Walter and Dorothy Peterson received the 10th Hubbard Family Award for Service to Philanthropy in October 2010. Lifelong public servants and friends of the University, the Petersons have been described by UNH President Mark Huddleston as “rare and wonderful human beings. While the Hubbard award recognizes the Petersons specifically for their service to philanthropy, they could just as easily be honored for their essential decency.”

Walter Peterson spent a semester at UNH and ultimately graduated from Dartmouth College in 1947. Perhaps best known for his 1969–1973 role as governor of New Hampshire, Peterson also served as president of Franklin Pierce College from 1975–1995 and as UNH interim president from 1995–1996. A trustee of the University System of New Hampshire for more than a decade, he played an integral role in the establishment of the UNH Foundation and has served as a representative on the foundation board. Peterson received the University’s Pettee Medal in 1997.

Staunch supporters of their state’s public university, Walter and Dorothy Peterson have given generously to UNH, with particular emphasis on the library, athletics, and recreation. Through their leadership on the foundation’s Next Horizon campaign, the Petersons are credited with helping many others understand the importance of philanthropy to the future of UNH.