Awards
- Chancellor and Provost Medallion (2019)
- IUPUI Chancellor's Medallion
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Presenter: Nasser H. Paydar
Peterson, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, is a graduate of Purdue University and the University of Michigan Law School. He practiced law in Indianapolis for several years before joining the staff of Indiana governor, Evan Bayh. Prior to becoming mayor of Indianapolis in 2000, he served as Governor Bayh's Chief of staff.
During his second term as mayor of Indianapolis, he accomplished the consolidation of city and country government, effectively merging the Indianapolis Police Department with the Marion County Sheriff's Department. He provided oversight to the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium as well as the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. He was instrumental in the development of downtown, including the Simon Property Group headquarters and the Conrad Hotel.