Mary E. Peterson Scholarship in Pastoral Counseling Endowment Fund

The Mary E. Peterson Scholarship in Pastoral Counseling Endowment Fund was established on June 30, 1994, by Lloyd and Ardyce Peterson in honor of their daughter, Mary. Lloyd and Ardyce, now deceased, were devoted lay members of Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville, Minnesota. They started a successful turkey production business. Lloyd was a pioneer and leader of the turkey industry in Minnesota and across the world. He served as president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers in 1956, the National Turkey Federation in 1970, and the World Turkey Federation 1970-1978. Lloyd led a life of public service. He was mayor of Paynesville from 1960-1966. In 1979, he was elected to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. For over two decades he served his alma mater promoting the U of M’s agricultural outreach, research, and mission. Ardyce was also an active volunteer, not only in their congregation but also through the Paynesville Hospital Auxiliary and Eastern Star. Mary, their daughter, is an ordained pastor and graduate of Luther Northwestern Seminary with both Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees. The scholarship fund was established to support the preparation of church leaders with particular gifts and commitments for pastoral ministry in the Lutheran church. This fund provides important financial support for deserving master’s degree students who are Lutheran and focusing on pastoral counseling.