Patrick Swindale is not your average 20-something. While other college students are lounging around or hanging out with friends in the evenings or on weekends, Patrick Swindale is more often than not hard at work in some endeavor. In addition to maintaining a 4.0-grade point average, he works full time and is a legal guardian for his younger, severely Autistic brother. He’s also an avid churchgoer and community volunteer.
The young Lakewood resident works at HMS Global Maritime, Inc., one of the nation’s premier passenger ferry providers servicing Washington state’s Pierce County. A ferry engineer, Patrick Swindale’s workday starts before dawn at 4 a.m., in time to shuttle the early morning commuters. His workday ends at 2 p.m., with a workweek consisting of 50 to 60 hours per week.
Patrick Swindale graduated from Washington State University. Among his many extracurriculars, he was a member of the Exec Board for the social fraternity Kappa Sigma and a Treasurer and Vice President for Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice program honor society. When he obtained his bachelor’s degree in May 2018, he began preparing for his transition to Loeb School for International Business at Maine Maritime Academy.
He is currently enrolled in a master’s program to earn his Masters of Science in International Logistics Management. The school’s new online graduate program provides students with an in-depth education in international business with a focus on logistics. Patrick Swindale is on track to graduate in summer 2021, after which he intends to become a licensed customs broker.
While that would be more than enough to keep anyone busy, the tenacious student and maritime engineer is constantly seeking ways to do more. He also makes time to volunteer with his sister’s pony club, take his brother to the gym and on hikes, and assist with his former Scout group. Aside from his family, his commitment to God is his biggest priority. A devout Christian, he attends church weekly and often speaks, sharing a depth of wisdom regarding life and the gospel that belies his young age. With a great heart for helping others, he also regularly gives to charities such as the Humane Society and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
