Georgia Institute of Technology College of Sciences

Georgia Tech has named Esther Gallmeier as the first recipient of the Frances O. Hite Scholarship Endowment. Gallmeier is a second-year student in the School of Mathematics.

Georgia Tech alumnus Bruce L. Hite formed the endowment in loving memory of his wife, Frances “Fran” Orr Hite. Bruce graduated from Georgia Tech in 1972 with a B.S. in building construction.

Born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Fran earned a B.A. degree in mathematics from Vanderbilt University in 1972. After her death in May 2019, friends and family established the scholarship endowment in her honor. The goals are to perpetuate Fran’s memory and to encourage women in mathematics by providing scholarships to deserving students.

"This scholarship came as a surprise to me, and I’m very grateful," Gallmeier says. She adds that she appreciates the Hite family's support for women in mathematics.

Gallmeier completed high school in Oak Ridge High School, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She was attracted to Tech by the experience of a former student in her high school who went to Tech to major in mathematics. "He loved it here," she says. "As a result, I was attracted to studying mathematics at Tech. Also, Georgia Tech is incredible at providing opportunities for undergraduates in research and internships. We are definitely well-connected with companies from all over."

One Frances O. Hite scholarship will be awarded annually to a qualified student, preferably a female student, pursuing a degree in the School of Mathematics.

Photo Caption
From left: Hite children Kevin and Pamela; Bruce Hite; Esther Gallmeier; Charlie Crawford, Bruce’s longtime friend; and Erin Green, College of Sciences development associate (Courtesy of Bruce Hite)