From 1970 - 1977, she directed the student exchange program for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. The UWC chose to honor Patterson not only because of her involvement with the community and university but for her service to the UWC as well. She has been an active participant in raising funds for UWC scholarships that support women students at CU-Boulder. Patterson said that many women are very well-prepared to make the types of community contributions for which the UWC honored her. You don't have to form a committee to meet people's needs.
Women are adaptable to change, and willing to change.