Bob and Cindy Peterson sign the official paperwork for the Robert A. Peterson Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund alongside President Bergman and Vice President for Finance Ken Westphal
Gustavus Adolphus College is pleased to announce that Bob “Stick” Peterson ’74 and his wife Cindy have generously given $1 million for the creation of an endowed scholarship fund intended to attract and retain National Merit Scholars to the College. The fund will officially be known as the Robert A. Peterson Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund.
“This is an exciting and important gift to the College for many reasons,” Gustavus President Rebecca M. Bergman said. “This gift not only builds momentum toward our $150 million goal for Campaign Gustavus, but it will also help our admission staff continue to recruit the most intelligent, talented, and motivated students.”
Peterson, known by most of his Gustavus friends and classmates as “Stick” due to his slim build as an 18-year old freshman, graduated from Gustavus in 1974 with degrees in economics and environmental studies. After working for two years in the College’s business office, Peterson went on to earn his MBA in accounting at the University of Southern California. He worked for several years in public accounting, private bank management, and venture capital before entering the transportation industry. Since 1991, he has served as President and CEO of Melton Truck Lines, Inc., one of the nation’s leading flatbed trucking companies, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Bob “Stick” Peterson ’74
“I have always appreciated the fine liberal arts education I received at Gustavus, where I developed many lifelong friends among classmates, professors, and administrators,” Peterson said. “My 40-year affiliation has forged a strong connection with Gustavus and its mission. Cindy and I feel very fortunate to make this gift and lend our support to the College.”
The National Merit Scholarship Program began in 1955 as an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Approximately 1.5 million high school students across the country enter the National Merit Program each year by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), usually during their junior year. Of those 1.5 million entrants, approximately 7,500 become National Merit Scholars.
“National Merit Scholars have demonstrated strong academic promise as high school students,” said Tom Crady, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “This new scholarship fund will be a wonderful conversation starter when we sit down with National Merit Scholars and their families to talk about Gustavus Adolphus College.”
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510