Billye Aaron, Hank Aaron’s wife, grabs a ceremonial shovel as she poses in a bright pink outfit in front of the academic complex named after her late husband.
“We are only interested in having our children be successful on their way up the ladder. On their way up the ladder, they need our help. They can’t do it alone,” said Aaron.
To kick off Atlanta Technical College’s 60th anniversary, its Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron Academic Complex will undergo a historic makeover. The college is getting started on a $30 million expansion to address the growing needs of Georgia’s economy.
“It’s more than bricks, steel, glass, and paint,” said Victoria Seals, the president of Atlanta Technical College. The $30 million state appropriation is the largest single state funding investment in the college’s history, according to Seals.
She says the state funding will expand student services while supporting new centers for advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and film and media production, including a new soundstage named after broadcasting pioneer Billye Aaron, which Seals delivered as a surprise to the Aaron family.
“This space will honor the space that she took up in rooms that may not have always welcomed her. So I want our students to be inspired to take up that space,” – Victoria Seals, president of Atlanta Technical College
A new soundstage will be named after broadcasting pioneer Billye Aaron. (Marlon Hyde/WABE)
“My husband believed deeply in the power of education and creating opportunities for others,” said Aaron. “It is especially meaningful to see this building continue to bear Hank’s name while preparing students for careers that will shape the future. This renovation and expansion will ensure his legacy will continue inspiring young people to dream bigger and work harder to achieve more.”
The Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron Academic Complex was originally constructed to honor the legacy of a baseball legend, dedicated board member and major financial donor to Atlanta Technical College. Aaron and his wife supported student success and scholarships through The Chasing the Dream Foundation.
Billye Aaron reacts to the announcement of a new soundstage named after her. (Marlon Hyde/WABE)
College officials say the expansion positions them to train the next generation of Georgia’s workforce as Atlanta Technical College celebrates its 60th anniversary.
