laid foundations for fulfilling careers.
Joining the College of Design Homecoming Tailgate was the Water Boyz Show, led by Atlantan musicians Brian “Rich” Richardson and Trey “Treyboy Play” Montgomery. They interviewed several College of Design leaders, including Bassett, College of Design development director Kelly Smith, School of Industrial Design alumna and Georgia Tech Tennis star Alejandra Cruz, School of Building Construction lecturer and Georgia Tech alum Kofi Smith, School of Music Interim Chair Jeff Albert, and Associate Dean of Academics and Outreach Javier Irrizzari.
The podcast ended just in time for tailgate attendees to walk the short distance from East Architecture to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. There, the Yellow Jackets won against the Syracuse Orange 41 - 16.
