Professor emerita Bernadine Helen Peterson (1923-2014) (MS 1957; PhD 1961 Home Economics Education) joined the School of Human Ecology faculty in 1965, specializing in family, consumer, and community education. She held a joint appointment with UW-Extension and served as Extension program leader for the southeast district until she retired.
A member of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the American Association of Home Economics, Bernadine taught and published on the subjects of consumer behavior and household economics and operations. Many of the titles resonate in today’s human ecology, including Getting Your Money’s Worth, Furnishings and Space, and Your Budget.
In admiration of Bernadine as a devoted human ecologist, Extension pioneer, and long-time supporter of the school, her close friend Jane Gruber (1925-2015) (MS 1964 Education), designated a gift to the 100 Women Chair in Human Ecology in Bernadine’s honor.