Peterson, who died Friday, was born March 19, 1917, in Chicago, just blocks from the university where he would spend his professional career. He married Verla Bayly in 1943.
He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Augustana College in 1939 and his master’s degree from Northwestern University in 1940. Military service cut short his work for a doctorate in botany.
Peterson, known as “C.P.” to students, served at the university from 1946 to 1982 in various roles, including professor of biology, chair of the division of science and mathematics, and resident director. He was dean of students for nearly 20 years. Peterson also represented the school as president of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).
North Park awarded him an honorary doctorate during the 2006 May commencement. In making the presentation, 1956 graduate and ABC-TV medical editor Dr. G. Timothy Johnson noted the influence of his mentor. “He made biology come alive and inspired many young people to pursue careers in science,” Johnson recalled. “At many points in my life I have remembered the way in which C.P. would ‘do it’ – and that memory has always inspired me and served me well. He was, and is, a role model par excellence.” For the text of Johnson’s remarks, see Peterson honored.
In addition to Peterson’s wife, survivors include two sons, Vaughn and Barry Peterson, and a daughter, Doreen Dimick.
Memorials can be directed to the Carroll J. Peterson Scholarship Fund at North Park University, Box 6, 3225 W. Foster, Chicago, IL, 60625. Gifts should bear a notation that the gift is for the Peterson fund.
