Pat Donnelly is a senior double majoring in economics and management from Athens, Pennsylvania. He’s accomplished a lot in his four years at Penn State, from being on the Club Water Polo Team to dancing in THON 2016. He’s a kind–hearted guy with a big smile who’s going on to do big things in Cleveland after graduation. For now though, he’s living up his last half of senior year while trying to check some things off the Penn State bucket list. Check him out!
HC: It may seem like a long time ago, but what made you decide to come to Penn State in the first place?
PD: I grew up watching Penn State football and Joe Paterno, and when I actually got on campus, it was awesome. I took a tour on a nice fall day and met up with my two older siblings at the Creamery who were students here; it has felt like home ever since.
HC: As a senior, thinking back, what is one of your most memorable moments or experiences at Penn State?
PD: Of course, THON will always be up there for one of the most memorable experiences. But what I’ll probably miss the most is going on runs through campus and all of State College.
HC: What made you decide to join the Club Water Polo, and what is your favorite part about being on the team?
PD: The best part of Club Water Polo is having teammates that you can count on at all times. It’s really like a big, crazy dysfunctional family that plays water polo a lot of the time. If you’ve been to the water polo house you know we can sometimes get a little too “crazy”, but I trust every single one of my teammates. They’re all really good guys and phenomenal athletes.
HC: You danced in THON this year, congratulations! How was that experience for you?
PD: My THON experience will definitely be one of my favorite Penn State experiences to look back on. The amount of effort that the student body puts in over the course of the year was really evident while I was on the floor. The energy of the crowd was what kept all of us going for so long, and just being able to view the massive amount of people THON brings together was awesome. It was just an incredible experience to be able to dance with so many of my friends and to be cheered on by my team. It’s without a doubt one of the coolest things I will ever get to be a part of.
HC: What else are you involved in at Penn State?
PD: I am also a part of Penn State Athletes Take Action or PSATA, which is an organization that focuses on anti-bullying initiatives in middle schools using Penn State athletes as the medium for communication. Each month, we go to different sixth grade classrooms and do activities that promote anti-bullying within the school. Although I have to get up incredibly early (which makes me wonder how I survived waking up that early every day for 13 years) getting to know the kids is really fun, plus it’s a good message.
HC: Describe your ideal date night.
PD: For my ideal date, I’m all about brunch. First of all, if you don’t have brunch on Sunday you’re going to have a bad week – that’s just a fact. Breakfast food is the best food in the world – also a fact. Not having to wake up early to eat it is a game changer. Throw in a charming young woman to get to know, and you have yourself a perfect date.
HC: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave it to you?
PD: Best advice I’ve ever gotten is to never take yourself too seriously, and it was from a good friend.
HC: What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
PD: Most embarrassing is tough because I’m pretty good at avoiding that. But my first ride on the Blue Loop was pretty bad. I was on a full bus and thought I got on the wrong one and panicked. So I made my way up to the driver and asked him where he was taking me. FRESHMAN!
HC: What are your plans after graduation?
PD: After graduation, I will be working as a wealth manager for PNC Bank in Cleveland and just living up that “young professional” lifestyle.
HC: Describe your perfect day.
PD: Perfect day would have to take place at the beach. Hanging out playing can jam, corn hole, etc. with a beer in hand at all times, of course.
HC: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
PD: If I could go anywhere in the world. I would head to Italy where I would spend half my time in Rome and half my time in small coastal Italian villages hanging at the beach and consuming ridiculous amounts of pasta.
HC: Anything left on your Penn State bucket list?
PD: Lots still to do on the Penn State bucket list. Still haven’t hit every bar. Still haven’t gotten kicked out of the Phyrst. Haven’t taken down three monkey boys in a night, and then a few others that I probably shouldn’t mention.