Manhattan College Honors Rising Stars with James Patterson ’69 Scholarships

Twenty Manhattan College students from across the College’s programs have received a James Patterson ’69 Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

It is the 12th consecutive year that Patterson, the world’s best-selling author and philanthropist, has supported scholarships for 10 juniors and 10 seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence and involvement in activities tied to the College’s Lasallian mission. The scholarships are also awarded based on student need. 

“James Patterson's enduring philanthropy continues to have a profound impact on the students who receive these scholarships,” said Milo Riverso ’81, Ph.D., P.E., president of Manhattan College. “These students are among our most accomplished, having demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and unwavering commitment to their studies. The Patterson Scholarships provide them with a vital measure of financial security and support as they approach graduation, and hopefully inspire them to emulate Mr. Patterson's extraordinary success.” 

The scholarship recipients are: 

Rising Juniors

Lillian Alfanek, engineering (Yonkers, N.Y.) 

Sage Clarke, liberal arts (Northport, N.Y.) 

Ivanna Duran, liberal arts  (Staten Island, N.Y.) 

Karen Flores, business  (Bronx, N.Y.) 

Brian Oduor, engineering (Alameda, Calif.) 

Elisa Ortiz, liberal arts (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) 

Sophia Rosellon, science (Kings Park, N.Y.)

Landen Scofield, education (Esperance, N.Y.) 

Jorge Tapia, business (New York, N.Y.) 

Alexandrea Velez, liberal arts (Milford, Conn.) 

Seniors

Johely Aguilar – education (Bronx, N.Y.) 

Daniel Angel – engineering (Bronx, N.Y.) 

Andrew Chacko – science (Valley Cottage, N.Y.

Liam Donahue – business (New Providence, N.J.) 

Janita Dreher – liberal arts (Bronx, N.Y.) 

Gemma Meade – education (Hackensack, N.J.) 

Granit Oroshi – science (Tuckahoe, N.Y.) 

Kevin Orozco – engineering (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) 

Catriona O'Shea – education (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) 

Ireland Walker – education (Wantage, N.J.) 

The scholarship program awards $5,000 to each of the 20 recipients. All seniors are eligible to apply to receive one of four additional $2,500 awards based on essay submissions that outline their plans after graduation. 

"I am proud to support these outstanding students through my scholarships,” said Patterson. “Each of these recipients has demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a commitment to service.  I am confident that they will continue to excel in their studies and make significant contributions to society.” 

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers and ER nurses. He has co authored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation and the National Humanities Medal.

He has established more than 400 Teacher and Writer Education Scholarships at 21 colleges and universities throughout the country. Patterson has also donated more than 1 million books to U.S. soldiers at home and overseas.