Patrick Alderdice, ’92, was in the best shape of his life. Entering what many consider “middle age,” he decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest free-standing mountain in the world. Then he climbed Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the U.S. Next, he conquered a trek up to Everest Base Camp.
But not long after that Everest climb, Mr. Alderdice—at that time running three miles a day—suddenly could run no more. He was now fatiguing while exercising, and regularly found himself short of breath. After some quick tests with his family physician, Mr. Alderdice was rushed to the hospital. Doctors determined he was in immediate need of open-heart surgery.
“My widowmaker was 99 percent blocked,” Mr. Alderdice said. “I thought I was in the best shape of my life. What I didn’t realize is that genetics don’t care about what kind of shape you’re in. So, six months after coming off Everest Base Camp, I ended up having quintuple bypass surgery.”
Despite this unexpected and life-threatening challenge, Mr. Alderdice’s resilience and determination—qualities he honed during his transformative years at Ball State University—saw him through recovery. His journey from a young student navigating campus life to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist underscores the profound impact that Ball State had on his personal and professional development.
Discovering Ball State
Mr. Alderdice grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he attended Bishop Luers High School. As a member of the 1985 state championship football team, he developed a strong sense of teamwork and perseverance.
Despite his active involvement in sports, Mr. Alderdice admits, “I was never a great student, but I had a great high school experience.”
The turning point in his educational journey came during a high school Journalism Day visit to Ball State.
“The campus was beautiful, especially on that Spring day,” Mr. Alderdice recalled. “I knew then Ball State was the place for me. It was close enough to home to feel secure but far enough to give me the independence I needed.”
Mr. Alderdice chose Ball State for its welcoming atmosphere and potential for personal growth. This choice set the stage for a transformative experience that would shape his future in profound ways.
A Leader Emerges
Initially enrolled at Ball State as a journalism major, Mr. Alderdice quickly switched to political science, discovering a passion that aligned more closely with his interests.
Although his early days were spent mostly within his residence hall, a pivotal decision to join the Delta Chi fraternity during his sophomore year opened doors to countless opportunities.
Through Delta Chi, Mr. Alderdice became deeply involved in campus life, ultimately holding several key leadership positions in the Student Government Association (SGA), including vice president and chief justice of the judicial court.
His involvement in the SGA brought him into close contact with Dr. Don Mikesell, Ball State’s longtime former dean of students, who played a significant role in Mr. Alderdice’s development.
“Dean Mikesell was more than an administrator—he was a mentor and a guide,” Mr. Alderdice said. “His integrity and commitment to students were inspiring.”
Through their collaboration on the University’s disciplinary committee, Dr. Mikesell quickly saw a bright future ahead for Mr. Alderdice.
“I placed a lot of value on his judgment,” Dr. Mikesell recalled. “When Patrick accepts a responsibility, he goes after it with everything he’s got. He’s going to do his absolute best.”
