Isabel Patterson Memorial Fund

The Isabel Patterson Memorial Fund supports an outstanding collection of preschool, elementary and secondary level nonfiction, fiction, and picture books located in the University Library's . The fund was established through the Charitable Remainder Trust Ms. Patterson initiated with the university in 1979.

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Isabel Patterson with former °µÍøÊÓÆµPresident
Isabel Patterson with former °µÍøÊÓÆµPresident (later Congressman) Steve Horn and his wife, Nini. (photo from °µÍøÊÓÆµSpecial Collections and University Archives)

In 1951 Isabel Patterson graduated from °µÍøÊÓÆµwith a degree in English and began teaching in °µÍøÊÓÆµ. Through investments in local real estate she became a self-made millionaire. Ms. Patterson began a lifelong pattern of philanthropy in the °µÍøÊÓÆµ community with special emphasis on children. She developed a close friendship with former university President Stephen Horn and his wife, Nini. In 1973 she provided the funds to build the °µÍøÊÓÆµIsabel Patterson Child Development Center.

Ms. Patterson received an honorary doctorate from °µÍøÊÓÆµin 1994, an accomplishment of which she was especially proud. Her name still appears on many campus buildings.

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Photograph of Isabel Patterson and child
Isabel Patterson (photo from °µÍøÊÓÆµSpecial Collections and University Archives)