Patrick Gilrane:
The Gilrane family from left: Patrick, Bonnie, Timothy, and Ryan.
Psi Upsilon Foundation Chairman-Elect
Patrick Gilrane, Psi ‘83 (Hamilton College) is making an extraordinary difference for Psi U and the lives he touches. In June, Gilrane will become chairman of the Psi Upsilon Foundation board of directors. Patrick’s daily agenda includes running his own financial firm dealing with consumer product marketing and investments, serving on the Psi U Executive Council and Foundation Board, helping develop a “career day” and mentoring concept for the benefit of the Fraternity’s undergraduates, leading a local Boy Scout troop (his two sons have achieved Eagle rank) and squeezing in sailing time when weather permits. For those whose career path ended up far from the discipline they started out with, they’ll appreciate the fact this Hamilton College grad was a geology major, with plans to go into the oil business. But jobs in the petroleum industry were few and far between when he graduated. With the help of a Psi U alumnus he got into business school . . . and that changed his life, personally and professionally. Not surprisingly, Patrick Gilrane credits his successes, his ambitions, and his motivations largely to his Psi Upsilon roots. Gilrane quickly points to lifelong friendships in Psi U as being an influential “ingredient” in his life. With business colleagues who are brothers, there is a level of trust some might not understand. He’s recently become reengaged in the affairs of the Fraternity and Foundation and feels the outgrowth of that involvement helps enhance Psi U’s relevance as an organization for him.
“Alumni want to connect,” he says, and proof of that are the recent alumni gatherings in Boston, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Atlanta. He is proud of his role in that undertaking, helping give the Foundation a leg-up in promoting the Psi U Leadership Initiative, all the while creating opportunities for brothers to be involved as volunteers and mentors. The Psi Chapter’s Carreer Day, now in its third year, gives undergraduate brothers the opportunity to rub elbows with alumni about career opportunities beyond campus. Gilrane will tell you the idea did not originate with him, but even the casual observer will say it has certainly gained solid footing and momentum with his involvement at the Psi Chapter. The Career Day thrust is aimed at the importance of being prepared for what the new graduate may face. Alumni are invited to participate in panel discussions at the chapter level, relating their own experiences in their particular profession. Students gain a first-hand look at the world beyond their campus, and alumni interaction is an especially positive outgrowth of the activity. He believes the concept can be replicated in most Psi U chapters: a win for undergraduates, alumni, parents, and the colleges themselves. Aside from his personal involvement with the Fraternity and Foundation, Patrick donates to Psi U because “I love the organization and because it helps others where it counts.”
THE DIAMOND OF PSI UPSILON | 5
