Academics
James Patterson Honors Program
The James Patterson Honors Program is a hub for creative, ethical, and dynamic programming that connects students both to the campus and the broader community. All JPHP initiatives, including courses, speaker series events, workshops, peer mentoring, and contests, will reflect a strong commitment to preparing students for successful and ethical lives.
We envision JPHP graduates leaving Manhattan as thoughtful, articulate, and engaged individuals, skilled thinkers, writers, and speakers, who are well equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
A Pipeline to Success
Inspired and supported by one of Manhattan University’s most illustrious graduates, best-selling author James Patterson ’69, the Patterson Honors Program provides students with curated academic and leadership workshops, as well as professional development opportunities including internships, mentorships and research experiences.
Come Build Your Story
The unique curriculum and extraordinary programming of the James Patterson Honors Program will transform students into polished leaders, ready to innovate, inspire, and change lives in positive ways.
Through the James Patterson Speaker Series, students from the Honors program hear directly from leaders from varied industries and have plentiful opportunities to engage with them at events held throughout the academic year. Each Honors cohort receives enriched exposure and access to the endless possibilities of Manhattan University’s Jasper alumni network and the robust professional ecosystem of New York City.
How to Join
Top prospective students will be informed of their selection when they are admitted to Manhattan University.
Academics
The James Patterson Honors Program (JPHP) curriculum provides JPHP students with advanced and academically engaging coursework. First-year JPHP students are enrolled in a two-semester sequence of courses fostering exemplary communication, community engagement, creativity, collaboration, and leadership.
After their first-year, JPHP students have the opportunity to enroll in courses on trends in industry and leadership development. In their senior year, students complete an intensive capstone or industry experience project, culminating in a presentation at the annual Honors Student Showcase.
Mentorship and Career Development
Practical, hands-on experiences are a vital aspect of the James Patterson Honors Program. Students enjoy networking and professional development activities offered by the Office of Career Pathways. JPHP students have access to an exclusive Mentor Program track, and will be connected with multiple mentors throughout their four years, including faculty, alumni, industry leaders and student peers.
Professional workshops, such as those on Personal Branding, Professional Presence, Developing a Growth Mindset, are available for all JPHP students. In the summer, JPHP students have the opportunity to apply for JPHP Summer Leadership Scholarships, in which students are paid to work with a faculty or staff member on developing a community program.
James Patterson Honors Program
2025-26 James Patterson Speaker Series
The James Patterson Speaker Series is free and open to students, families, friends, and the community.
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Michael DowlingAfter the Roof Caved In: An Immigrant’s Journey from Ireland to America
February 17, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Kelly Commons, Room 5BMichael Dowling is a prominent healthcare leader and advocate on social issues. CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health since October 2025, he previously served more than 23 years as president and CEO, leading major growth and innovation. He advises on public health initiatives while focusing on teaching and writing. Widely honored, he has received TIME’s Global Health recognition, multiple international fellowships, major civic awards and honorary degrees. A former New York State official and academic, Dowling is also an accomplished author on healthcare leadership and reform.
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Andrew McCarthyWho Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
7:00 p.m. | Kelly Commons, Room 5BAndrew McCarthy is the author of four books, Walking with Sam: A Father, A Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain; Brat: An ’80s Story; Just Fly Away; and The Longest Way Home—all New York Times bestsellers. He is an award-winning travel writer and served for a dozen years as an editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler.
Best known as an actor for the past four decades, Andrew has appeared in such iconic films as Pretty in Pink and Less Than Zero. He lives in New York. A complimentary copy of his book, Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America, will be provided.
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Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret.)Duty, Honor, Country & Life: A Tribute to the American Spirit
Monday, April 20, 2026
7:00 p.m. | Kelly Commons, Room 5BAdmiral William H. McRaven is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and The Wisdom of the Bullfrog and the New York Times bestsellers Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations and The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces.
After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.
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The Honorable Hector Gonzalez ’85 with Connor Flannery ’16Tuesday, November 4, 2025
4:30 p.m. | Kelly Commons, Room 5BThe James Patterson Honors Program at Manhattan University welcomed the esteemed United States District Judge for the Eastern District of NY, the Honorable Hector Gonzalez '85 and his law clerk, Connor Flannery '16 for a fireside chat regarding the law, Lasallian education at Manhattan University, and his career path.
Co-sponsored by:
The James Patterson Honors Program, Alumni Relations,
Manhattan University Alumni Law and Public Policy Committee. -
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Alex SchultzThursday, October 9, 2025
12 p.m. | Smith Auditorium, Squeri HallAlex Schultz is chief marketing officer and VP of analytics for Meta, overseeing marketing, product analytics, global experience, and design and creative. He built and runs Meta’s data science and data engineering teams to help set strategy, provide business intelligence and drive user growth and engagement. Since joining Meta in 2007, he has run some of the most effective online direct response campaigns in the company’s history and is credited with helping grow its user base to nearly 3.3 billion daily users globally.
Named one of the world’s most influential CMOs in 2024 and 2025 by Forbes, Schultz has largely influenced the way companies achieve growth in the digital age.
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James Patterson ’69 and Patrick LeddinMonday, September 29, 2025
7-8 p.m. | Kelly Commons, 5th FloorThe James Patterson Honors Program at Manhattan University was proud to welcome bestselling authors, James Patterson ’69 and Patrick Leddin, Ph.D., for an engaging conversation about their latest book, Disrupt Everything—and Win.
A complementary copy of Disrupt Everything—and Win was made available to the first 500 attendees.
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James Patterson ’69Why I'm Investing Big in Manhattan University: An Interview with James Patterson ’69
Thursday, September 9, 2025
7-9 p.m. | Draddy GymnasiumThe James Patterson Honors Program at Manhattan University was proud to welcome the world’s bestselling author and distinguished alumnus, James Patterson ’69, for an inspiring conversation on success. Following the event, Mr. Patterson participated in a book signing.
James Patterson Honors Program
Media Mentions
The James Patterson Honors Program at Manhattan University has recently been highlighted in the media for its commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.