For the Love of Teaching
Gregg Patterson's many gifts pay dividends for students
Gregg Patterson’s ties to The Collins College go back nearly 40 years, to the day when he first took the mic as a guest lecturer in a class on managing private clubs.
Patterson knew a thing or two about the topic. He had worked his way up from security guard and busboy in Los Angeles’ country club scene to become general manager of the exclusive Beach Club in Santa Monica.
It was a dream job, and more than a full-time commitment. But that day at Cal Poly Pomona sparked a new passion.
“I found out that teaching is one of the great joys of my life,” said Patterson, who signed on as an adjunct faculty member for courses focusing on managing clubs, developing business plans and navigating global tourism.
For me, it’s hugely important because you’d like to believe that you’re helping them enlarge and enrich their life experience — not just their business experience, but their life experience.
During his 14 years on the Collins faculty, Patterson’s infectious enthusiasm helped him connect with young people eager to make their mark on the hospitality industry.
His teaching draws from a lifelong sense of adventure. From a modest upbringing in Maine, he developed a love of motorcycles and British imperial history before discovering his calling in Southern California, in the world of private clubs. With a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, Patterson decided to return to New York to earn a master’s degree from Cornell University’s hotel management program.
That education and experience led to the top job at the Beach Club, which he held for 34 years before launching a new enterprise as a motivational speaker and writer in 2016. Patterson now brings his high-energy message to boardrooms, classrooms and conferences around the world but remains a familiar face at Collins, delivering lectures, hosting “caffeine and conversation” sessions with students and sending new graduates into the world as the 2022 commencement speaker.
Patterson and his wife, Elaine, have also been steadfast financial supporters of the college, recently entering Cal Poly Pomona’s Founders’ Society recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed significant lifetime gifts.
For years, they have funded a scholarship that puts a Collins education in reach for students in need. Now, they are continuing their legacy of generosity with a $2 million bequest from their estate to create the Excellence Fund, which will support the college’s top priorities into the future.
“The fact of the matter is, I was a first-generation college kid in my family,” Patterson said. “And now I find myself on a mission to find people who, like me, have that hunger and that curiosity. I want to say, ‘Let me give you shoulders to stand on, and let me give you insights into the journey so that you can flourish.’”