Tom peterson memorial run
April 13, 2025, Mankato, MN
Professor TOM PETERSON
October 10, 1953 – April 4, 2024
A LEGACY IN THE SKY
Tom grew up in the midwest and considered MN his home. He attended USAFA and was involved in football and track during his time there. The Air Force Academy set a foundation for aviation – an activity which would become his lifelong career and passion. He had a 20 year Air Force career as an instructor in the T-38 jet trainer and would later transition to the RC-135 and E-4. His military career took him all over the world culminating as a a commander for a reconnaissance squadron in Omaha, NE. Tom capped off his career at Minnesota State University in Mankato teaching young aviation students until his passing. Always humble, Tom rarely spoke of his accomplishments, but he affected countless men and women as a leader and a mentor. Referred to by some of his students as the “Godfather of aviation.”
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5k on the runway
Join us at Mankato Regional Airport to commemorate Professor Pete. All operations will be suspended for race day. Doors will open at 9AM and the run will begin at 10AM. Through this run, we honor not only Tom’s extraordinary career in aviation but also his incredible impact as an educator. His students will forever remember him not only as a teacher but as a mentor who believed in them, pushed them to run the race, and made them better. Let’s carry his legacy forward.
Resources for RUNNErs
Registration
Visit Race Roster to register for the run. You still have time to get in on early bird registration!
volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering, click the link below and find a role.
socials
If you take pictures, feel free to tag and share with North Star Aviation.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A donor
Professor Peterson Scholarship Fund
Funds raised from this event will go towards establishing a scholarship fund, ensuring that his dedication to aviation education lives on. This fund will help young, aspiring aviators achieve their dreams, just as Tom helped so many others.
