In Memoriam Julian LeCraw
This fall, the Institute mourned the loss of a loyal and beloved alumnus. Julian LeCraw Sr., IM 1952, had a long record of service to Georgia Tech, matching his decades-long success as an Atlanta entrepreneur, real estate developer, investor, and visionary.
He began his career in 1955 in the apartment construction business. By the early 1960s, LeCraw owned and managed numerous buildings, and had expanded into the construction of hotels and other commercial properties. Over the years Julian LeCraw & Co. grew from an entrepreneurial, family-oriented real estate business to a professional, service-oriented firm. In 1990, LeCraw passed management of the firm to his son, Julian Jr., who became CEO.
His generous philanthropy and passion for his alma mater were as transformative as his smile was infectious. LeCraw and his wife, Joanne, gave back to support academics, faculty, research, athletics, the G. Wayne Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, and the Ernest Scheller Jr. College of Business (where his name graces the main auditorium). He also gave unselfishly of his time, serving on numerous boards over the years, including the Scheller College Advisory Board, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, the Campaign Georgia Tech Steering Committee, and his 50th Reunion Committee. He served for years as a trustee and former chair of the Georgia Tech Foundation. LeCraw became the face of the Campaign after his emotional appearance in both the kickoff and the celebration videos. (The latter can be viewed at http:// www.news.gatech.edu/features/2016-celebrate.)
Above all, Julian LeCraw was a man dedicated to his family, his work, and his alma mater. His memory and his legacy will live on at Georgia Tech and beyond.