The University of Wisconsin–Madison is celebrating two of its supporters with ice cream.
To honor the generosity of UW alumna, author and philanthropist Sue Patterson and her husband, best-selling author James Patterson, Babcock Dairy debuted a limited-edition ice cream flavor inspired by the couple called Pattersons’ #1 Triple Chocolate.
The new flavor features a white chocolate base, swirls of brownie batter, flecks of dark chocolate and white peppermint bark.
The flavor released on April 22 and is 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,” Kari Backes, manager of the Babcock Dairy Store, said in a statement. “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.”
Sue and James Patterson have long supported the UW–Madison across a wide range of areas, including students in athletics, nursing and the arts.
James Patterson, who has sold more than 475 million books worldwide, will give the UW’s Spring 2026 Commencement address on May 9.
“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,” James Patterson said in a statement. “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.”
