Couple Helps Students Face Future Challenges

Patricia Larson, '70, and Peter Saunders believe today's students are faced with more challenges on a wider range of issues than their own generation.

"We believe those challenges come with opportunities for effecting positive change," Patty says. "We are pleased to see that students are accepting those challenges, and that UNI continues to adjust its course offerings to help students explore solutions."

Patty and Peter see that students are addressing attitudes that have long held back women and minorities.

"We are pleased students are confronting harassment in all its forms," Patty says. "Their efforts give us confidence that, as they take their places in society, they will help it to move forward in treating all people fairly and with dignity."

Patty's UNI degree emphasized analytical, research and writing skills, which were critical to two successful careers. After serving as a high school math teacher and special-needs educator for several years, she pursued a legal career. Patty advanced from a clerkship in federal district court to a litigator, retiring as deputy general counsel for the American Bar Association. She is most proud of her role in the preparation of amicus briefs the ABA filed in the U.S. Supreme Court, and especially in the amicus brief it filed in the gay marriage case Obergefell v. Hodges.

"I've always believed I owe a great debt to UNI and its wonderful professors and staff for my professional success," she says.

To ensure a successful future for students, Patty and Peter have established a gift that pays them income for the rest of their lives, known as a charitable gift annuity.

"We wish for today's students great success and happiness in a future in which social and technological advancements will come at a faster and faster pace," Patty says. "We wish for them the confidence and enthusiasm to continue to confront social and technological issues and to search to answer the age-old question of what kind of future will be left for the world's children."

In Appreciation

We are grateful for visionaries like Patty Larson and Pete Saunders, whose generosity will help future generations of UNI students overcome obstacles and find success.