Student Stories: Patrick Kauth

On August 28, 2001, Patrick Kauth’s parents drove him out to Merrimack College, near Boston, for the start of his freshman year. Patrick’s father came again on September 5 for the afternoon to help him install his computer. After that they had one phone call. “It’s still very tough,” said Patrick, whose father worked at the World Trade Center at the offices of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. “My father was a family man.  He cared for his kids like nothing else and it was a big dent when he was gone.”

Patrick believes that losing his father during his first days of college forced him to grow up quickly. “I’ve developed a real gift for learning; I didn’t have this before,” said Patrick, who is considering history as a major. “Now, I’ll read about Islam to better understand the world.” Despite a tough start to his college career, Patrick describes his freshman year as a great experience. “You never know what you’ll get with roommates,” he said. “I got three and they’ve become three of my best friends.”

The value of postsecondary education has long been fundamental to Patrick’s entire family. Both his parents earned Master’s Degrees, and his older sister is pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health at Boston University. “We all strive for higher education, and I appreciate my Families of Freedom Scholarship beyond anything I can say to the donors that made it possible,” said Patrick. “These days, it’s tough to succeed without the proven work ethic that comes with a degree. When I get mine I’m giving back, and I’m fortunate just to have the opportunity to do so.”

While at Merrimack College, Patrick plays intramural soccer and hockey. He also volunteers one night a week at a Boys Club in Lawrence, MA, one of the ten poorest communities in the United States, where he helps inner-city kids with their homework and plays sports with them.

“My dad’s philosophy was this: The more you have, the more you are responsible for giving back,” said Patrick. “He wouldn’t want us to throw away life just because he’s gone. He would be proud of his family, and he is.”