Dr. Doug Patterson and his wife Lise of Troy will be two for four honorees at the   Chattahoochee Valley Community College’s Hall of Fame event on March 14 at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia.

The Pattersons will receive the Distinguished Service Award in recognition for their generosity to CVCC.

In 2009, the Pattersons lost their son, Chris, after an unexpected illness. Chris Patterson was a student advisor at CVCC at the time of his death.

Doug and Lise said they will never get over the loss of their son but they have learned to live through. And, in so doing, the couple turned tragedy into triumph by establishing the Chris Patterson Student Support Fund to assist CVCC students in need.

The basis for the scholarship fund was funds that had been collected though CVCC.

Patterson said he and his wife thought a scholarship was the best way the money could be used to honor their son’s memory.

“Chris was always trying to help students,” Patterson said. “This scholarship fund was a way to continue his work and honor his name.”

An annual event, the Track or Treat for Chris Patterson Memorial 5K Race, raises funds to benefit the CVCC Foundation Chris Patterson Student Support Fund. The fund has assisted students with different needs, including helping a single mother pay for day care, books and supplies not covered by financial aid.

The fund attempts to remove barriers that could cause an otherwise successful student to drop out of school.

The Pattersons are involved in planning the event that honors the memory of their son and helps pave the way for students who are on rocky paths.

Because of the generosity of Doug and Lise Patterson they will be honored at this year’s Hall of Fame event.

Lise Patterson said she and her husband are overwhelmed that they were even considered for recognition.

“We love CVCC and everyone there,” she said. “We’re just very touched. It’s deeply appreciated.”

Chris’ mom said he loved the students at CVCC and was always concerned about them. He was dedicated to education, just as his parents are.

Doug Patterson began his career as a high school counselor and later served as vice president for instruction at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. For almost 20 years, he served as a senior administrator for Troy University, acting as senior vice chancellor for administration for his last five years at the university.

Lise Patterson taught art to elementary and high school students. She received the WSFA 12 News Class Act Award for teaching. She served on the TroyFest committee and has served on the Troy Arts Council coordinating student art exhibits.