 |
George P. BurdellFictional character
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- The Origin of a Joke
- From Student to Honor Society
- Wartime Adventures
- Continued Legacy
- Fictional Achievements
- Cultural Icon
- Campus Legend
The Origin of a Joke
In 1927, William Edgar Smith, while filling out his enrollment forms for Georgia Tech, jokingly created a second fictional character named George P. Burdell. Burdell entered Georgia Tech alongside Smith, fostering a hilarious practical joke that would last for decades.
From Student to Honor Society
Despite being a figment of Smith's imagination, Burdell progressed academically, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Absurdly, he was even inducted into a secret student society, further solidifying his fictitious persona within the university.
Wartime Adventures
During World War II, Burdell's name appeared on military records, claiming to have served as a bomber pilot. However, as the war drew to a close, the ruse was discovered. Georgia Tech, instead of punishing Smith, embraced the joke, dubbing it "the best joke in the history of the Institute."
Continued Legacy
After the war, Burdell's existence persisted. Other students contributed to his legend, announcing his marriage to another fictional character, Agnes Scott Ramona Cartwright, and later celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Fictional Achievements
Burdell's impact extended beyond Georgia Tech. He appeared in the Georgia Tech Basketball yearbook, received credit cards, and served on the board of directors of Mad magazine. He was even nominated for Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2001.
Cultural Icon
Radio station WREK portrayed Burdell as a local alternative rock star, and he was featured on the album "There is a Place." Politically, he served as an alternate delegate from Georgia to the Democratic National Convention in 2000.
Campus Legend
Today, George P. Burdell remains an icon on the Georgia Tech campus. New students learn of his storied existence, and he has become a symbol of the university's playful spirit. A campus store bears his name, and his Facebook page boasts thousands of followers, a testament to the enduring legacy of a joke that became a legend.
