Before the interview, Pat and a friend were passing my house and saw broken beer bottles in our garage, so they cleaned them out. Can I get a round of applause for these fine young gentlemen? Even better, after our interview was finished, Pat proved his excellent cooking skills by making my roommates and I breakfast – eggs and pancakes – by candlelight. It was a great Saturday morning. You fine young women better grab this guy while he’s available!
Major: Industrial Engineering
Relationship Status: Single (and ready to mingle)
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
HC: How did you end up coming to Pitt?
PO: I was driving home from track practice in Dublin when I found a kitten in a tree with a tag that said “Nordy – Pittsburgh, PA,” so I walked it all the way to the chancellor’s front door. The chancellor said, “Son, thank you for your dedication; here’s a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh.” Just kidding. My family has always had tickets to the Steelers’ games and after one of the games, we took a tour of Pitt; I immediately knew I wanted to go here.
HC: What do you want to do after you graduate?
PO: Go to business school then hopefully start my own consulting firm. I would love to be able to travel as a part of my business. I want to do something that makes a difference in people’s lives.
HC: What do you like to do in your free time?
PO: Anything sports related – golf, watching the Steelers, woefully supporting my beloved Pirates, going for a run, any sport whatsoever.
HC: Favorite ice cream flavor?
PO: Chocolate chip cookie dough from Graeter’s in Columbus, Ohio.
HC: What main qualities do you seek in a girlfriend?
PO: Catholic, athletic, conservative, and cute doesn’t hurt.
HC: And some qualities that turn you off?
PO: Someone who is uninspired or has a negative disposition.
HC: What is your ideal first date?
PO: I would make her dinner – I’m a good cook – then I would like to share something I enjoy with her, like go to a Pirates game or watch a good movie.
HC: Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
PO: My dad. He works incredibly hard, but he’s so levelheaded and he’s always there when you need something, no matter what. He has a positive perspective on life. We like to talk about the Steelers and Pirates when we’re stressed.
HC: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Why?
PO: Africa (specifically the orphanage my Delta Chi brother Robby Snyder founded in Tanzania) or New Zealand – my goal is to visit every continent before I graduate. I’ve already been to Europe (Italy), Asia (China), South America (Chile), but not Antarctica.
HC: What’s your best memory from travelling abroad?
PO: Either singing “Born in the USA” in a karaoke bar in Chile, or getting lost in Shanghai alone at 2 in the morning.
HC: What is your favorite memory thus far at Pitt?
PO: Forbes Hall freshman year; we did pranks on everyone we knew. Best prank: we moved someone’s entire bed to the opposite end of the building.
HC: What legacy do you want to leave behind at Pitt?
PO: I’m really proud of the development of our fraternity, Delta Chi, and I love seeing all of our guys grow as leaders on campus. In addition to that, a friend and I are starting a consulting club – Students Consulting for Non-profit Organizations (SCNO) – check it out. It’s a great opportunity to use your skills to give back to the community. We’re really hoping it catches on at Pitt and becomes part of the culture here.