UGA College of Engineering dedicates Georgia Power Auditorium

This story was originally published on the UGA College of Engineering’s Newsroom on April 27, 2022.

The University of Georgia College of Engineering held a dedication ceremony April 22 for the Georgia Power Auditorium, a centerpiece of the Driftmier Engineering Center renovation.

The tiered auditorium includes 4,260 square feet of instructional space and seats for 125 students. In addition to hosting classes, the auditorium provides space for guest speakers, seminars, and other large events.

“The Georgia Power Auditorium is an important part of a multi-year project to significantly upgrade the instructional facilities for our more than 2,600 engineering students, 90 faculty, and 50 staff,” said Donald Leo, dean of the UGA College of Engineering. “We are very grateful to the State, the university, and the numerous private donors who have supported the significant improvement in our facilities.”

When renovations are completed this summer, more than 80,000 square feet in the Driftmier Engineering Center will have been upgraded over the past four years. In addition to the Georgia Power Auditorium, the project includes new, flexible classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories for hands-on experiential learning, new spaces for collaboration and teamwork, and an expanded Student Success Center for student-employer meetings and other professional development activities.

“As the state’s flagship land-grant and sea-grant institution, we have a commitment to the state just as Georgia Power has a commitment to the state,” said Provost S. Jack Hu, during the university’s dedication ceremony. “I want to thank Georgia Power for the long-term support you have provided the College of Engineering and the University of Georgia. Here in this auditorium, generations of students will benefit from your investment.”

Georgia Power has long been a strong supporter of engineering at UGA. The company established the Georgia Power Engineering Scholarship and it has endowed two professorships – the Georgia Power Mickey A. Brown Professorship and the Electric Mobility Distinguished Professorship. In addition, the company has donated funds to support the College of Engineering’s efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion, such as the newly established First-Years Scholars Program. The program helps the college recruit, retain and support students from populations traditionally underrepresented in the engineering discipline.

“Our gift to the university represents Georgia Power’s commitment to enriching engineering education for College of Engineering students so they can discover innovative ways to improve the lives across the state of Georgia,” said Lisa Smith, Georgia Power’s senior vice president for region external affairs and community engagement. “It is our hope that this auditorium will be used to enhance the student learning experience for decades to come.”

Deemah Alamoudi, a mechanical engineering major, also spoke at the ceremony. Alamoudi has completed three co-op rotations in power transmission with Georgia Power and will begin a fourth rotation this summer.

“I can confidently say that my time with Georgia Power has solidified my decision to pursue a career in engineering, and for this, I am extremely grateful”,” said Alamoudi. “I want to thank Georgia Power not only for the opportunities you have given me and many other students but also for your ongoing partnership and commitment to enhance engineering education at the University of Georgia.”