Bruce ‘Eric’ Claflin Remembers Alpha Delta
12/27/2001
Bruce Claflin ’73, is president and CEO of 3Com, a multi-billion dollar networking company which does business in 65 countries. Here’s a brief Q&A with our brother about his life and Kappa Sigma.
Tell us about your favorite memory of the fraternity.
I have several…
–The night I was initiated (at least the parts I can remember).
–Hearing footsteps of my girlfriend (now wife of 28 years) coming down the hallway to my room.
–Leaving Rob Hampton my leaking waterbed the day I graduated.
Why did you join?
I joined mostly for the social aspects — friends, parties, girls!
What kind of influence has the fraternity had on your life since graduation?
I have been back to the fraternity a few times since graduating, but do not have close ties anymore. The influence the fraternity has on me today was determined during my years as an active member living in the house.
With whom do you still stay in contact?
I see a few people off and on, and exchange Christmas cards with some.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to Kerry for 28 years. She was two years behind me at Penn State. We have three children.
Chris, 25, is a First Lieutenant with the US Marines training to be a pilot. He’s married and they have one son ?– our first grandchild.
Liz, 23, our oldest daughter, is figuring out what to do with her life (as of 12/27/2001).
Our youngest, Amy, 20, attends college part time and works full time.
What other activities or organizations were you involved with during your college days?
My organized activities were all with the fraternity.
What is your nickname, and how did you get it?
All of the brothers in my time had nicknames. Mine was “Eric” since my last name sounds a little like Clapton. I think “Ike” gave it to me about three minutes after pledging. Eric Clapton: Who would have thought he’d still be around by now?
Did you live in the house? If so, who were your roommates? Tell us about a memorable time with them.
I lived in what we called “Super Suite”. It was the suite to the left hand side of the first floor. “Bitter” Brad Boyle, Dave “Spanky” Guerin and Monge (Gary Monge) were my roommates. There were too many good times to recall, and most of them can’t be repeated in respectable company.
What affiliations do you currently have and/or public service do you participate in?
I was selected as a distinguished alumnus by the College of Liberal Arts a few years ago and currently serve on the Liberal Arts Development Council. That means when you graduate, our council will hound you for contributions … which you really should give!
I am also on the boards of two public companies — 3Com and Time Warner Telecom.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy active hobbies — water skiing, scuba, snorkeling, sailing, hiking, etc.. I like to read and enjoy travel to unusual, off-the-beaten-track, places.
What are your goals for the next few years?
I want to get our company’s performance improved, make some money doing it, and retire young!