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Discover the Top 7 Fun Facts About Georgia Tech: Intriguing Insights for Future Yellow Jackets!

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Get ready to buzz with excitement as we unveil some fascinating and little-known tidbits about the hive of innovation that is Georgia Tech!

1. Hacking 101 at Georgia Tech

Ready to hack your way to success?: Georgia Tech offers a lab-based course on Penetration Testing, teaching students crucial techniques for infiltrating systems and networks, ultimately preparing them to defend critical cyber infrastructure with style and finesse.
Source => pe.gatech.edu

2. The Ramblin' Wreck Parade of Vehicles

Who needs McLarens and Teslas when you've got classic Fords and wacky contraptions galore: Georgia Tech's Ramblin' Wreck Parade, an annual tradition since 1932, showcases student-built vehicles in three categories – classic car, fixed body, and contraption – and only took a two-year break in 1942 and 1943 due to gas shortages during WWII. This vehicular extravaganza ramps up the homecoming weekend, culminating with the big football game.
Source => reckclub.org

3. The Legend of George P. Burdell

The "Student Who Lived": Amidst magical pranks and academic wizardry, George P. Burdell secretly maintained a Georgia Tech Hogwarts-esque legend for nearly a century: In 1927, William Edgar Smith enrolled a fictional Burdell as a prank, but the mischief escalated as Smith completed double assignments for his "twin wizard" and granted him degrees in Mechanical Engineering, a post-grad, and covertly fought in multiple wars as an invisible Airforce hero. The Yellow Jacket community continues to celebrate Burdell's legacy, commemorating his birthday and virtually enrolling him in every class.
Source => traditions.gatech.edu

4. Georgia Tech's Music Poll Tradition

You might say Georgia Tech is more than just science and tech – they're also harmonious pollsters making beautiful music together: Since its first official release in 1959, the Georgia Tech community has been voting for their favorite songs through an ongoing music poll, with specific guidelines and separate rules for archival releases, creating a melodious thread connecting students and alumni over the years.
Source => rateyourmusic.com

Chase Pi at Griffin's Pi Mile Race

5. Chase Pi at Griffin's Pi Mile Race

In a true ode to everyone's favorite irrational number, Georgia Tech's annual race has participants running circles around campus, chasing that oh-so-elusive last digit of Pi: The Dean George C. Griffin Pi Mile is a historic 5-kilometer race set within the Georgia Tech campus, dating back to 1973, and delightfully adapted to measure nearly 3.14 miles, embodying the spirit of pi itself.
Source => gtalumni.org

6. Buzz: The Quirky Mascot

What's black, yellow, and 5 feet 4 inches tall all over? We'll give you a buzzin' clue: it's not a mutant bumblebee, but Georgia Tech's very own adorable prankster mascot, Buzz: A creation inspired by a student's handmade costume in 1972, Buzz has evolved into a fur-covered, wing-sporting yellowjacket, representing the Institute at sports events, charity functions, and even the President's Dinner. Those vying for the fuzzy role must be in peak physical condition and survive a two-day tryout – just like a real queen bee's court!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Buzz's Debut in the '80s

Feeling buzzed since 1980: Georgia Tech's energetic mascot, Buzz, with his contagious cheer, made his debut in the '80s, inspired by the Georgia Yellow Jackets – a fearless band of Civil War soldiers.
Source => gatech.edu

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