Tech’s man of mystery, George P. Burdell, will now take your questions.
Dear George, Who is invited to your anniversary party? Chase Wright, Mgt 10, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Dear Chase, Hard to believe it’s been 85 years since I came to Tech! We’ll be having a celebration during Homecoming at the Global Learning Center at 12 p.m. on Oct. 26. Thanks to the Alumni Association for hosting it! Everyone’s welcome, but I’ve sent special invitations to Stumpy’s bear, Sideways, Buzz, the other G. P. (President G. P. “Bud” Peterson, that is), Megatron and my pal Alfred E. Neuman. G.P.
Dear George, How many consecutive years have you given to Roll Call, Tech’s unrestricted academic annual fund (which supports the academic mission of Georgia Tech, including scholarships, curriculum enhancements, innovative research, top-notch facilities, etc., and enhances the value of every Tech degree)? N. Jones, Atlanta
Dear Mr. Jones, Since Roll Call is now in its 66th year, of course I’ve given for 66 consecutive years. I make sure to send in my gift to one Nate Jones, the Alumni Association’s director of Annual Giving. I see that you two share a last name. What a funny coincidence. G.P.
Dear George, Have there ever been any songs written about you? Chris King, EE 90, Atlanta
Dear Chris, I cannot confirm rumors that Carly Simon was thinking of me when she wrote “You’re So Vain.” However, at a party at Bob Seger’s place in 1977, Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band did admit that I served as inspiration for “Ramblin’ Man.” G.P.
Dear George, Back in ’69 or ’70 you signed up for every class. Just how many did you pass for credit? Ralph Chaney, Phys 74, Memphis, Tenn.
Dear Ralph, You’ll have to forgive me, but everything that happened before that night at Seger’s house is a bit hazy. G.P.
Dear George, Have you ever been married? If not, why? Betsy Wallace, Arch 96, Atlanta
Dear Betsy, Depends on who’s asking. G.P.
Have a burning query for George P.? Email him at [email protected], post it on Facebook (facebook.com/georgiatechalumni) or tweet it to @gtalumni.
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In regards to the marriage question, I was sure George P. Burdell had a marriage announcement to Romana Cartwright (the also fictitious Agnes Scott College student) in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and a 50th anniversary announcement of the same union on “A Prairie Home Companion.” At least that’s how the Scotties in our family proudly tell it when George P. Burdell comes up in conversation.