BLACK HISTORY MONTH BC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Jermane Patterson '91

 

"Benedictine shaped me in lasting and meaningful ways. The school instilled discipline, structure, and a deep sense of accountability at a pivotal time in my life. Excellence was the standard, not only in academics, but in character, leadership, and service. I learned early that success is built on consistency, respect, and perseverance. The academic rigor pushed me beyond my comfort zone, teaching me how to manage responsibility and carry myself with confidence and integrity.

 

"Just as influential were the values of faith, brotherhood, and moral conviction that Benedictine priests and monks emphasized. Those principles became the foundation of my decision‑making and continue to guide me today. The lessons I learned in the classroom from outstanding teachers such as the late Ms. Donna Youngblood, and on the athletic fields, shaped the way I approach challenges, leadership, and life itself.

 

"From day one, Benedictine challenged me to give my best in everything, whether in academics, leadership roles, athletics, or simply how I conducted myself each day. Excellence wasn’t optional; it was expected. The military structure implemented by LTC Owens and reinforced by CW3 Carl, SGM Kirby, and CSM Reichart taught me the importance of discipline, time management, and personal responsibility.

 

"The coaches who guided me, Coaches Walsh, Cannon, Orsini, Bracket, Munch, Yeckley, and the unforgettable Harry Deal, instilled values like teamwork, perseverance, and mental toughness. We didn’t always have the most talent or the strongest teams, but we were always prepared for battle. That mindset has stayed with me ever since.

 

"Because of Benedictine, I entered adulthood confident, focused, and prepared for the future. The lessons I learned there continue to influence my life every day, and I carry them with me with pride. Benedictine didn’t just educate me, it formed me."

 

 

"After graduating from Benedictine, I attended Savannah State College (now Savannah State University) for two years. Feeling a desire for adventure, I made the decision to join the U.S. Army. I went on to serve for 22 years and seven months, and it truly was an incredible journey. The structure and discipline I learned at Benedictine helped me adjust quickly to military life. In fact, the Army’s core values, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, were already familiar to me because they aligned so closely with the values instilled at Benedictine.

 

"My military career took me to places I never imagined visiting as a kid growing up in Savannah. I lived in Italy, Germany, Korea, Kuwait, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and I traveled to Switzerland, Austria, France, Thailand, Oman, the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain, Turkey, Tunisia, and several others. My passport is well‑stamped. Along the way, I earned an associate’s degree from Central Texas College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in public administration, both from the University of Arizona.

 

"In the Army, I served as a Signal Support Systems Specialist, a long title that essentially means I handled a wide range of telecommunications and information technology responsibilities. The work was challenging and varied at every duty station, and I believe the adaptability I learned at Benedictine played a major role in my success.

 

"After retiring from the Army, I worked for General Dynamics Information Technology as a Telecommunications Analyst and Project Manager, and later for Trace Systems as a Project Manager. Both positions were based in Kuwait. When the COVID‑19 pandemic hit, I had to make a difficult decision: remain overseas or return to the United States. I trusted God and accepted a position with the federal government in Washington, D.C. It felt like a bold move. Who changes jobs in the middle of a pandemic? But it proved to be the right one.

 

"I now serve as the Deputy Chief of the IRAC Support Division in the Office of Spectrum Management at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce. In simple terms, our office serves as the federal government’s electromagnetic spectrum gatekeepers for every device, system, or platform, air, land, sea, or space, that uses the spectrum. The past five years in this role have been both rewarding and eye‑opening, and I am grateful I followed God’s leading.

 

"I am married to the former Erica Smith of Indianapolis, Ind., and together we have four sons. My wife is an electrical and industrial engineer, so when the boys have questions about differential equations or linear Algebra, I happily direct them to their mother. Our oldest son has blessed us with two grandchildren, a boy and a girl, and life certainly changes when grandchildren enter the picture.

 

"Above all, I am a man of faith. I am a licensed minister in my church, and I enjoy teaching the Word of God and occasionally preaching. Most importantly, I strive to represent Christ daily in everything I do. I believe the priests and monks at Benedictine helped shape that part of my life as well.

 

"Benedictine was a great experience and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend."