Susan Solie Patterson Named Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
Photographer, Philanthropist, Former Advertising Executive, and Author with her husband, James Patterson, of the Little Geniuses series of children’s books
Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., President of the 173-year-old Manhattan University, today announced that Susan Solie Patterson, author, photographer, former advertising executive, and philanthropist, will deliver the keynote address and receive a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the University’s Undergraduate Commencement on May 16, 2026.
Patterson is the wife of James Patterson ’69 whose books have sold over 425 million copies and holds The New York Times’ record for most number one best selling books by a single author. At Manhattan University, the Pattersons have an extraordinary presence and impact, the latest example of which is the establishment of the James Patterson Honors Program (JPHP).
Ms. Patterson earned both Bachelor of Science (1979) and Master of Fine Arts (1982) degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she specialized in photography and printmaking in the School of Education. She also excelled as a swimmer, serving as team captain, holding a Big Ten Conference record, and earning All-American honors. Upon graduation, she forged a successful career in advertising at J. Walter Thompson (now VMLY&R), rising to the positions of Art Director and Senior Vice President.
She is the co-author of several children’s books along with her husband, including Big Words for Little Geniuses which became a New York Times best seller. It is part of the Little Geniuses series which also includes Bigger Words for Little Geniuses. In 2023, she released her debut novel, Things I Wish I Told My Mother (co-written with James Patterson and Susan DiLallo), inspired by her mother and a tribute to mothers and daughters. Her latest novel, The Mother Daughter Book Club (co-written with James Patterson), will be released this month.
Stated Dr. Bonato,
“Susan has been an incredible supporter of Manhattan University. Both she and Jim staunchly support the strong liberal arts Lasallian Catholic education that our students receive at Manhattan, and she is a vibrant presence on our campus. We are incredibly indebted to the support that both Susan and Jim have given to us, particularly through the JPHP that currently enrolls over 160 students.”
Ms. Patterson serves as a Trustee on the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and on the Board of Advisors for the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education. She also served as a Trustee for the Palm Beach Day Academy, the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, and a member of the President Leadership Council at Brown University.
She and her husband have a son, Jack, a 2020 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Brown University. The couple’s primary residence is in Palm Beach, FL and they have a summer home in Briarcliff Manor, NY.
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About Manhattan University
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.