Pictured with three of their scholarship recipients (left to right): Shinjini Das, Salim Choueiki, and Aubrey Davis McKnight
“We hope that our gift will encourage the brightest and best leaders to choose Georgia Tech.” — Patricia and Don Pirkle, IE 1958 Giving back to Georgia Tech has always been a top priority for Don Pirkle, IE 1958. Inspired by the difference that a Georgia Tech degree made in his life, Pirkle has contributed to Tech since his graduation day. Pirkle and his wife, Patricia (Pat), have created two endowed scholarships funded through gifts made during their lifetimes and enhanced by provisions made in their estate plans. Their gifts support Georgia Tech President’s Scholars and Tech Promise students majoring in industrial engineering. As an undergraduate, Pirkle majored in industrial engineering, joined the American Institute of Industrial Engineers and the National Society of Scabbard & Blade, and participated in Air Force ROTC. In addition, Pirkle taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served as president of the North Georgia Conference Methodist Youth Fellowship. Following graduation, Pirkle married Patricia Fincher and served three years on active duty in the Air Force. In 1961,
Pirkle began a successful career at Dow Chemical Company. There he held several leadership positions before retiring in 1995 as vice president for Global Information Systems and member of the Global Management Board. An active member of the Georgia Tech community, Pirkle served on the National Advisory Board, ISyE Advisory Board, and his 25th, 40th, and 50th Reunion Committees. In 2000, Pirkle was inducted into the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni. He is a charter member of the Western North Carolina Alumni Club, an active contributor to three capital campaigns, and a proud supporter of Roll Call for more than fifty consecutive years. A love of travel and volunteerism has taken the Pirkles around the world. They enjoy spending time with their two children (Melany Ann Raubolt and Mark Pirkle), five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Founders’ Council is the honorary society recognizing donors who have made estate or life-income gifts of $25,000 or more for the support of Georgia Tech. For more information, please contact: 404.894.4678 • founderscouncil@dev.gatech.edu • www.development.gatech.edu
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