The Mysterious Enrollment
In 1927, Georgia Tech received an enrollment application for George P. Burdell, a name that would become legendary on campus. The application was actually a prank by Ed Smith, a Georgia Tech freshman, who added Burdellās name to registration forms and enrolled him in classes.
Academic Success
Despite never existing, Burdell āattendedā every class. Smith and friends completed Burdellās assignments, exams, and even listed him as a co-author on academic papers. By 1930, Burdell had āgraduatedā with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Campus Hero
Burdellās reputation grew, and he soon became a beloved part of Georgia Techās culture. He was ālistedā as an Air Force pilot in World War II, joined university clubs, and was even named āMan of the Yearā by Time magazine in 1958.
A Lasting Tradition
Today, Burdell is still an active āstudent.ā Georgia Tech students continue to enroll him in courses, keep his name on rosters, and submit his name in pranks. Burdellās fictional life remains a time-honored tradition at the university.
The Student Who Never Existed š§āš
The Mysterious Enrollment
In 1927, Georgia Tech received an enrollment application for George P. Burdell, a name that would become legendary on campus. The application was actually a prank by Ed Smith, a Georgia Tech freshman, who added Burdellāsā¦ pic.twitter.com/lCvZFJqhfZ— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) October 25, 2024