Top-selling author to give spring commencement speech at UW-Madison

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - One of the best-selling authors in the world will be giving the keynote commencement speech at UW-Madison this spring.

James Patterson was announced as the spring speaker by UW-Madison in a press release on Wednesday.

“James Patterson has shown what it means to make the most of your education — and what it means to give back. We are thrilled to welcome him as this year’s commencement speaker,” UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said. “His successes as a writer are unparalleled, and so is the generosity of his time, talent and resources, which have made lasting impacts on higher education and the lives of countless students.”

Patterson has written over 250 novels with more than 100 becoming a New York Times bestseller.

Some of Patterson’s works include “Along Came a Spider”, “The Thomas Berryman Number” and “Maximum Ride”.

Patterson and his wife, Susan, a UW-Madison alumna, have donated $240 million to literacy-focused programs and provided 5,000 college scholarships for teachers.

The Pattersons provide scholarship support for more than 150 students each year at UW-Madison.

Patterson will speak at the spring commencement for all of the bachelor’s, law and master’s degree candidates on Saturday, May 9, at Camp Randall Stadium.

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