The University announced on Dec. 21 that longtime philanthropist Ron Peterson and former athletic director Pat Kilkenny will both receive its prestigious 2011 Pioneer Award, according to a Media Relations press release.
Peterson received an accounting degree from the University in 1949, and went on to find the real estate investment and management company Peterson Properties with his wife, Patricia, in 1955. The Petersons have been involved with many community service and philanthropy organizations, including the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, Mercy Corps and the Portland State University Foundation. The businessman is a member of the Arnold Bennett Hall Society as well as the University’s Charles Lundquist College of Business Inner Circle and has served as District 5100 Governor of Rotary International.
Kilkenny served as the University’s 10th athletic director from March 2007 to June 2009 and has helped Oregon athletics break into the national spotlight by reinstating the baseball program, building a new baseball stadium and adding women’s competitive cheer to the sports roster. The former athletic director, along with his wife, Stephanie, has also supported a variety of community service organizations, including Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, Direction Service, Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Kappa Sigma Fraternity and St. Vincent de Paul.
“Ron and Pat embody a pioneering and visionary spirit, taking risks and having the perseverance to create a new path,” University President Richard Lariviere said. “Along the way, they have served as leaders in business, advocates in the community and friends to the university. We are thrilled to honor them with the Pioneer Award.”
The distinction, given annually to altruistic individuals in positions of leadership, was created in 1979 and is presented every year to individuals who support their surrounding communities in the realms of business, philanthropy, communications, government, education and the arts. Award recipients are determined by the Vice President for Public Affairs and Development, whose recommendations are then approved by the president and presented at the annual Pioneer Award Gala held each May. Peterson and Kilkenny will be honored Friday, May 13, during a gala at the Nines Hotel in Portland.
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