Welcome Back to a Reimagined Brittain Dining Hall
After two years of extensive renovation, Brittain Dining Hall is reopening Monday, August 17, and it’s better than ever. The iconic 1928 Collegiate Gothic structure—famous for its Hogwarts-like appearance and recognition by Southern Living magazine—has been thoughtfully modernized while preserving its historic character that generations of Yellow Jackets have cherished.
The renovation represents a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. The stunning cathedral ceilings, stained-glass windows designed by architecture professor Julian Hoke Harris, and the original terrazzo flooring crafted by Tech’s ceramics department remain intact. Behind the scenes, however, the facility has undergone a complete transformation. The main kitchen now features state-of-the-art appliances, a new dish room that reduces water and energy usage, and improved systems that make operations safer and more efficient for employees.
Diners will discover seven full-service stations designed to meet modern expectations: Smoothie Lab, Green Bytes and Slices (featuring an expanded salad bar and made-to-order deli), Smart Slice pizza station, GT Fire Bowl (a new Mongolian concept), Ramblin’ Grill, Plant-Power Hive for vegetarian and vegan options, plus beverage and dessert stations. Notably, Tech Dining has eliminated fryers in favor of healthier baking methods for items like French fries. Executive Director Ryan Greene emphasized that the renewed Brittain represents “the continued evolution of Tech Dining” by combining health-conscious practices with innovative menu development and culinary excellence. Brittain will operate Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Week of Welcome: Over 300 Events Await First-Year Yellow Jackets
Week of Welcome runs August 17–23, offering first-year students an unforgettable introduction to Georgia Tech. With more than 300 events scheduled, this tradition provides incoming students a week to arrive early, explore campus, and build connections before classes begin.
First-year students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow Yellow Jackets through social and educational experiences, attend practical workshops ranging from Tech traditions to laundry tips to college-level study strategies, learn about involvement opportunities across all aspects of campus life, and simply have fun before academic demands intensify. Whether you’re interested in discovering your passions, understanding campus resources, or building your resume, Week of Welcome has something for everyone. Students can explore all available events on the WOW page on Engage, or contact weekofwelcome@gatech.edu for more information.
Light Up the Night at the Helluva Glow Run
As part of Week of Welcome festivities, the Helluva Glow Run 5K & Glow Social takes place Sunday, August 16 on Tech Green. This high-energy tradition is the perfect way to kick off the academic year, whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with friends, or cheering on fellow Yellow Jackets.
The event runs from 6:30–10:30 p.m., with race check-in and registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the 5K starting at 8:00 p.m. Participants will receive commemorative medals, and all attendees can enjoy glow and LED giveaway items, interactive activities, music, drink stations, and a vibrant post-race celebration. Can’t run? No problem—come celebrate Georgia Tech spirit and enjoy the glowing atmosphere with the community. Registration is open now for runners and walkers alike.
A Week of Tradition and New Beginnings
This coming week exemplifies what makes Georgia Tech special: we honor our nearly century-old traditions while embracing innovation and improvement. From the reopening of a beloved dining hall that has fed generations of brilliant minds to the welcoming of another cohort of remarkable first-year students, this is a moment of connection, pride, and promise.
Whether you’re an alumnus returning to campus, a current student welcoming new Yellow Jackets, or a prospective member of the Georgia Tech family, there’s never been a better time to celebrate what we’ve built and what’s ahead. We’d love to hear your memories of Brittain, your Week of Welcome stories, or your thoughts on these exciting campus developments. Share your Georgia Tech pride with us in the comments below!
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