Photo of the Bob & Lee Peterson Residence Hall, courtesy of New College of Florida

For decades, the Peterson family has been a pillar of philanthropy in the community—a legacy that began when J. Robert “Bob” Peterson and Pasqualina “Lee” Peterson first moved to Sarasota in 1993. With a number of significant gifts to New College of Florida over the years, a residence hall on campus was named in the couple's honor. And now, in New College's 61-year history, the family of philanthropists recently donated the largest sum to date to the college through a bequest gift from their estate.

“We were stunned by the Petersons’ generosity. They were known in Sarasota for their incredible philanthropy. Through the Petersons’ foresight, they made a transformational gift to New College, which will serve generations of students in the future,” said MaryAnne Young executive director for the New College Foundation. “It couldn’t have come at a better time, as our students’ needs increase in every regard. We are so grateful to the whole Peterson family.” Bob and Lee were noted to be especially generous and thoughtful in supporting institutions that they felt provided a higher benefit to the community and world. Spending many years serving on the New College Board of Trustees himself, Bob Peterson believed wholeheartedly in the transformative power of education.

Young said the funds from the gift will likely be used to support the students, endowment, and other critical elements of the College,—as per the wishes of the Peterson family. “We are thrilled and humbled by the extraordinary gift from Bob and Lee Peterson, as well as the support of their children,” says New College President Donal O’Shea. “This is a game-changer for New College and will make all the difference in the way that we can support our students." 

Photo of the Bob & Lee Peterson Residence Hall, courtesy of New College of Florida