When it comes to advantages, J. William "Bill" Goodhew said that his connection to Georgia Tech as an alumnus has been one of his most valuable.

Goodhew, who assumed the role of chairman of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees July 1, said the benefits are the same for all alumni regardless of what campus or degree program they went through.

"The biggest benefit Georgia Tech alumni have is the network of knowing other people who went to Tech in order to make their lives smoother. Whether you are looking for a job, looking to hire someone, looking for a supplier or trying to find a subcontractor, you can do it through other Georgia Tech alumni," said Goodhew, adding that three of the four jobs he has held since graduation came about through connections to other Tech alumni.

Helping today’s students make it through Tech and engaging them with the Alumni Association will ensure the next generation of alumni involvement with Tech, he said.

"If you’re good enough to get into Tech, you’re good enough to get out and the Alumni Association has been spearheading the effort to help students who need it to get through Tech," Goodhew said. "Tech has such a workload that it is very easy for a student to go day to day just getting through, but it is much easier to connect with those students if we make contact with them while they are at Tech. Once they get out, they may have more appreciation for what the Alumni Association can do for them, but they have to know we are here while they are students."

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