James Patterson to Speak at University of the Pacific Commencement

By Dianna Dilworth 

Bestselling author James Patterson will be the commencement speaker at the University of Pacific’s graduation ceremony.

Patterson’s involvement is personal. The Class of 2017 includes four aspiring teachers that attended the university thanks to support from the Patterson Family Foundation. The foundation has given out $7 million in scholarships to help support student teachers at universities around the country.

Pacific’s graduation will take place on May 13.

“I am so blessed to be here at Pacific and it is because of Mr. Patterson’s generous financial contribution to my college education that my dreams are coming true,” stated Taylor Dorsey, one of the recipients of the scholarship. “I can’t wait to begin my career as a teacher so I can make a difference in other people’s lives as Mr. Patterson has made in mine. I will never forget what he has done for me.”