Charko Patterson

            Charko Patterson, a native of Tarrytown, NY, celebrated his 23rd birthday this past October 3rd. Currently in his fourth year at Pace and in the Pforzheimer Honors College, Charko took two years off after high school to work at his father’s business. He says, “I learned a lot and it peaked my interest.”

            He plans to obtain a BBA in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources and a minor in Information Systems. The focus on Human Resources stems from a decision Charko made last year. He says, “People are the most valuable thing in any organization. They should be taken care of.” He chose his minor because he has a strong background in computers, but he did not want it as a career. Plus, he notes, “it makes a well-rounded degree.”

            Charko hopes to one day hold a job in Human Resources somewhere in New York or the New England area. His dream job includes a position at Google, Verizon, or another large tech firm. He also hopes to work for a non-profit organization, an idea that stems from several years of an enjoyable experience. Currently, Charko is the student representative for Pace University’s Human Resources’ research committee. At this job, he is invited to work with top level administrators, such as the Executive Vice President, and has gotten to know them very well. Charko says, “It’s great to have the experience while still in school.” 

            Charko serves as the President of the Lubin Management Society; his duties include running meetings, organizing events, organization development, and networking with other organizations. He also holds the position of Treasurer for the Golden Key International Honor Society and is a member of a business fraternity, Kappa Iota Nu (a Colony of Delta Sigma Pi). As a member of Kappa Iota Nu, Charko attended the Leadership and Excellence Academies for Deltasigs (LEAD) Conference in Boston this October. He is also enrolled in the Lubin Leaders and Scholars Program.

            Charko encourages his fellow classmates to “Get involved, try to do something on campus. You don’t have to do everything, just something; maybe something outside of your career.” Also, “Make friends and get to know professors. They could be a connection for future internships and recommendations.” He also says, “If you have a problem with OSA or Financial Aid, you should see them in person. I’ve never had any problem that I could not work out with them.”

            Outside of school, Charko and his fiancée, Megan Simonds, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, set a date for their wedding: August 9, 2009.