Samuel Patterson
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on October 18, 2005 Background: Samuel J. Patterson is President and CEO of Veridyne, Inc. (formerly Shepard-Patterson). He is a classic example of the American Success story. Born and raised in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, one of nineteen children, his parents instilled family values long before the phrase became chic. After receiving a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Cheyney University, he began his career as a Programmer Analyst at the E.I. Dupont Company, where he designed and implemented various database management and accounting systems. As a Marketing Analyst for IBM, he was responsible for developing unique marketing programs and later for direct marketing to corporate and retail customers. As a consultant for the Wharton Business Development Center, he assisted business and government clients with the collection and analysis of marketing data. In 1985, Mr. Patterson received an MBA in Marketing from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Mr. Patterson is also a graduate of Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School's Minority Business Executive Program. In 1986, Mr. Patterson co-founded Veridyne, Inc., an information management and technology consulting company. The company developed a substantial commercial customer base initially, and later expanded into the Federal, State and Municipal marketplaces. In 1995, Mr. Patterson became Chairman, President, and sole-owner of Veridyne, Inc. In 1998, Veridyne graduated from the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) program. Veridyne currently provides integrated logistic services, information and data management services to the U.S. Maritime Administration, USDA, FDA, and CACI. In an effort to take better advantage of the explosive growth of the internet, in 1998, Mr. Patterson established Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (ADS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veridyne, Inc. ADS' focus is internet consulting, software design and development, networking, and customized training. ADS' client list includes HCFA, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State of MD, DuPont, Lockheed-Martin and KPMG Peat Marwick. During his tenure as company President, Veridyne, Inc. has become a $14 million dollar company with eleven locations in five states and field operations world-wide. In early 2002, ADS was merged back into Veridyne, Inc. Mr. Patterson is active in civic and fraternal programs providing mentorship for inner city youths. For programs such as "Guide Right" and Young Black Leaders, he has been instrumental in the development and funding of computer laboratory facilities and scholarships. In 1999, Mr. Patterson and his wife Deidre donated $250,000 to their alma mater, Cheyney University. The gift is the largest gift from an Alumnus in the School's history. Mr. Patterson's professional and civic affiliations include the Wharton Alumni Association, Cheyney University Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Men of BACA, and he sits on the board of the Center for Literacy. In addition, he has received numerous awards including "Entrepreneur of the Year" from Ernst and Young and recently named "Minority Small Business Person of the Year" by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2000, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education presented Mr. and Mrs. Patterson with the coveted Ebberly Award for Community Service. In 2001, Sam and Deidre Patterson donated $50,000 to Simon Gratz High School to establish a Robotics Institute. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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