Peterson Inspires a Legacy of Learning

When asked to describe Randy Peterson’s character, his family answers, “He was resolute, and forward momentum was the only direction this man ever knew.” Though Randy’s life was tragically cut short, a memorial scholarship in his honor will ensure that students at South Dakota State gain that same forward momentum.

A farm kid from Elkton, South Dakota, Randy intended to attend college and return to the family farm. Instead, he honed an unshakable passion for engineering during his years as a Jackrabbit. After graduating with honors and an ag engineering degree in 1986, Randy landed a position at Caterpillar, where’d go on to build a 30-year career, all while raising his three daughters – Danielle, Kelly, and Sydney – with his wife, Susan. While the family spent much of their time traveling the world, Randy never forgot his roots, convincing Caterpillar to expand their recruitment efforts to SDSU and making regular trips to campus to meet with students.



Known for his passion, innovation, and leadership in the workplace, Randy didn’t slow down when he faced a stage IV cancer diagnosis. Instead, he took a position at Woodward, Inc., in Colorado, because, “he believed he still had a good future and more to accomplish,” explains Susan. 

Even after an exemplary career, Randy adamantly believed his daughters were his greatest accomplishments. Inspired by her father, Danielle chose to follow in his footsteps in the world of engineering. His advice to her: “Learn how to learn. If you learn to problem-solve, you can take your degree anywhere you want.”

Randy passed away in October 2020, but he never stopped learning. Thanks to the scholarship established in his memory, Jackrabbits will have greater support to earn a degree that can take them anywhere. 

“I knew I had a responsibility to make sure his love of engineering and innovation had a legacy,” says Susan. “I hope this enables future engineers to design new technology for the sustainability of our planet, and I hope this scholarship is the first of many achievements for the students.”