Gloria Peterson - In Memoriam

Gloria Peterson had a long and distinguished career in the field of music education, culminating with a 32-year term as a music professor at Valley City State University. Born and raised in Turtle Lake, ND, she earned music degrees from Concordia College and the University of North Dakota, teaching music for five years in the Hatton Public School along the way. In 1963, she was appointed Instructor of Music Education at VCSU, eventually reaching the rank of Associate Professor. She taught music education courses, music theory, ear-training, and supervised student teachers. She served as the Music Department chair at the university from 1986 until the time of her death in February 1995. In addition to her teaching duties, she organized the college Handbell Choir, coordinated annual Christmas madrigal dinners, oversaw production of performances of Handel's Messiah, and J. S. Bach's Magnificat in D. She also organized The Troubadors, a community male vocal ensemble that is still performing today.

In the words of a former student, she "epitomized the quality of teacher for which Valley City State has always been famous". She left a lasting legacy at the university and in the community.