Ann Sponberg Peterson ’83

Ann is a 1983 Gustavus alumna and music major. She earned the master of music degree from the University of Colorado (Boulder), specializing in music history and literature.  She previously served Gustavus – first on the admissions team and then the development team – from 1986 to 1997.  She has twice served in development vice presidencies – Lutheran Social Services of New England and Regis College in Massachusetts – and as senior director of development at Suffolk University and Suffolk University Law School in Boston.  Most recently Ann comes to Gustavus having served Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, for 11 years as director of development for principal gifts and co-campaign director.  Ann is active in the Association of Lutheran Development Executives; the Minnesota Planned Giving Council; and previously served as chair of the board of trustees of the ELCA Foundation.  Ann personally leads a philanthropic project titled Empowering Learners, (www.empoweringlearnersnamibia.org) a not-for-profit she founded in 2010 that benefits the learners, teachers, and schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN).   Ann is married to Gregory Peterson D.M.A., professor of music and college organist at Luther College.  Dr. Peterson is an active Lutheran church musician, recitalist, and former member of the Gustavus faculty.  Together they are at home in Decorah and Minneapolis.