After a successful career spanning nearly 50 years in the electronics manufacturing industry, Peter Bigelow, BA ’76, credits much of his professional success to the formative years he spent at Ohio Northern University.
In appreciation for ONU’s impact on his life, Peter and his wife, Margaret, have made a generous gift to support ONU’s Mifsud Center for Student Success.
The Peter Bigelow and Margaret Bigelow Endowed Fund for Academic Support will enhance key academic services at ONU, including tutoring, accessibility resources, and testing accommodations.
In recognition of the Bigelows’ generosity, ONU has named its newly renovated testing center in their honor. Located on the second floor of Heterick Library, the Peter and Margaret Bigelow Testing Center offers an improved, expanded environment to meet the needs of students who require specialized testing accommodations.
When Peter attended ONU in the 1970s, formal academic support services were virtually nonexistent. If they had been available, Peter says, he would have utilized them. He -recognizes how far institutions have come in identifying learning disabilities and developing support systems tailored to student needs. At the same time, he notes that today’s students face new challenges, including increased academic pressures and constant digital distractions.
“There are many people who struggle academically but shine once they are in the workplace,” he said. “My hope is that this fund helps bright, capable kids who may need extra academic assistance or a structured environment to earn a college degree.”
Peter’s inspiration to give back was sparked during college visits with his children years ago. As he walked other campuses, he began to reflect on the influence ONU had on his life’s trajectory.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t gone to ONU,” he said. “I ended up at Ohio Northern almost by accident, but the school had a big impact on my life, much more than I realized at the time.”
Peter’s path to ONU began in an unlikely place: a boat shop in Peter’s hometown in Connecticut. The son of the shop’s owner, a Polar Bear, recommended ONU. Peter applied to three schools, and was accepted to ONU.
His first year was rocky, and he nearly flunked out. With perseverance and the support of his caring business professors, he turned things around.
“What sticks out to me is the personable relationships I built with my professors,” he said. “I knew everyone, and they knew me.”
At ONU, Peter also learned how to connect with people from all backgrounds. He met classmates from farming communities and backgrounds very different from his East Coast upbringing. These friendships shaped his ability to communicate and lead diverse teams in the business world.
After college, Peter embarked on a business career he enjoyed for nearly five decades. He retired in February 2025 after serving 19 years as president and CEO of IMI Printed Circuit Boards, a leading fabricator of complex PTFE and mixed construction printed circuit boards and substrates.
While early in his career Peter worked for large publicly traded corporations he later specialized in revitalizing small, privately-held companies. His success flowed from his patient and steady leadership. Vision and mission statements are fine, he explained, but at the end of the day, it’s important to keep it simple.
“It’s all about making a great product and having on-time delivery,” he said. “When you encounter problems, you stay calm and work through it. And, you gently nudge people in the direction you want to go.”
Peter’s contributions to the electronics manufacturing industry were recognized in 2025 when he was inducted into the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame, which is a high honor awarded by IPC, the Global Association for Electronics Manufacturing.
In retirement, Peter and Margaret are thrilled to reconnect with his alma mater and provide critical support for ONU’s Mifsud Center for Student Success.
Located on the remodeled second floor of Heterick Library, the Center now offers a centralized space for essential student services, including the Polar Career Center, Peter and Margaret Bigelow Testing Center, Writing Center, Accessibility Services, and Global Initiatives.
Max Lambdin, executive director of development, said that Peter and Margaret’s gift provides vital support for ONU students.
“Peter and Margaret are passionate about student success,” he noted. “They understand a college degree opens doors. Thanks to their vision and support, every ONU student will have the resources they need to excel in the classroom and beyond.”