New flavor honors Sue and James Pattersons’ generous support of UW–Madison
MADISON, WI (April 23, 2026) — The University of Wisconsin–Madison is celebrating two of its most dedicated supporters in the sweetest way possible.
To honor the extraordinary generosity of UW alumna, author, and philanthropist Sue Patterson and her husband, best-selling author James Patterson, Babcock Dairy is unveiling a limited-edition ice cream flavor inspired by the couple. It’s called Pattersons’ #1 Triple Chocolate.
The decadent new flavor features a white chocolate base, swirls of brownie batter, flecks of dark chocolate, and white peppermint bark.
The flavor will debut on April 22 and will be available at local retail and scoop shops for a limited time.
“At Babcock Dairy, we love to create new flavors — but this one is especially meaningful. James and Sue Patterson have done so much for UW–Madison and its students,” said Kari Backes, manager of the Babcock Dairy Store. “We partnered with them to create a flavor that’s as bold and memorable as their impact on this university. We hope every scoop brings a smile.”
“The University of Wisconsin–Madison has always held a special place in our hearts, and our connection to the university and its students has only deepened over the years,” said James Patterson. “Sue and I are truly touched by this honor, and we have to say, a triple chocolate ice cream is a pretty wonderful way to be remembered.”
Sue and James Patterson have long supported the University of Wisconsin–Madison across a wide range of areas, including students in athletics, nursing, and the arts; literacy-focused initiatives; the School of Education’s Teacher Pledge program; and the Patterson Scholars Program, which supports high-achieving students with financial need.
James Patterson, who has sold more than 475 million books worldwide, will give the UW’s Spring 2026 Commencement address on Saturday, May 9, at Camp Randall Stadium.
The Pattersons’ generosity has left a lasting mark on UW–Madison and the students it serves — and now, thanks to Babcock Dairy, that legacy has never tasted so good.
