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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: January 11, 2002
The Georgia Tech Cooperative Division is proud to announce that Brian C. Rugg has just been named National Cooperative Education Student of the Year! This honor is awarded annually by the Cooperative Education Division (CED) of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA). The award is based on academic achievement, accomplishments as a cooperative employee, leadership, character, and community involvement. As National Co-op Student of the Year, Brian will be honored at this year's ASEE Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration, February 4-8, 2002. Brian will be presented with a $1000 cash award, a recognition plaque, and his travel expenses will be paid to attend the conference in Sarasota, Florida.
Brian completed his Industrial Engineering degree with the Cooperative Designation. He graduated in a total of 4-1/2 years, alternating semesters of full-time classes, with full-time work experience in his major field. Brian was a co-op employee with ChoicePoint, Inc., a leading IT company headquartered in Alpharetta, GA. He worked with the company for five semesters. Brian worked in business analysis, process reengineering, project management and implementation, as well as business technology administration. Rob Phillips, Project Director at ChoicePoint and a mentor to Brian, describes one of Brian's contributions to the company: "Brian immediately stepped into the role of project leader in a reengineering initiative aimed at establishing cross-functional customer implementation process teams. He directed the efforts of a group of 18 individuals, many of whom were seasoned professionals. In every instance, Brian's solid assertive skills, technical comprehension, and interpersonal abilities enabled him to effectively achieve a successful project implementation, exceeding my high expectations. Primarily through Brian's efforts on the Apollo customer setup streamlining initiative, ChoicePoint was able to achieve over $400,000 in cost savings for the customer support division."
Brian graduated December 15, 2001, with his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Earning an overall grade point average of 3.75 at Georgia Tech, Brian graduated with Highest Honor. A leader at Georgia Tech, Brian coordinated Team Buzz community service projects for three years, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House and the Outdoor Activity Center. He also served as President of Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, a member of the Alpha Phi Mu Industrial Engineering Honor Society, and Golden Key Honor Society. Brian's other awards include the Eagle Scout, HOPE and Governor's Scholarships, the James G. and Mary Wohlford Scholarship, Dean's List and Faculty Honors at Georgia Tech.
Brian is the son of Edwin and Sharon Rugg of Marietta, GA. He has received multiple job offers, and intends to work for several years before pursuing an MBA. Upon learning he had been chosen as the National Co-op Student of the Year, Brian said, "It brings me great excitement and pride to know that I will represent ChoicePoint and the Georgia Tech Co-op Program in this fashion."
Written by Lisa D. Jones, Program Coordinator, Georgia Tech Cooperative Division
