University of Evansville receives final gift from estate of honorary alumnus and longtime university benefactor

The University of Evansville has received a $5.3 million gift from the estate of Dr. Melvin M. “Mel” Peterson following his passing at the age of 101 in April 2024. Peterson was a longtime benefactor of the University of Evansville, having donated a total of $9,629,490 throughout his life. His most recent bequest will create an endowed faculty chair, support student scholarships, and support university infrastructure.

According to an article on the University of Evansville’s website, Peterson’s philanthropy toward the university began in the year 1980 when he donated $1,000 to Harlaxton College, the university’s campus in Grantham, England. Peterson visited the site in 1975, before it belonged to the university, with his friend Dr. William Ridgway. Dr. Ridgway ended up purchasing Harlaxton and then donated it to the University of Evansville for it to become integral to the university’s international studies program. 

Chris Pietruszkiewicz, the president of the University of Evansville, was quoted as saying, "Thanks to Mel and Bill's foresight and generosity, thousands of students have had the life-changing experience of studying at Harlaxton.”

Peterson held an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Evansville. Formally, Peterson had a master’s degree in English from the University of California and a master’s degree in history from Indiana State University.

Peterson’s fingerprint exists all over campus at the University of Evansville, which can be seen in the millions of dollars he donated over the last 44 years of his life. Some buildings on campus bear his name, including the Mel Peterson Video Production Lab and the Mel Peterson Art Gallery. Peterson provided financial support for campus renovations, as well, notably of Hyde Hall and of the Bower-Suhrheinrich Library.

In addition to his financial support of the school, Peterson was also heavily involved in daily activities on campus. He was an honorary member of the Board of Trustees, the president of the Samuel Johnson Society, and a member of the Harlaxton Society. He was present for campus events like plays, poetry readings, and art shows, and made friends with students, faculty, and staff over the years of his involvement with the university.

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

For more information about the University of Evansville, visit the school’s website.