On Dec. 12, Assiniboine Community College announced that its School of Business has been renamed Peters School of Business after long-time business leaders and college supporters Gord and Diane Peters. The Peters also presented the School with a $10 million donation—the largest donation ever received by ACC.
“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 with the announcement. “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 long-time Westman residents, with Gord co-founding Brandon’s Cando Rail & Terminals in 1978. Diane is an alumnus of Assiniboine’s Practical Nursing program, and Gord was awarded the college’s first-ever Honorary Diploma in 2009.
“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.”
The Peters also mentor young entrepreneurs including Assiniboine alumnus and friend Charlie Baessler and his wife Jesce at Corcelettes Winery in B.C. as well as Manitoba’s Hailey and Cale Jefferies of Prairie Fava at Glenboro, Man.
“We are grateful to be in a position to be able to give back to the school, and support future business leaders,” said Diane Peters. “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.”
