Wright State right down first-generation student’s alley

Paige Patterson, a first-generation college student and standout on Wright State’s Division I bowling team, has embraced campus life, excelled academically and athletically, and aims for a career in sports marketing after graduation.

Paige Patterson is an original in her family.

Is it the bowling? Patterson is a key member of Wright State University’s NCAA Division I bowling team. No—her parents bowled, and she matter-of-factly said, “I grew up in a bowling alley.”

It’s simply—and successfully—this: Patterson is the first person in her extended family to be in college, a first-generation higher education student.

Patterson, of Springfield, is entering her senior year as a marketing major with an economics minor and a marketing and promotional intern with the Wright State athletics department. Bowling and her becoming a Raider are linked. Initially, she did poorly in the former and received no encouragement to become the latter. Both changed.

Throughout high school, her bowling improved so much that college recruiters noticed and came calling. Higher education wasn’t in her plans, though. Patterson said no one on either side of her family ever attended college, and there was no encouragement for her to be the first.

Then as a high school senior, Wright State approached her, and she began to embrace the idea of furthering her education.

“I thought maybe college would be good, but I had doubts,” Patterson recalled. “After discussing it with my mom, she said I should try it—and if I didn’t like it, I didn’t have to do it forever.”

Patterson immediately embraced life as a Raider, living on campus and diving into university life. A self-described extrovert, Patterson said she went to as many events and activities as she could to get the full experience of being a collegian.

Aside from bowling—which has its demands through practice, weight training, and competitions, some of which involve travel—and her Athletic Department internship, Patterson serves on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, is the director of the NCAA affairs subcommittee, and takes part in the Emerging Marketing Leaders program and the Economics Club.

Paige Patterson enrolled at Wright State for the chance to compete on its Division I bowling team.

Patterson also attended last November’s on-campus National First-Generation College Celebration Day, noting those who, like her, are pioneers in a sense.

“I don’t feel that I stand out,” she said, referring to her being first-gen, “but when I think about it, it is a big deal, and it’s important.”

She added, “Wright State does a really good job celebrating and honoring all the different types of groups it attracts. There is a wide variety of groups here, and the university does a good job hosting events.”

As for life after graduation, scheduled for the spring of 2026, Patterson aims to work in sports marketing, hopefully with a professional football or basketball team.

Patterson said she considers Wright State a home, and her parents are proud of her accomplishments.

“I love Wright State,” she said. “It’s the best experience.”

This article was originally published in the 2025 issue of the Wright State Magazine. Read more stories at wright.edu/magazine.