Pat Carragher '89 - Alumni Profile
Click Here to Fill Out Your Own Alumni Corner ProfilePatrick Carragher - 1989
Big Brother: William (Bill) Ross Jr.
Offices Held: Co-Social Chairman (w/ Rick James)
X: Why did you join Theta Chi?
Pat Carragher: My roommate, Rolph Sankar (immortalized in one of the toga party pictures) and I rushed together. I rushed several houses but focused on Theta Chi after the first visit. There was just something different about it. Rolph and I both received bids and both pledged but he dropped after just a few weeks.
Pat and familyOX: What is your favorite Theta Chi memory or story?
PC: So many... stair diving, "Stop Making Sense" in Dave Latham and 'Rodent's' (Jim Stuhltrager) room, hotel parties and 'brothers' kegs'. But the highlight will always be initiation night.
OX: What kind of influence has the fraternity had on your life since graduation?
PC: I left Penn State under difficult circumstances. But the thing I do remember is the true brotherhood that was extended to me by everyone. It is something I will never forget.
OX: What is your nickname? How did you get it? Did anyone in particular give it to you?
PC: had several - none flattering..."Bluto", "Fat Character". All were richly deserved.
OX: Did you live in the house? If so, who were your roommates? Tell us about a memorable time with them.
PC: I lived in the house 1 semester (Fall of 86) and I roomed with Scott Taylor. There was a rumor that someone found him drunk one night talking to the radiator. We also had great cable reception since we were right down the hall from "Skutch" (Douglas Craig) - one of the first splits of his cable line.
OX: Where did your pledge class go on their pledge bolt/trip? What brothers did you take? Any funny stories you can tell?
PC: We went to the University of Maryland. I THINK we took "Stags" (John Stagliano) and Joe Kidda. The trip is a blur but I remember the song... (sung to the tune of "Born To Run")
Brothers let us in, we want to be your friend.
We want to drink your beer and liquor.
There's three pledges in the van and one of 'ems Chris
And he's gettin' sicker and sicker"
OX: With whom do you stay in contact? And is there anyone with whom you’ve lost touch that you would like to find?
PC: Unfortunately, I left early so I haven't really been able to stay in contact with anyone. I did run into Joe Kopetsky and Tim Paulson about a year ago at the Dark Horse Tavern in Philly. I'd love to hear from Bill Ross, Bill Herron, Chris Thompson, Dave Latham, John Stagliano, Louie Martini and John Ritter among others.
OX: What other activities or organizations were you involved with during your college days?
PC: Pretty much JUST Theta Chi. I think that was my downfall.
OX: Tell us about your family. Have you married? Do you have children?
PC: I have been happily married for 17 years and we have one daughter, Ashley, a high school senior who recently was awarded a scholarship to Rosemont College (outside Philadelphia) starting next Fall.
OX: What do you do for a living?
PC: I work in logistics for the Pilot Association for the Bay & River Delaware. We get our river pilots to and from ships, coordinate with the Coast Guard on security issues and work with the various terminal operators and tug companies.
OX: What hobbies do you enjoy?
PC: I've coached softball in various capacities for that last 12 years. I got involved through my daughter and just found a passion for the game.
OX: What are your goals for the next few years?
PC: For the next 4 years, my only goal is to help my daughter complete a successful and fulfilling college career. After that, who knows?
OX: What organizations are you involved with in your community?
PC: For the last five years, I've Softball Commissioner for the Marlton Rec. Council. We have over 600 girls from age 5-17 playing on over 45 teams (travel and rec. league). It is something I am very proud of. Many of our girls have gone on to play for Cherokee High School which has won 2 state championships in the last 4 years.