The event was timed for guests to appreciate the striking, new energy-efficient lighting that accentuates the Acuity Brands Plaza's role as a gateway from Midtown Atlanta into the Management building, Technology Square, and Georgia Tech as a whole.

Atlanta-based Acuity Brands made a seven-figure gift to enable the renovation of the plaza during the spring and summer.

At the dedication, Georgia Tech Provost and Interim President Gary Schuster stressed the importance of the plaza's visual impact to Technology Square, which has grown into a major hub of high-tech business opportunity. "It's imperative that it have a signature look, and Acuity Brands has enabled us to achieve that."

Employing the latest energy-efficient technology, the lighting in the new plaza includes LED twinkle lights that run through the new pavers of the pedestrian-friendly area, creating a striking effect under the night sky. The plaza redesign eliminated drive-through traffic and added an expanse of grassy area, trees, and new outdoor furnishings to heighten the appeal of the area to the Technology Square community.

"The dazzling array of lights running throughout the plaza will surely beckon community members to learn more about our College and take advantage of all that Technology Square has to offer," said College of Management Dean Steve Salbu at the dedication.

John Hartman, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, discussed how important Acuity Brands considers its relationship with Georgia Tech. The company has previously supported Georgia Tech athletics and the Center for Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems, in addition to working closely with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering on lighting research.

"We've very proud to be associated with the university," Hartman said.

College of Management alumnus William Astary (IM 1978), senior vice president of sales for Acuity Brands Lighting, played a pivotal role in making the new plaza a reality. Implementing an eco-friendly, sustainable design was important to both Acuity Brands and Georgia Tech, he said.

Acuity Brands is pleased "provide Georgia Tech students and faculty a place to gather, enjoy, and share a sense of pride at the juncture of commerce, technology, and sustainability," Astary added.

Acuity Brands (NYSE:AYI) employs 7,000 people and has operations throughout North America, as well as in Europe and Asia. Numerous Georgia Tech alumni work at Acuity Brands, whose subsidiaries provide internships for Tech students and continue to recruit the Institute's graduates. Acuity Brands Lighting, a subsidiary of Acuity Brands, is one of the world's leading providers of lighting products and services. The company has previously supported Georgia Tech athletics and the Center for Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems, in addition to working closely with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering on lighting research.