# Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
**Source**: https://coe.gatech.edu/engage/deans-distinguished-lecture-series
**Parent**: https://coe.gatech.edu/
While serving as dean of the College of Engineering and Southern Company Chair from 2021-2025, Raheem Beyah, regularly met with Georgia Tech alumni. Sometimes it was on campus. But more often, he traveled across the nation and world to meet them.
“I’m constantly amazed and humbled by what our alumni are doing with their Georgia Tech degrees,” Beyah said. “My only regret when I’m with them, hearing their stories and about their successes, is that students aren’t with me.” \
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For that reason, Beyah established the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series in 2023. Each semester, the dean invites alumni to campus for an hour-long talk tailored specifically for students. Each guest talks about their days at Georgia Tech, their careers, and how the College of Engineering paved a path to success. \
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## Latest Speaker[#](#latest-speaker "Permalink to this item")
#### Russell Ford [#](#russell-ford "Permalink to this item")
*Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board*\
StandardAero\
ME 1984
Ford has more than 30 years of experience working as an executive in the aerospace industry. He previously served as president of Carlton Forge Works and Dickson Test Group at Precision Castparts Corporation. He also was president and CEO of Prestolite Electric Inc. and chief operations officer of Holley Performance Products Inc. He previously served as senior vice president of operations at Lockheed Martin. \
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StandardAero is a national leader in engine maintenance, repairs and overhaul services, with a portfolio including fixed and rotary wing aircraft for commercial, business, and military aviation.
[See Photos From the Event](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720330419783)
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## Previous Speakers[#](#previous-speakers "Permalink to this item")
#### Greg White
Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations \
THL\
B.S.N.R.E. '81
September 2025
[Read more about Greg White](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720329042105)
#### Blake Moret
Chairman and CEO \
Rockwell Automation\
B.S.M.E. ’85
February 2025
[Read more about Blake Moret](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720323934303)
#### Vicente Reynal
Chairman, President, and CEO \
Ingersoll Rand\
B.S.M.E. ’95
November 2024
[Read more about Vicente Reynal](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720321728390)
#### Wonya Lucas
Board Member, Comcast Corporation\
Former President and CEO, Hallmark Media Networks\
B.S.I.E. ’83
September 2024
[Read more about Wonya Lucas](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720320414165/with/54004514474)
#### Scott Marlette
Co-Founder, GoodRx\
One of Facebook’s First Employees\
B.S.E.E. ’04
March 2024
[Read more about Scott Marlette](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720315461904/)
#### Ann Dunkin
Chief Information Officer\
U.S. Department of Energy\
B.S.I.E. ’86, M.S.I.E. ’88\
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January 2024
[Read more about Ann Dunkin](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720314279806/)
#### Roderick Randall
Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board\
MagLev Aero, Inc.\
B.S.E.E. ’81
October 2023
[Read more about Roderick Randall](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720312171477/)
#### Shige Honjo
Founding Team Member and 2nd Employee, \
Nest\
B.S.E.E. ’91
September 2023\
[Read more about Shige Honjo](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatechengineers/albums/72177720311334667/)