Peder Sather

Peder Sather
Born	Template:Birth date Odalen, Hedmark, Norway
Died	December 28, 1886(1886-12-28) (aged 76)
Occupation(s)	Banker, philanthropist
Known for	Contributions to University of California, Berkeley; namesake of Sather Gate and Sather Tower

Peder Sather (September 25, 1810 – December 28, 1886) was a banker of Norwegian origin who made a significant and enduring contribution to the University of California, Berkeley. In his honor, his widow, Jane K. Sather, financed two notable campus structures: Sather Gate and Sather Tower (also known as The Campanile). Both are recognized as California Historical Landmarks and are included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Biography

Originating from the farm Nordstun Nedre Sæther in Odalen, Hedmark, Norway, Sather began his career as a fisherman before relocating to New York City around 1832. He subsequently joined the Philadelphia banking firm Drexel & Co., where he remained employed until 1850.

With backing from Philadelphia financier Francis Martin Drexel, Sather partnered with Edward W. Church to launch Drexel, Sather & Church in San Francisco in 1850. By 1863, he had become the sole proprietor and ranked among California’s wealthiest individuals. Upon his passing, the company was integrated into the Bank of California. Additionally, he held a trusteeship at the College of California, which later evolved into the University of California, Berkeley.

In 1882, Sather wed Jane Krom Read (1824–1911), a widow. After his death, Jane contributed financially to establish both Sather Gate and Sather Tower at UC Berkeley and endowed the Sather Professorship of Classical Literature. The banking enterprise persisted until its acquisition by the Bank of California in 1910.

Peder Sather Symposium

The Peder Sather Symposium is held every two years and is jointly organized by the governments of Norway and Sweden along with UC Berkeley. Its purpose is to deepen insights into political, economic, and cultural topics by promoting interdisciplinary exchanges among academics and policymakers on issues of shared global and national significance.

Sather Classical Lectures

The annual Sather Classical Lectures feature a distinguished scholar, designated as the Sather Professor, who delivers a series—usually six lectures—focused on themes from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. These lectures are frequently published as books. Prominent scholars who have held this position include Lily Ross Taylor, Ronald Syme, William Bedell Stanford, John Myres, Brian Stock, and Herbert Weir Smyth.

Further reading

• Alexander, William Hardy The Sather Classical Lectures (Classical Association of the Atlantic States. The Classical Weekly, Volume 48, No. 2 January 3, 1955)