Chris Bartnik '91 BA, '96 MBA (aka Bart) - Alumni Profile
Click Here to Fill Out Your Own Alumni Corner ProfileChris Bartnik - 1991 & 1996 MBA
Big Brother: Shane Balcik
Little Brother: Andrew Byrnes, Matt Mallin, Ron Beadenkopf
Offices Held: Chaplain
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.
Chris and FamilyOX: 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.