Assiniboine Community College’s School of Business took a major leap today, introducing the Peters School of Business. As part of the plan for continued growth, the Board of Governors made the decision to name the School of Business in honour of well-known community and business leaders, and long-time college champions, Gord and Diane Peters.
“Gord’s success in building a hugely successful business, born in Manitoba, is inspirational and a great example for students coming through the Peters School,” said Assiniboine President, Mark Frison. “Marrying our brand to a couple who have built this business in a way that’s both socially conscious and innovative is extremely meaningful. This naming represents the synergy between the Peters’ reputation and ambition and Assiniboine’s.”
The Peters’ are life-long residents of Westman. Gord’s most notable success came from co-founding Cando Rail & Terminals, a small rail line dismantling and salvage company, in 1978. He has been a leader in the Manitoba business community for more than 45 years, serving on many Chamber of Commerce boards, both locally and nationally, and being recognized with a number of awards for his success in business.
Diane is an alumnae of the college’s Practical Nursing program and Gord was the first recipient of an Honorary Diploma from Assiniboine in 2009.
Incredibly hardworking, yet modest in his success as an entrepreneur and generosity as a lifelong philanthropist, Peters believes in setting those around you up for success.
“I co-founded Cando Rail & Terminals right here in Brandon, and believe with the right tools, education and support, the next industry business leaders will come from right here at the Peters School,” said Gord Peters. “One success story of the business I was especially proud of was the employee share ownership program that we implemented at Cando. It gave employees a way to invest in themselves and truly own a part of what they did every day. It became quite rewarding for employees who opted in.”
Gord and Diane Peters also announced a gift of $10 million toward the School today—the largest donation ever received, both by the college and in the Westman region, from an individual, family or business.
“We are grateful to be in a position to be able to give back to the school, and support future business leaders,” said Diane, a graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Assiniboine. “We are honored to be able to establish The Peters School of Business and give students the opportunity to achieve the success we’ve been fortunate to have experienced.”
The Peters believe in giving back, whether it be to employees, the community, or education facilities. They are lifelong entrepreneurs and community builders and have been instrumental in many college initiatives, from the development of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts, to the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, and now the School of Business.
“This generous donation from Gord and Diane Peters will make a real and significant difference in the lives of Manitoba business students,” said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “This philanthropic investment by the Peters family will ensure that ACC is a world class facility with quality education supporting the advancement of commerce education.”
Gord and Diane continue to share their business knowledge by mentoring young entrepreneurs. Alumnus and friend Charlie Baessler and his wife Jesce at Corcelettes Winery in BC along with Hailey and Cale Jefferies of Prairie Fava, a growing business out of Glenboro, are entrepreneurs who are benefiting from their mentorship and support.
“They see our vision, and have stepped in to help us transform the lives of our students in a big way,” said newly appointed Dean, Peters School of Business, Terry Burgess. “This transformational gift from the Peters will have such an impact on the advances we are making for the future of our School.”
The School of Business has been building momentum for several years, responding to industry needs with new and renewed programs and new avenues to advance its reputation. The School was accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)— one of only 11 business schools in Canada to be accredited; introduced several new post-graduate opportunities in the form of one-year advanced diploma programs; welcomed its third intake of the Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development this year, in partnership with Cape Breton University; maintains agreements and affiliations with several industry associations; and welcomed students to a brand new, leading edge space in the Centre for Creative Media. And there’s more to come, including a Bachelor of Commerce Degree program with a variety of pathways connected to labour market needs.
