Tech’s Youngest Roll Call Donor
By: Sharita Hanley | Categories: Alumni Interest
“My grandson loves Tech and Buzz,” shares Trey’s grandfather George Ben Turnipseed, CE 69. “Trey’s father and one of his aunts went to Tech, and he sees and knows how much I love Tech. My nephew, Michael Cheever, Mgt 96, and grandson Coleman Poje, IE 17, also graduated from Tech. We’re just Tech people through and through, and he’s picked up on that.”
The family’s Tech spirit runs so deep that Trey celebrated his ninth birthday in Yellow Jacket style.
“He wanted to go to a Tech football game with friends,” explains Turnipseed, a 52-year season ticket holder. “We ate at The Varsity and went to the game. Afterward, we went by the Alumni House and got our pictures taken with Buzz and the Ramblin’ Wreck. He had a ball.” Trey also became a Junior Jacket that day and told his grandfather, “It was the best birthday ever.”
Trey’s gift to Roll Call was inspired by watching his family. “Trey learns by seeing people do things,” Turnipseed says. “He saw his father donate and said, ‘I want to give some money to Georgia Tech.’”
Trey’s small yet powerful gesture underscores a lifelong commitment to Georgia Tech, embodied by his grandfather. Turnipseed’s own journey with Tech began as a young boy attending games with his father. His choice to attend Tech was solidified by its co-op program, which allowed him to work while completing his degree.
“Being a co-op student allowed me to pay my tuition fees. It took five years to graduate, but I’m grateful for the experience to this day.”
Less than 10 years after graduating, Turnipseed launched his own company, Turnipseed Engineers. Since then, he has spent decades making an impact in the engineering community.
In 2019, his contributions were recognized, and he was elected to the Georgia Tech Engineering Hall of Fame. “Next to God, my parents, wife, and family, Georgia Tech is the best thing that happened to me. That’s why I give back to Tech,” he says.
In addition to being a 56-year consecutive Roll Call donor, Turnipseed mentors students, and established and funds the G. Ben Turnipseed Scholarship, ensuring future generations of engineers have access to the same opportunities that shaped his life.
