Lethbridge, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) — A southern Alberta farmer known for decades of community involvement will receive an honorary degree from the University of Lethbridge this spring.
Knud Petersen, a retired potato farmer who helped to shape the agriculture and community scene for more than 30 years, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the community’s 2026 Convocation ceremony at the end of May.
Petersen arrived in Canada in 1965 as a Danish agricultural exchange student. He decided to build a life and career for himself in southern Alberta, working as a potato farmer and partnering with the Perry family in Chin until his retirement in 1994.
University of Lethbridge Chancellor, Terry Whitehead, says Petersen’s impact extends beyond agriculture.
“His commitment to Pronghorn Athletics, fine arts and the University of Lethbridge has touched every corner of campus,” Whitehead says in a university release.
READ MORE: Alberta pulse researcher wins women in ag innovation award
After retiring from farming, Petersen became known across southern Alberta for his volunteer work in sports, education, food security and community organizations. He helped found the women’s soccer program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and was a long-time supporter of Pronghorn Athletics at the University of Lethbridge.
Petersen’s volunteer efforts have earned him the Pronghorn Athletics Gary Bowie Leadership Award and the ULethbridge Senate Volunteer Award.
“If you’ve been to virtually any community event in the last 30-plus years, there’s a good chance Knud was there as a volunteer,” Whitehead says.
Petersen also contributed to organizations focused on environmental advocacy and food security by helping establish Environmental Lethbridge and by providing continuous support to the Lethbridge Food Bank.
Petersen has received numerous honours over the years, including the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Chancellor Whitehead says that the university is excited to recognize all of Petersen’s contributions.
Photo Courtesy: University of Lethbridge
