Mary Louise Anneberg Petersen served 12 years on the Iowa State Board of Regents, including 8 years as president. During her tenure the regents' institutions enjoyed considerable growth in enrollment and quality, despite governmental cutbacks in financial support.
Ms. Petersen's support of higher education extends to the national level. Through her work on the National Board of Universities and Colleges, she has advised many institutions on financial planning and advancement. She is active in the Carnegie Foundation and the Kellogg Foundations.
Ms. Petersen received her B.A. from the University of Iowa in 1951. She is a member of the Alumni Association's Old Capitol Club and the UI Presidents Club.
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.