Three Minutes on a Park Bench With Patrick Aievoli

"Three Minutes on a Park Bench" is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local residents. If you would like to be featured, email ryan@patch.com. 

Today we chat with Patrick Aievoli, a professor at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. Aievoli, who lives in Huntington, has been the director of the Interactive Multimedia Arts graduate program at the school since 1999. 

Patch: What's your morning routine?

Aievoli: Up at 5 a.m., read emails, send emails, read articles, gather research, watch news (muted), drink large amounts of coffee, talk to my dog (Madden) get ready for work.

Patch: What do you do for a living? And what's the best thing about your job?

Aievoli: I am a college professor at LIU Post for 26 years - Interaction Design. I get to work with young focused people. I never age - I am always in my 20s. Everyday I get to talk and work with young people. But they get old - some now in their 40s and me? I get to stay 20 something forever!

Patch: What's the hardest?

Aievoli: Dealing with people who got old, mentally. In 2012 I died 3 times on the table (as they say) and it just concreted my belief in staying young, again mentally.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

Aievoli: Since 1987 - both my kids were born here Philip and Allison. Both are Whitman grads. My wife Adele works for Oakwood school.

Patch: What's your favorite thing about living here?

Aievoli: Huntington itself. I drive everyday through the village and I am amazed at the storybook nature of this town. The culture, the shops, the harbor, the parks, the people. I am very happy my kids get to call this place home. For me Inwood Five Towns will always be home - no offense meant.

Patch: If you had to arrange a secret meeting here, where would you have it?

Aievoli: Huntington Public Library - lots of room and quiet.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don't know.

Aievoli: Inside, very very deep inside I am a thin man. I secretly want to do standup comedy. Been told for 40 years I should do it - but I am too shy. I also paint and have been in shows at Islip Museum, Nassau County Fine Arts, FAM of Long Island, Remote Lounge, online in the Netherlands, etc.

Patch: When you want a really indulgent snack here, where do you go and what do you get?

Aievoli: A Rise Above in town (Scones) or Rita's - for vanilla soft cone

Patch: What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Aievoli: "If your hands are cold I'll buy you gloves but for the love of God son, get them out of your pocket cause there's work to be done" - Patsy Aievoli (my father)

Patch: What are you doing after this interview?

Aievoli: Playing with my dog and then going to have more fun with 20 year olds - teach at Post - night class.


RELATED:

Three Minutes on a Park Bench With Adam Schleichkorn