I’ve given ten college-commencement speeches. I change the content each time but a theme I love is the power of stories. I have honorary doctorates from the University of Florida, University of the Pacific, University of Arkansas, Montclair State University, Florida Atlantic University, and Wisconsin.
So if we ever happen to meet, I’m “Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Patterson.” Sounds like I belong in a Joseph Heller novel.
The Mississippi State graduation turned out to be a particularly memorable ceremony. Nice, nice people, and, Lord, were they hospitable. They provided Sue and me with a house on campus and candy in all the little crystal bowls.
John Grisham received his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State before he went to the University of Mississippi for law school. I called Grisham up and said, “Hey, I’m going to be giving the commencement speech at one of your alma maters. How about we do a benefit for kids’ books at a local bookstore or library?”
John, who writes books for kids too, said, “That’d be great, I’m in.” He asked me for the date of the graduation. I told him and he said, “My wife and I are going to be in Paris then.”
We talked for another few minutes and near the end of the call I said, “I hope you and your wife have a great time in Paris.”
Grisham had the last word and a pretty funny line. “And you have a great time in Starkville, Mississippi.”
That I did.