Georgia Tech has announced a $10 million commitment from philanthropist and venture capitalist John H. Martinson to its Honors Program. In recognition of the donation, the program will be renamed the John H. Martinson Honors Program.
John H. Martinson is chairman of Martinson Ventures and has supported honors programs at several institutions across the country. His father, Raymond Martinson, graduated from Georgia Tech in 1941 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
According to Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera, “We are deeply grateful to Mr. Martinson for his generosity and commitment to the next generation of leaders. Through this extraordinary investment in the newly named John H. Martinson Honors Program, we will help more of our students reach their full potential and expand the high-impact opportunities available to them.”
The donation will allow Georgia Tech to increase the size of its entering honors class and enhance programming that supports students’ academic experiences and graduation with honors distinction. The expanded program is set to launch in fall 2026 with aims for national prominence among peer institutions.
Amy D’Unger, faculty director of the John H. Martinson Honors Program, said, “We’ve built a strong foundation, but this donation is what will take it to the next level. It has the power to be transformative, creating an experience that will enhance our ability to create the next generation of leaders.”
With this change, the Honors Program will become a standalone unit within Georgia Tech’s Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success rather than remaining under Undergraduate Curriculum.
Steven Girardot, vice provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success, stated, “This commitment will empower the Honors Program to reach new levels of excellence, while remaining deeply rooted in the values that make Georgia Tech a top destination for high-achieving, purpose-driven students. We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Martinson for investing in our Honors Program and in the future of undergraduate education at Georgia Tech.”
Martinson expressed his interest in supporting experiential learning and entrepreneurship at Georgia Tech: “Georgia Tech students are among the brightest and most innovative in the country,” he said. “I am vested in the success of the program to double its total number of students and engage faculty to achieve a top 10 honors ranking nationwide.”
The John H. Martinson Honors Program offers interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentorship, and community-based learning opportunities for students across campus.
Martinson’s contribution also advances Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech and supports record fundraising efforts by the Institute during Fiscal Year 2025.
