Opening Doors through GivingGet Inspired

Lee ’68 and Virginia (Hendrickson ’67) Petersen are the first to say they’ve been blessed with many opportunities. But they’ve discovered that life isn’t just about taking advantage of what comes your way. It’s also about creating opportunities for others.

From the very beginning, Lee and Ginny’s connection to Gustavus was fueled by opportunity. The chance to learn at a premier liberal arts institution attracted them to the Hill, and scholarships and financial aid supported the pursuit of their dreams. Ginny came to Gustavus expecting to major in elementary education, but biology and chemistry soon captured her attention. Lee also found his passion in the sciences, focusing in biology and geology. Despite having similar majors, the two didn’t cross paths until a party their senior year. They were married six months later.

For the first several years of their life together, Ginny supported the family as a medical technologist, and Lee pursued a master’s and PhD in geology from Arizona State University. By the time Lee began working for City Service Oil and Gas Company in Mississippi, the Petersens had added four young children to their family. Ginny transitioned to being the stay-at-home parent, and Lee put his hard-earned degree to work in the field.

Their next big opportunity came when Lee was offered a position at Anadarko Petroleum in Denver, Colorado. Thirty-five years later, the Petersens are still part of the Anadarko family. Lee has worked a variety of positions with the company, including his current role as senior exploration advisor. He focuses on providing input on the company’s training programs, mentoring young employees, and evaluating risks of site exploration.

It’s a career that’s now helping Lee and Ginny provide meaningful opportunities for Gusties.

In 2012, the couple established two endowed scholarships and a fund to enhance student research opportunities in geology. So far, two students have benefited from the scholarships, while the fund has supported two research projects and a field trip.

Lee has also leveraged his position at Anadarko to recruit student interns. The first to take advantage of this was Todd Kremmin ’12, who impressed many at Anadarko with his self-directed initiative and ability to problem-solve. According to Lee, these are qualities that illustrate the value of a Gustavus education: students are prepared for more than just the technical aspects of a profession.

“Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I see the opportunity to go to college as a time to get an education—not receive training for a specific job. Too many colleges do that today, and the students that graduate aren’t really educated. Gustavus gives students the opportunity to be successful in whatever they do, ”says Lee.

Ginny agrees, saying the things that prepared her most for life were not taught in a classroom.

“Gustavus is a place where students concentrate on more than academics,” says Ginny, who specifically remembers the etiquette dinners that Evelyn “Ma” Young organized for students. “Learning how to host people, hold conversations, and respect different cultures have turned out to be invaluable life lessons for me.”

Lee and Ginny are both grateful for the time that faculty and staff invested in them as students and for those who financially supported them through scholarships. That gratitude is something that they have never lost, and they have found that the best way to demonstrate their appreciation has been to open doors for others.

“It becomes evident quickly that being a Gustie is special, and it comes with a responsibility to use it wisely. It’s not just about working, earning a paycheck, and sitting on the couch,” says Ginny. “You have to be a part of your community. You have to give back.”