Georgia Tech’s first Black graduate, Ronald Yancey, fulfilled his legacy by awarding his granddaughter her college diploma at this year’s commencement on May 3.
According to Atlanta News First, Yancey made history in 1965 as the first Black person to obtain a degree from the university. A statue symbolizes the alum’s accomplishment inside Clough Commons on campus.
However, his legacy continues through his granddaughter, Deanna Yancey. The 2024 graduate took part in the time-honored tradition upon receiving her master’s at her grandfather’s alma mater. For the younger Yancey, furthering her education at the school where her grandfather made history was a no-brainer.
“He’s broken barriers and he’s opened doors that I will never have to experience opening myself,” explained the doting granddaughter, who studied electrical and computer engineering. “So, Georgia Tech, in my opinion, is just one of the top engineering schools in the nation.”
She added, “It’s just beyond me how someone could be so strong in such a hard time.”