Georgia Tech has announced a $10 million commitment from philanthropist and venture capitalist John H. Martinson to its Honors Program. In recognition of this contribution, the program will be renamed the John H. Martinson Honors Program.
John H. Martinson, chairman of Martinson Ventures, has a history of supporting honors programs at universities across the United States. His father, Raymond Martinson, graduated from Georgia Tech with a mechanical engineering degree in 1941.
The new funding will allow Georgia Tech to expand its Honors Program by increasing class sizes and enhancing programming aimed at deepening students’ academic experiences. The expanded program is set to launch in fall 2026 and aims for national prominence among peer institutions.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Martinson for his generosity and commitment to the next generation of leaders,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “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.”
Amy D’Unger, faculty director of the 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.
“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,” said Steven Girardot, vice provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success. “We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Martinson for investing in our Honors Program and in the future of undergraduate education at Georgia Tech.”
Martinson cited his interest in experiential learning and entrepreneurship as reasons for supporting Georgia Tech’s program: “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.
This gift also supports Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech and contributes toward record fundraising results achieved by Georgia Tech during Fiscal Year 2025.
