The couple recently donated $1 million to support the museum's insect collection, a gift that will provide the museum with the financial security to support staff and resources, according to Lynn Kimsey, director of the Bohart Museum and a UC Davis distinguished professor of entomology. The Bohart Museum, the seventh largest insect museum in North America, houses a global collection of eight million insect specimens.
Patterson, a Bohart associate since 1993, has donated more than 15,000 specimens to the museum.
"Doris and Bill have been incredibly supportive of the Bohart," Kimsey said today. "Bill has collected butterflies and moths for many years and sees the museum as the place he wants to be home to his collection. Doris isn't a collector herself, but she strongly supports his interests and has been enthusiastic about his collection coming here as a permanent home."
“I hope my donation will help educate the community about the importance of butterflies and moths,” Patterson said in a news story written by Ashley Han of the CA&ES. “I believe scientifically valuable collections should not stay in private hands. The museum is the perfect place for my collection to be permanently protected and studied."
Patterson, a native of Oakland, began collecting butterflies at age 6. He received a bachelor's degree in entomology from the University of Arizona, Tucson, in 1962. He worked as a technician for UC Davis entomology professor Howard McKenzie from 1958 to 1968, retiring from UC Davis in 1963. Patterson also holds a teaching credential from Sacramento State University and taught math and science as a substitute teacher for 15 years, retiring from teaching in 1985.
Patterson is an active member of the international Lepidopterists' Society, which met in 2019 at the Bohart Museum for its 68th annual conference.
Doris Brown, born in Seattle, holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Washington State University. She also has a master's degree in counseling. She worked as an analyst and manager for the federal and state goverment and a private consulting firm. She retired as the chief of Fiscal Programs Division, California Employment Development Department.
The Bohart Museum, founded in 1946, is located in Room 1124 of the Academic Surge Building, 455 Crocker Lane, UC Davis campus. Named for UC Davis professor and noted entomologist Richard Bohart, it is open to the public from 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
Among the six honored at the CA&ES Award of Distinction ceremony will be honey bee geneticist Robert E. Page Jr., named the recipient of the Exceptional Emeriti Award. A UC Davis-trained scientist whose academic career spans UC Davis and Arizona State University, he is known as “the leading honey bee geneticist in the world." (See news story)
Others in the spotlight at the Nov. 3 awards celebration:
- Alumnus of the Year, Marko Zaninovich (Class of 1964)
- Exceptional Faculty Award, Daniel Sumner, the Frank H. Buck, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Exceptional Staff Award, Shannon Tanguay, budget fiscal officer with CA&ES. (See more on CA&ES website)
CA&ES, directed by Dean Helene Dillard, "is known throughout the world for its expertise, educational opportunities, and contributions to society," according to its website. "Much of that is due to the great dedication and efforts of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the college. Each year CA&ES recognizes individuals for their achievements, support, leadership and service to the college with an Award of Distinction honoring those contributions."