E.J. Patterson from University of Texas at Austin wins 2023 Campus Advisor of the Year

Miracle Network Dance Marathon recognized top performing Dance Marathon programs at the Dance Marathon Leadership Conference (DMLC) held in St. Louis, MO from August 3-6. 

Congratulations to E.J. Patterson from University of Texas at Austin who was recognized as the 2023 Campus Advisor of the Year! 

E.J. Patterson has served as the advisor for Texas THON for the past ten years, and those who nominated E.J shared that each year he has consistently gone above and beyond to bring awareness to Dance Marathon, support the programs event management, provide leadership training and guide student leaders through all aspects of the program.  

In the past year, E.J. supported the program by helping to secure partnerships through his position on campus, while also suggesting to students’ opportunities that they could take advantage of on campus that they may not have been previously aware of – such as having a university graphic design team support the creation of their campaign. E.J. is consistently utilizing his knowledge of campus and understanding of the programs’ needs and challenges to improve the organization.  

Additionally, E.J. plays an integral role in event management as Texas THON’s Dance Marathon has been held at Gregory Gym for the past 20 years, which is managed by his department. E.J. plays an integral role in the event set-up process by assisting in planning for both set-up and teardown that helped the internal team and volunteers organize the entire event faster than ever before. This added efficiency gave students more time to work with the production vendor and make more decorations for the event, ultimately allowing them to create a detailed event in less than half the time. 

E.J. contributes to the overall success of Dance Marathon in countless ways, from helping students’ problem solve and innovate, providing the space to host the event and guiding students as they grow as Dance Marathon leaders and people throughout their Texas THON experience. Congratulations, E.J.! 

Miracle Network Dance Marathon is an international movement, involving over 400 colleges, universities and K-12 schools across the United States and Canada that fundraise for their local member hospital of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. These students work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds one dollar at a time by making the ask to family and friends. Their hard work culminates in a celebration on campus or virtually, where participants can rally together as a community for their local member hospital of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Students involved in Dance Marathon gain valuable skills in fundraising, peer management, delegation, and philanthropy. Miracle Network Dance Marathon programs have collectively raised more than $350 million since 1991.