Oldest Living Alumnus Rides in Ramblin’ Wreck for First Time

Sam Ledbetter (ME, 1934) just celebrated his 103rd birthday and had one wish Georgia Tech was more than happy to help make come true.

Sam Ledbetter (ME, 1934) is Georgia Tech's oldest living alumnus. He has had one wish gone unfullfilled: riding in the Ramblin' Wreck. Now that's been fixed.

This Wednesday afternoon drive was 103 years in the making.

Samuel Ledbetter is Georgia Tech’s oldest living graduate. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1934. The LaGrange, Georgia native had to save up money from a paper route to be able to pay for his education.

After serving in the military during World War II, Ledbetter worked in the automotive industry and also became a horologist – a craftsman versed in the science of making watches and clocks. Despite successful careers and raising a family, there has been one item Ledbetter has been itching to cross of his bucket list: getting a ride in the Ramblin’ Wreck.

Although Ledbetter spent many years on campus and has returned many times, he has never had the opportunity to ride in the Ford Model A Sport Coupe that has become an iconic symbol of Georgia Tech’s student body.

After celebrating his 103rd birthday this year, a few folks at Georgia Tech heard they might be able to help Ledbetter realize a wish decades unfulfilled. The Alumni Association went to work setting up a tour of campus, with the Ramblin’ Wreck serving as the official coach. During the ride, Ledbetter pulled up right beside Tech Tower for a visit with President G.P. “Bud” Peterson, who helped complete the guest of honor’s wardrobe with a Georgia Tech pin. Wrapping things up was a rousing rendition of the fight song from the Georgia Tech Glee Club.