Q & A with Eric Carlson ’74
1. Why did you join the fraternity?
Fortunately, several high school friends from Tampa had KA connections. During rush, I visited several fraternities, but KA stood out as a great group with strong ideals.
2. What was your favorite memory of the fraternity?
Old South, band parties, football games, Dot, Mother Ware, water battles between the birdmen and mole men. As a side note, I shot some film in 1976 (those were the days before video cameras!) of the brothers in action, and rediscovered the film about ten years ago. It’s now on video, and soon to be on DVD. Several brothers have seen the video, and I hope I can get some more copies out. It’s rated PG, so you don’t have to hide it from the wife and kids!
3. What kind of influence has this had on your life?
Lifelong friendships and fond memories of shared experiences.
4. With whom do you stay in contact?
Jeff Adams ’75, Buddy Chastain ’74, Jack Alexander ’74, and I’ve run into other brothers throughout the years.
5. Tell us about your family.
I met my wife, Holly, at our ten-year high school reunion (Plant High School, Tampa, Florida). We both were class of 1973, but our high school class was large (over 750 seniors) so we really did not know each other that well in school. We got reacquainted during the reunion, and were married four months later. Our 24th anniversary is this year. Our son, Lee, is a junior in high school and he just became an Eagle Scout this past December.
6. What other activities or organizations were you involved with during your college days?
Navy ROTC and part-time jobs.
7. What is your nickname and how did your get it?
Goose, and you’ll have to ask Buddy Chastain!
8. Did you live at the house?
Yes, for three years I lived upstairs in room 23 with Jack Alexander (in the old Kappa mansion).
9. What do you do for a living?
I retired from the Navy as a Captain in 2004 after 26 1/2 years. I have changed directions completely and now work as an actor and writer. My recent screenplay, “True North,” did well in three recent screenplay contests, including finalist in the 2006 Virginia Governors screenwriting competition. I’m still searching for a producer!
10. What affiliations do you currently have and/or public service do you participate in?
I have been actively involved as a leader in scouting for the past eight years. We’re also members of the Navy League, and I serve as a voting official for James City County.
11. What hobbies do you enjoy?
Swimming to stay in shape, and sailing around the Chesapeake Bay.
12. What are your goals for the next few years?
Keep on writing, learning lines, and enjoying life.