Background
Peterson, Walter Rutherford was born on September 19, 1922 in Nashua, New Hampshire, United States. Son of Walter Rutherford and Helen (Reed) Peterson.
educationist governor politician estate executive
Peterson, Walter Rutherford was born on September 19, 1922 in Nashua, New Hampshire, United States. Son of Walter Rutherford and Helen (Reed) Peterson.
Bachelor, Dartmouth College, 1947. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University New Hampshire, 1969. Doctor of Laws (honorary), New England College, 1971.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), Canaan College, 1971. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Belknap College, 1976. Data Control Language (honorary), Franklin Pierce College, 1970.
Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Nathaniel Hawthorne College, 1972.
Teacher New Hampshire Country Day School, 1948—1949. Partner in real estate Petersons, Inc., Peterborough, New Hampshire, 1949—1968, 1973—1975. Member New Hampshire House of Representatives, 1961—1969, majority leader, 1963—1964, speaker, 1965—1969.
Governor State of New Hampshire, 1969—1973. President Franklin Pierce College, Rindge, New Hampshire, 1975—1995. Interim president University New Hampshire, 1995—1996.
Board directors Monadnock Bank, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, New Hampshire Council World Affairs, Concord, since 1960, New England Education Loan Marketing Corporation. Trustee University System of New Hampshire, 1969-1973, Dublin School. Chairman Hillsborough County Republican Committee, New Hampshire, 1952-1964.
Member budget committee Peterborough, 1955-1961. Representative New Hampshire General Court, Hillsborough County, 1961-1969. Delegate, president New Hampshire Constitution Convention, 1974.
Delegate Republican National Convention, 1976, 80. Trustee New Hampton School (New Hampshire), 1968-1974, Dartmouth College, 1969-1973, University Systems New Hampshire, since 1996. Board directors Center for Constructive Change, since 1980, Station WEVO, New Hampshire Public Radio, since 1988.
Served to ensign United States Navy, 1944-1946.
Member National Collegiate Athletic Association (president's commission 1988-1992), National Association Real Estate Boards (board directors 1960-1965), New Hampshire Board Realtors (president 1960-1961), New England Board Higher Education (board directors since 1982, chair elect), National Association Indiana Colleges & Universities (board directors 1982-1984, 89-92), Beta Theta Pi, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Grange Club, Lions, Elks, Rotary (Harris fellow).
Married Dorothy Donovan, November 24, 1949. Children: Margaret Joanna, Andrew Reed.