OX: Why
did you join Theta Chi? Chris Bartnik: I thought it was one of the best ways
to get involved in Penn State activities and make some strong friendships. I
picked Theta Chi because of the diversity of the brotherhood - everyone
wasn't from the same town or high school in PA.
OX: What is your favorite
Theta Chi memory or story? CB: All of the initiations during my time in the house
were great. I loved the bar sings and the excitement of becoming
a new brother.
OX: What kind of influence
has the fraternity had on your life since graduation? CB: Some of my best friends are from Theta Chi. Lots
of PSU Football buddies since 1991.
OX: What is your nickname? How
did you get it? Did anyone in particular give it to you? CB: Bart, derived from my last name.
OX: Did you live in the house?
If so, who were your roommates? Tell us about a memorable time with them. CB: I lived in the house with Kevin Shayer, Steven Sennett
and Mike Stein. However my best roommate experience was my last semester
when Andrew Byrnes was not attending classes but stayed in State College
as my de facto roommate.
OX: Where did your pledge class
go on their bolt? What brothers did you take? Any funny stories
you can tell? CB: My pledge class went to UVA and Virginia Tech. We
took Chris Heidrick and I think Scott Taylor. Virginia Tech was a great
time, we attended a graffiti social and had some good times with the Phi
Mu's.
OX: With
whom do you stay in contact? And is there anyone with whom you’ve
lost touch that you would like to find? CB: I go to PSU football games with Rich Maltz, Jeff
Damcott and Greg Hancock. Last season, I also saw Jim Venture,
Andy Byrnes, Matt Mallin, Scott Fitzgerald and Dennis Foley at a home
game.
OX: What other activities
or organizations were you involved with during your college days? CB: Besides Theta Chi, I enjoyed intramural sports
and I was a little brother at Sigma Delta Tau. OX: Tell
us about your family. Have you married? Do you have children? CB: I am married to Leslie Lindenfeldar, who sang
in the band Elixcir that played at the house. We have a 1 year
old son, Leo.
OX: What do you do for
a living? CB: I am employed with Palmer & Cay
Consulting as a Health and Welfare Benefit Practice Leader.
OX: What hobbies do
you enjoy? CB: My biggest hobby is Penn State Football. We
attend all the home games and used to go to the bowl games when we
were going regularly. Being a new father, I am spending the
rest of my free time with my boy.
OX: What are your goals
for the next few years? CB: I am focused on having more children and building
up the practice at Palmer & Cay. It
is a new business and will take up a lot of my time.
OX: What organizations
are you involved with in your community? CB: We attend our local church and are active in
the local Penn State Alumni Association.
