James Patterson to headline 7th Annual STEAM Luncheon
On Feb. 20, New York Times bestselling author, James Patterson will be Palm Beach State College’s keynote speaker for the 2019 STEAM Luncheon. The 7th annual event, themed “A Conversation with James Patterson: Transforming Lives through Literacy” and chaired by South Florida businesswoman and philanthropist Yvonne Boice, takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach.
On the heels of a career in advertising, where he contributed to the iconic commercial jingle “I’m a Toys-R-Us Kid,” Patterson found success with his first novel, “The Thomas Berryman Number,” only after 31 publishers passed on the author’s literary debut that would earn him the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Since then, nearly 400 million James Patterson books have made their way into the hands of readers worldwide, a testament to the early determination of a master craftsman whose name today is synonymous with modern literature.
With approximately 32 million children and adults struggling with illiteracy across the country, Patterson has inspired, entertained and taught readers well beyond the power of prose. The Patterson Family Foundation has awarded over $7 million in scholarships at 24 colleges and universities throughout the country. Close to home, he has donated millions to the University of Florida’s College of Education to kickstart the James Patterson Literacy Challenge. Patterson has also contributed significantly to public school libraries, independent bookstores and the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a high-performing public school that sends more students to Juilliard than any other school in the country.
A resident of Palm Beach, Patterson has focused outreach efforts on establishing after-school reading programs at four Palm Beach County middle schools where as many as 1,000 books have been donated. In addition, he has also supplied books to schools in Palm Beach County, New York City, Los Angeles and Savannah, Ga., well over 400 schools and countless students around the country benefiting from his generosity and vision to foster a love of reading.
Celebrating Patterson’s efforts to boost literacy, PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D., said, “We are fortunate to collaborate with Mr. Patterson, an esteemed member of the community, who has distinguished himself through his craft and compassion. His support of some of the country’s most under-resourced schools and youth programs has not only inspired others but also provides opportunities to enhance STEAM learning and initiatives.”
In recent years, Patterson has focused his mission and talents on younger readers, particularly middle years students. His Max Einstein series, produced in partnership with Albert Einstein Archives, follows 12-year-old Max, an orphan who helps solve some of the world’s toughest problems through science. Unlike the real Einstein, Max is female, a purposeful choice by Patterson.
“There are still a lot of places in the United States and around the world where girls and women are not encouraged to study math and science,” says Patterson.
Furthermore, he sees the series as some of his most significant work, perhaps helping more girls to consider careers in STEAM-related fields. And, as literacy makes all STEAM learning possible, Patterson may be encouraging everyone to transform their own lives through literacy.
The STEAM luncheon is part of Palm Beach State College’s STEAM initiative, which aims to impact the projected shortage of local, skilled professionals in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Goals for the initiative include increasing student scholarships, business partnerships, internships and other academic program enhancements to prepare more graduates for these high-wage, high demand positions.
