New Director of Institutional Advancement and Major Gifts Toren Peterson Plans to Bring Major Support to Stroud Water Research Center
Funding Good Science
“The world needs good, objective science that is based on real-world data and interpreted with an unbiased perspective,” says Toren Peterson, who joined Stroud Water Research Center in December 2024.
Peterson hails from West Chester University Foundation, where he served for four years as director of development. He holds a bachelor’s in sociology from Shippensburg University and is working on his master’s in public administration from West Chester University.
With the prevalence of accessible information, not all of it accurate, online, Peterson says the Stroud Center’s role in providing people with reliable data, unbiased analyses and conclusions about the state of their water, and actionable insights about what impacts the health of freshwater ecosystems is more important than ever. As the new director of institutional advancement and major gifts, he will help tell the story of fresh water and how critical it is to life on Earth.
His greatest joy in the philanthropic space has always been connecting the interests and passions of individuals and organizations with the needs and dreams of great nonprofits doing exceptional work.
“I’ve been fortunate in my career to have been in a position to help affect transformational change and bring resources to the table. I am excited about continuing to do that with the Stroud Center,” he says.
Inspired by Water
Peterson was born in Minneapolis and spent the first few years of his life in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. His family later moved to southeastern Pennsylvania, where he grew up, explored the water and surrounding woods of Ridley Creek, met his wife, Emily, bought his first home, and welcomed his first child, son Magnus, into the world. From the family’s front door, they can see Beaver Creek just before it merges with the East Branch of the Brandywine.
He says, “My wife and I love to take our son and dog, Pip, to play in the creek and sit on our secret beach, a hidden sandy bank that’s a short walk from our house. I love watching my son lift up rocks and point out all the critters or seeing him delight in finding a unique rock in the water that he has to bring home to add to his collection.“
He looks forward to connecting people who love water like he does to the work of the Stroud Center, as it advances knowledge and stewardship of the world’s most precious natural resource.
