We were all in awe Walter Peterson was a statesman and much admired mentor who provided a model for those around him to aspire to. Alum Terri Johnson ‘86 shared on Facebook, “He (Peterson) was a wonderful man with energy x10. I remember during one of FPC’s annual hikes up Mt Monadnock, Pres. Peterson, who did this hike every year with the students, said hello as he passed us. We had stopped for a break to rest from the steep incline. And where we were needing to catch our breath, he walked up the hill with such ease that he made it look as though he was walking on a flat surface! We were all in awe! Thank you for the wonderful years that you gave to FPC! I will always remember your warm cheery smile and your friendly hello.” Christopher Cordeiro ‘93 wrote, “I have nothing but the fondest memories of Wally, he always had a smile for you. If it were not for him I would not have been able to continue at FPC due to cost, but he went beyond to get me loans when I needed them. A truly great man has passed. He will be forever in our hearts.” Peterson was very active in the town of Peterborough as well, serving as moderator for 27 years. He was always fair and his opinion was widely respected. So much so that town members adopted a phrase, the ‘Peterson Principle,’ to remind everyone to stick to the issues and avoid personal attacks. Peterson had the ability to unite people and see both sides of an argument. Franklin Pierce University Professor Robin Marra described his diplomacy and character precisely, “In tone and in posture, his legacy is one of people reaching out across the aisles to each other and across fences to their neighbors.” Governor John Lynch considered him a mentor. “He was a role model of civility in politics and a true man of the people. Walter Peterson really embodied the definition of a statesman. He didn’t care about polls and popular opinion. Walter did what he thought was right. With a strength of character as tough as New Hampshire granite, Governor Peterson was a true New Hampshire icon, a gentleman and a strong example of courage and honesty in politics. He never wavered from his principles and always put the needs of people first, which is the mark of a great man and an extraordinary public servant.” In announcing the University’s first-ever Walter R. Peterson award, Dr. Birge said “The Peterson award mirrors the accomplishments of his namesake and is intended to “honor an individual for his or her extraordinary commitment to public service, selfless contributions to higher education, sense of humor and high moral character.” Sen. Lou D’Allesandro was a vice president at Franklin Pierce during Peterson’s tenure. Last May, during the University’s commencement exercises, D’Allesandro was awarded the first Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award. At a press conference announcing the recipients of the award, he noted the passing of the former governor saying, “Walter Peterson was my mentor and dear friend for 35 years. He was also an outstanding public servant who gave so much of his time and talents to New Hampshire. I am truly humbled to receive the leadership award that bears his name.”
fall 2011
Franklin Pierce University
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