An endowed chair in English literature at the University of Evansville has now been established through the generosity of Evansville resident Melvin M. Peterson, announced President Stephen Jennings today (8-8-02) at a campus news conference. The Melvin M. Peterson Endowed Chair in English Literature will be established and supported through a series of gifts Peterson, an honorary trustee of the University, has made.

Peterson said he gave the gifts in order to enable the University to select an individual to hold the chair who is not only widely recognized in the field of literature -- either by reason of his or her stature as a scholar or by reason of his or her outstanding creative achievement -- but also an individual who is an outstanding mentor to the students. "The recipient should be an acknowledged inspiring and resourceful teacher, a friend of students, and a model for his or her fellows. The recipient's character should reflect the gentility, humanity, and wisdom of the liberal arts tradition," Peterson said.

"Mr. Peterson's gifts to the University will fund a faculty position yet to be determined in the Department of English," said Vice President of Academic Affairs Stuart Dorsey. "This new position will quite likely become an indispensable part of the English Department program in both literature and creative writing -- a program central to the literary vitality of the University and the community."

Scott Shrode, vice president for Development, said that Peterson has been a strong supporter of the University for more than 20 years. In the last decade, he has made a series of gifts to establish the chair. "Mel now stands among the most significant givers to the university now or at any time in its history. While the University, at his request, will not release the total of the gifts, it should be understood that to fund a chair at an institution that is independent and of the academic quality of UE requires a financial commitment of the highest order," Shrode said. "UE has had fewer than 10 gifts to establish chairs in its history, and this is indeed a significant event in UE's 148 years -- one for which we are greatly appreciative."

Margaret McMullan, chair of the Department of English, said that this gift is just one of the many things Peterson has done for UE and the community. "Melvin Peterson is a real treasure to the English Department, to UE, and to the City of Evansville." She said Peterson's support at UE has funded a free public reading series which brought in writers of international stature and talent. And, he has also provided the resources for an upcoming creative writing workshop for UE alumni which will be implemented in summer 2003. "Now Mr. Peterson has gifted UE with the Melvin M. Peterson Endowed Chair in English Literature, which reflects Mr. Peterson's steadfast interest in great literature, inspirational teaching, and a quality liberal arts education," McMullan said.

Peterson, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of San Francisco. He was a former financial advisor for Chevron Oil Corporation, from which he retired in 1972. As a true believer in liberal arts education, Peterson earned two degrees after retiring -- a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from California State University and a Master of Arts degree in history from Indiana State University. He also has studied English at Buckingham University in England.

Peterson has served as president of several UE groups including the Harlaxton Society, Samuel Johnson Society and the Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 1991, because of his continuous support to the University, he was awarded the Honorary Alumnus Award - the highest award that the Alumni Association can bestow upon an individual who is not a UE alumnus.

Among his community involvement, Peterson exhibits his strong feelings about youth education by his work as a docent and an active lecturer on art and pioneer living at the Evansville Museum.