Thanks to the financial support of a bestselling author, ten UVI students are on their way to pursuing dreams of becoming writers and future educators. In January 2025, UVI announced a gift of $75,000 from the Patterson Family Foundation, founded by world-renowned author and philanthropist James Patterson. The gift awarded ten scholarships for $7,500 to UVI undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to careers in writing or teaching writing.
As the first recipients continue their academic journeys, their stories already reflect the transformative power of this support. From aspiring novelists and journalists to future educators, these students represent a new generation of storytellers and leaders, each inspired by the generosity of a foundation committed to literacy and learning.
In a video message to the Patterson Foundation set before a backdrop of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Desteny Sweeney, a UVI English major, thanked the Foundation for its support and spoke of her aspirations. “I hope to one day become a freelance writer and be able to share my books and creativity with the world.”
Scholarship recipient, Saidah Sekou, a UVI junior majoring in English, spoke about the impact of the scholarship. “This scholarship not only relieves a financial burden for me, but it also is inspiring me to pursue my dream of becoming a writer and eventually teaching others how to use writing as an expression for education and change.”
The Patterson Family Foun
dation has long championed education across the country. UVI is honored to be among the institutions supported by this philanthropic vision.
Looking ahead, UVI is thrilled to announce that The Patterson Family Foundation has renewed its commitment for the 2025–2026 academic year, pledging continued scholarship support for incoming students.
“The Patterson Family Foundation’s support helps make dreams attainable,” said Michael Morsberger, UVI Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “We’re deeply grateful for this ongoing partnership that uplifts not only students, but entire communities.”