Patterson honored with award

By Jessica Cervantez
Staff Reporter

Henry Patterson, associate dean of the School of Education, couldn’t find the words to express how he felt after receiving the School of Excellence in Education Award Thursday night.

“I really don’t know what to say,” Patterson said. “I’m taken back. It’s a prestigious honor, particularly when chosen by my peers and former students.”

Patterson was recognized at the Eighth Annual TCU School of Education Alumni Association Awards for his outstanding contributions to the field of education and his active role at TCU.

Jessica Cervantez/STAFF REPORTER Henry Patterson, associate dean of the School of Education, accepts the School of Excellence in Education Award Thursday night. Patterson was honored by alumni and his peers for his 30 years of leadership and service.

Patterson has taught at TCU for 30 years. He has served as the interim principal of the Starpoint School, the NCAA academic advisor in the School of Education and the director of the Federal Teacher Corp Project, which provided master’s degrees for teachers in north and central Fort Worth.

Jonathan Kellam, president of the School of Education Alumni Association, said it was an honor to present the award to such a recognized leader.

“He’s made a tremendous contribution to the School of Education,” Kellam said. “He’s also impacted many lives through his teaching.”

Nominations for the award are received from around the country. A selection committee then chooses who they feel is best qualified, said Judy Clark, assistant director of alumni relations. Clark is the liaison between the association and the School of Education.

Nominees can range anywhere from professors to administrators, she said.

Janette Hahn, who was on the committee that selected Patterson, said he deserved the award.

“He stood out (among the other nominees) because of his long service to the School of Education,” Hahn said. “He’s given so much over such a long period of time.”

Patterson said TCU is like family to him, and he loves teaching here.

“I’m inspired by the excellent students and absolutely great environment,” Patterson said. “I don’t think I could find a much better place to be.”

Kellam said the success of TCU’s special education program is due largely to Patterson’s efforts.

“It’s a prestigious award and Patterson was selected from a pool of a number of nominations,” Kellam said.

Patterson said he was so overwhelmed when he received the award that he hasn’t even had the time to reflect on it.

As Patterson received a standing ovation, he ended his acceptance speech by quoting TCU’s alma mater.“Memories sweet, comrades true,” he said.

Jessica Cervantez
j.s.cervantez@student.tcu.edu