Georgia Institute of Technology

Ivan Allen Jr.

The Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage is funded in perpetuity by a grant from the Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

Welcome from G. P. "Bud" Peterson

President, Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech’s Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage is awarded in honor of Ivan Allen Jr. who was a pivotal leader during America's struggle for racial integration during the 1960's. As mayor of Atlanta, he risked his place in society, his political future, and ultimately his life to testify before Congress in support of what became the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

It is Georgia Tech's privilege to illuminate the legacy of this great man. We honor Mayor Allen as a model for principled and courageous civic leadership for the people of Atlanta and Georgia, the nation, and the world. Further, celebrating Mayor Allen’s legacy is a foundation for providing our students with the means by which they can make decisions based upon the kind of moral and ethical principles that led Mayor Allen to risk everything in order to defend what is right. We want our graduates to be easily identified not only as preeminent in their respective fields, but as leaders with values and compassion.

The Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage recognizes those around the world who, by standing up for moral principle, have positively affected public discourse at the risk of their own careers, their livelihoods, and even their lives.

I urge you to learn more about Ivan Allen Jr. on this website. In addition, I invite you to suggest candidates for the prize by following the guidelines provided on this website.

Sincerely,

G. P. "Bud" Peterson
President
Georgia Institute of Technology