How does a high school dropout grow up to become president and chief executive officer of two international banks, run multi-million dollar enterprises, manage over a thousand employees and socialize with a queen?  "Luck," says author Patrick Blewett.

On May 1, seventh- and eighth-grade students at St. Joseph University School in Buffalo, as well as their BETA Club members (St. Joseph University School honor roll) will have the opportunity to meet the author, hear a bit of his life story, and ask questions.  

Blewett is a self-made successful businessman. He spent 33 years in financial services rising to president and chief executive officer of MBNA International, a $2.6 billion dollar credit card bank in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  Following that, he was president and chief executive officer of Bank One International, which he expanded in Ottawa, and Cardiff, Wales.  He returned to MBNA and retired in 2003.

Blewett attended St. Joseph University School from 1952 to 1960.  After visiting the school recently and being impressed by the many good things happening there, Blewett volunteered his time to meet with students and discuss his book, his life - the ups and downs - and help inspire students to their possibilities.

The book, "A Lucky Boy from Buffalo," tells the story of a young man whose life could have gone terribly wrong had he not seen and taken opportunities that came his way.  From dropping out of high school, to joining the army and going to Vietnam, a life changing event, Blewett came home with a determination to avoid mistakes and correct missteps.  Blewett said he got lucky.  "I've been up and I've been down. Up is better."

Blewett will be in the St. Joseph University Parish community room after all Masses throughout the weekend of May 2 and 3. Mass times are 4:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. All proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to the school.

Blewett will also have a a book signing at Barnes & Noble in Amherst on Saturday, May 2.

For more information call Susan Burns at 716-833-0298, ext. 313, or email sburns@stjosephbuffalo.org.