College of Engineering Honors Pixar’s Bob Peterson as Distinguished Alumnus

Ohio Northern University’s College of Engineering honored Bob Peterson with the T.J. Smull College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award on March 15. A key player at Pixar Animation Studios, Peterson is the first recipient of this newly established award.

“I was very honored to receive this award because engineering propelled me to where I am at today,” Peterson said. “I was overcome with emotion receiving such an award, and a lot of it for me was seeing my professors and very good friends from ONU. It was very emotional and an honor.”   

Peterson received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Ohio Northern in 1983 and has been with Pixar since 1994. His first assignment was that of layout artist and animator on “Toy Story.” He later served as story artist on “A Bug’s Life” and “Toy Story 2,” story supervisor on “Monsters, Inc.,” and one of the screenwriters for the Academy Award-winning feature “Finding Nemo.” Most recently, Peterson was co-director and co-writer for the 2010 Academy Award-winning movie “Up.”

In addition to his story work, Peterson has voiced several of Pixar’s memorable animated characters: the aged chess-playing hero of “Geri’s Game,” paperwork-obsessed slug-woman Roz in “Monsters, Inc.,” and the tuneful teacher Mr. Ray in “Finding Nemo.” He also lends his voice talents to “Up” for the character of Dug the dog. The movie “Up” received two Oscars in 2010 for “Best Animated Feature” and “Best Music (original score)” and the 2010 Golden Globe for “Best Animated Feature.”

The T.J. Smull College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award seeks to recognize those who have distinguished themselves through outstanding personal qualities and significant contributions to his or her chosen field. To be eligible for the award, an individual must be a graduate of the T.J. Smull College of Engineering, be distinguished in his or her profession, business or other worthy endeavor, have received recognition from his or her contemporaries, have made a significant contributions benefitting his or her community, state nation, the University or the college, and be a person of such integrity, stature and demonstrated ability that the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the college will take pride in and be inspired by his or her recognition.

Published: Wed, 03/17/2010 - 4:29pm