Georgia Tech’s First Black Graduate Presents Granddaughter’s Diploma at Commencement Ceremony

Deanna Yancey, a recent graduate of Georgia Tech’s electrical and computer engineering program, received her master’s diploma from none other than her grandfather, Ronald Yancey, during last Friday’s commencement ceremony.

Today, Deanna Yancey earned her master’s in electrical and computer engineering. Almost 60 years earlier, her grandfather, Ronald Yancey, EE 1965, became the first Black student to graduate from Georgia Tech.

Not only did Deanna’s grandfather attend today’s ceremony, but he also… pic.twitter.com/UOi5eSZEpr

— Georgia Tech (@GeorgiaTech) May 3, 2024

The significance of this moment reverberates across six decades of history, as Ronald Yancey is Georgia Tech’s first Black graduate, earning his degree in electrical engineering in 1965. Now, some 60 years later, his granddaughter is following in his footsteps, not just achieving academic excellence but also leaving her mark on the university’s illustrious history.