Many Patterson Solie Scholars were able to join the family for lunch.
On the weekend of Nebraska’s Big Ten debut, UW-Madison Alumnae Susan Solie Patterson (’79 BS EDU, ’82 MFA EDU) and her mother Lorraine Solie (’43 ZC NUR, ’46 BS NUR) enjoyed lunch with many of the scholars who benefit from scholarships provided by the Patterson family. More than 10 Patterson/Solie Scholars represent the areas of Athletics, Education and Nursing. For the students, this was their first meeting with Lorraine Solie, Susan Solie Patterson and her son, Jack Patterson.
Sue’s husband and partner in providing the scholarships is award-winning author James Patterson, who was tied up that weekend. Not literally tied up, but he was on the set of the forthcoming movie based on his novel, “I, Alex Cross.”
“It was an amazing opportunity to meet the person who is responsible for funding my dreams,” said Drew teDuits, recipient of the Susan Solie Patterson Swimming Scholarship. “Meeting Mrs. Patterson and seeing that it means just as much to her as it does to me was an extremely humbling experience.”
The group met for lunch in the newly renovated Education Building, after wading through the sea of red on Bascom Hill, gathered for ESPN’s College Game Day. Welcome comments by Dean Julie Underwood led to each scholar introducing him- or herself and area of study. The planned program went awry as Bucky arrived and took matters into his own paws. Fortunately, the family and their scholars embraced Bucky’s interruption.
Sue Solie Patterson and Lorraine Solie cuddle up with Bucky; Jack Patterson’s not so sure this is a good idea!
“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with the Solie Patterson family and hear more about their connection to the UW-Madison,” said Bryan Keller, James B. and Susan Solie Patterson Graduate Student Fund Recipient. “Support from the Solie Patterson Scholarship has allowed me to focus more of my time and energy on my studies, and it was really nice to be able to express my gratitude in person. My wife and I are both students here and the Patterson’s set a great example for us and other future alumni as to how to stay involved in the University community.”
For more information
James Patterson’s Badger Spirit Inspires Nursing Gift
UW Foundation writer Ann Grauvogl first told you about the establishment of the Patterson Solie family gifts in the fall 2009 issue of Insights magazine. Continue reading »