LETHBRIDGE – Knud Petersen, a local sports enthusiast and former potato farmer, has long been a pillar of support for the University of Lethbridge (ULethbridge) and Pronghorn Athletics. His generosity, both in the stands and behind the scenes, has made a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes. In a continuing demonstration of his commitment, Petersen has made a generous endowment donation to establish the Knud Petersen Family Men's Soccer Award for the men's soccer program. While many know him for his cheers from the sidelines, it is his deep and ongoing dedication to the success of student-athletes that truly defines his legacy. 
 
This latest donation, paired with matching funds from the University, will double its impact, helping future Pronghorns achieve their academic and athletic goals. Petersen's gift is a testament to the power of community involvement, showing how one individual's belief in student-athletes can drive success both on and off the field. 
 
Petersen's longstanding relationship with ULethbridge goes beyond just financial contributions. His earlier endowed donations to women's soccer and women's rugby have already raised nearly $65,000 in scholarships, helping countless athletes pursue their dreams. For Petersen, these gifts are more than financial—they are an investment in the future of tomorrow's leaders and community pillars. 
 
A Danish immigrant who arrived in Canada in 1965 as an agricultural exchange student, Petersen fell in love with farming and decided to stay. In 1969, he found himself working at Perry Produce Ltd. in Chin, AB. The following year, the Perrys began growing potatoes and thanks to them, Petersen was later able to start growing potatoes as well. Eventually, he became a partner in the famous Potato Domes of Chin. While running the farm and raising his family, he also found time to coach local soccer teams and volunteer in the community. After retiring from farming in 1994, his dedication to sports and community service only grew stronger. Along with his friend Alvin Tietz, and with the support of Ron Sakamoto, Petersen played a key role in establishing, funding and coaching the first-ever women's soccer program at Lethbridge College in 1994. The team went on to achieve remarkable success, winning both the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference provincial championship and the CCAA national title in its undefeated inaugural season. 
 
In recognition of his outstanding dedication, Petersen was honoured with the Pronghorn Athletics Gary Bowie Leadership Award in 2003. More recently, in 2023, he was inducted into the Pronghorn Hall of Fame as a builder, a testament to his enduring impact on Pronghorn Athletics. 
 
While Petersen's contributions are significant, he prefers to shift the focus away from himself and toward encouraging others to contribute. He believes that community support is essential for sustaining athletic programs and fostering student success. His philosophy is reflected in his call for other community members and alumni to engage with Pronghorn Athletics through various means. 
 
Other Notable Donations 
 
Petersen's generosity is part of a growing trend of community support for Pronghorn Athletics at the University of Lethbridge. Recently, the Boulet family made a significant contribution of $20,000 towards the Ric Suggitt Women's Rugby Memorial Award. This endowment, established in memory of former rugby coach Ric Suggitt, highlights how athletic programs leave lasting legacies that positively impact students and their families. Another inspiring example is the Pronghorns Women's Hockey Alumni Foundation's decision to redirect their endowed scholarship to benefit any continuing female student-athlete at the University of Lethbridge. This act of paying it forward ensures that the legacy of women's hockey at ULethbridge continues to support future generations of female athletes across all sports. 
 
Amplifying Impact through Matching Funds 
 
The timing of these donations couldn't be more opportune. In October 2022, the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors announced a groundbreaking initiative pledging $10 million in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships. This means that contributions like Petersen's and the Boulet family's will be effectively doubled, significantly increasing their impact on the lives of student-athletes. 
 
Petersen feels strongly that assisting with the establishment of scholarship endowments is a valuable gift that helps future leaders succeed in their postsecondary education studies and become pillars in our communities. His belief in education as a transformative force drives his philanthropic efforts and inspires others to follow suit. 
 
The Ripple Effect 
 
The establishment of these endowed scholarships, coupled with the University's matching initiative, is expected to create a ripple effect throughout the community. It demonstrates how individual donors can make a profound difference when their contributions are amplified by institutional support. As more community members recognize the importance of investing in education and athletics, we can expect an increase in support for programs that foster student success. 
 
Call to Action 
 
These generous donations serve as a call to action for other community members and alumni to support Pronghorn Athletics. There are numerous ways to contribute: 
 
1. Making a gift to the Pronghorn Enhancement Fund 
2. Supporting Athletic Scholarship Programs 
3. Participating in the Adopt-A-Horn Program
 
By following the examples set by Knud Petersen and others, donors can play a crucial role in shaping the future of student-athletes at the University of Lethbridge. Each contribution, no matter its size, can make a significant difference when combined with the University's matching funds. 
 
As the University of Lethbridge continues to produce national champions, record-setters and Olympians, community support remains vital. These endowed scholarships stand as a testament to the power of philanthropy in fostering athletic excellence and academic achievement. They serve as an invitation to all who believe in education's transformative power through sports to step forward and make their mark on the next generation of Pronghorn student-athletes. 
 
Knud Petersen's legacy is not only about his contributions but also about inspiring others within Lethbridge's vibrant community to invest in their future leaders—student-athletes who will go on to excel both on and off the field. His story is one of passion, commitment and unwavering belief in education as a cornerstone for building strong communities. By focusing on collective action rather than individual accolades, Petersen exemplifies how community engagement can create lasting change for future generations at ULethbridge.