Bestselling Author Patterson Creates Honors Program for Alma Mater

Bestselling author James Patterson has launched a program at his alma mater, Manhattan University, to prepare top students for their future careers.
The James Patterson Honors Program will provide workshops, internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities to students, the university announced Wednesday.
Patterson, one of the world’s highest-earning authors, graduated from the New York school (then Manhattan College) in 1969 with a BA in English.
Titles like the Alex Cross series and Witch & Wizard have contributed to more than 425 million books sold globally since 1976.
“Excellence in learning is essential, and I am so pleased to be able to start this program and have an active role in its development,” he said in a statement.
Prospective top students will partake in the project’s inaugural year next fall. Current students will also be contacted if they are considered eligible.
The university says it will develop students with a foundation in “critical thinking, writing, and creative problem-solving” in preparation for “fulfilling careers in a wide range of industries.”
“It is important for me to work with one of my alma maters to enhance a culture of success and achievement for our highest performing students from Manhattan University,” Patterson said.
He added that the program would offer a “robust” professional preparation for various career pathways in a leadership program that promotes “excellence.”
Patterson has donated millions to libraries, bookstores, and literacy programs, and earlier this year, he established scholarships for Manhattan University students in need.
His career earnings are estimated to be more than $700 million.
He increased his annual donations for classroom libraries from $1.75 million to $2 million in 2018. The “Patterson Pledge” is run in coordination with Scholastic Book Clubs, gifting teachers nationwide money for access to reading resources.
Patterson has donated millions to independent bookstores, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help them remain operational.
More recently, the writer donated $2 million to PEN America, supporting its work to protect free expression and fight against book banning, when popular books are lobbied off library shelves for exploring controversial political or social topics.
Patterson holds The New York Times’ record for most number-one bestsellers by a single author, with over 200 releases and counting.
The 77-year-old’s works are best known to fans of thriller and young adult fiction.
This news coincides with the streaming adaptation of the detective series Cross on Amazon Prime.
Cross delves into the life of Detective Alex Cross, a Washington, D.C., forensic psychologist tasked with solving complex criminal cases. It stars Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, and Juanita Jennings.
Over 100 million copies have sold across the more than 30 titles in Patterson’s series.
So far, reviews ahead of the show’s November 14 release span from “frequently oppressive” (Hollywood Reporter) to “gripping and ambitious” (Entertainment Weekly).
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.