Posted: Monday, November 18, 2024

Dr. Melvin M. "Mel" Peterson H'91, H'14, a long-time friend and donor to the University of Evansville (UE), has continued his legacy of generosity through a bequest of more than $5.3 million.

Peterson's bequest provides $1 million for an endowed faculty chair and $100,000 for a scholarship in the Department of English. The bequest will also grow the University's endowment and support the institution's academic infrastructure.

The bequest brings Peterson's total giving to UE to $9,629,490. Peterson passed away on April 3 at the age of 101 following a brief illness.

Peterson's participation and financial support left an imprint on many areas of the University, notably his role in purchasing Harlaxton College, UE's campus in Grantham, England. Peterson's connection to UE began indirectly in 1975, 14 years before he moved to Evansville when he visited Harlaxton with his long-time friend, Dr. William Ridgway. Captivated by the history of the manor and intrigued by its possibilities for foreign study, Dr. Ridgway eventually purchased Harlaxton upon the urging of Peterson. A few years later, Ridgway gifted Harlaxton to the University of Evansville, and it has become the centerpiece of UE's international study programs.

"Thanks to Mel and Bill's foresight and generosity, thousands of students have had the life-changing experience of studying at Harlaxton," said University of Evansville President Chris Pietruszkiewicz.

Peterson's first gift to UE was a $1,000 donation to Harlaxton in 1980, beginning a 44-year philanthropic relationship with UE.

His affinity for supporting the arts and humanities can be traced to his scholarly endeavors. After retiring from Chevron Oil Corporation at age 50, Peterson earned a master's degree in English from the University of California and a master's degree in history from Indiana State University. He also holds an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Evansville.

Peterson participated in many areas of University life. He enjoyed the academic world and relished interacting with faculty, staff and students. Peterson attended theatre productions, art show openings, poetry and literary readings and concerts. He served as president of the Samuel Johnson Society and was a board member of Harlaxton Society. He also supported the Art Department, the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Nursing Department. In 1991, the UE Alumni Association recognized his service to the University by naming him a Samuel Orr Honorary Alumnus. Peterson was also an active honorary member of the UE Board of Trustees.

Always a proud donor, Mel sought to set an example for others. Thanks to his generosity, the Mel Peterson Art Gallery, situated at the corner of Weinbach and Lincoln Avenues, and the Mel Peterson Video Production Lab in Hyde Hall, have enhanced the learning experience in the Art and Communications programs. Peterson also made generous contributions to the renovations of Hyde Hall and Bower-Suhrheinrich Library.

"Thanks to Mel, the University of Evansville offers a rich and diverse academic experience," Pietruszkiewicz said. "Those of us who knew him are better for our friendship. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on."