CORAL GABLES, Fla.– Gil Peter wants to leave a mark.
A savvy businessman and dedicated father, Peter knows what he is doing, why he is doing it and the impact it will eventually have on everyone around him.
So when the longtime Golden Cane and close friend of the program decided recently to step forward with a significant capital gift, there were several factors at play.
Thinking Ahead
Peter is always thinking about teaching his children lessons. The proud father wants to set an example. He wants them to know how fortunate we all are and that there are ways to keep things in balance.
A big part of that process is his involvement with the University of Miami and the loyal support he continues to show to a place he finds so special.
“I’d like to set a good example for my children and let them know that this is a good place to make your mark,” Peter said. “I want them to understand philanthropy and that they have a sense of duty and giving back wherever it is they decide to go to school. It’s about teaching them life’s lessons. I’ve learned this on my own, but I really want to pass this down to my kids and help them understand that it is really important for them in anything they take on.”
Two of his sons – 11 year old twins Christian and Cameron – have already grown into huge Hurricane fans, thanks in large part to their dad’s strong presence around the program.
“They are at all the games and come to practices,” Peter said. “They see first-hand the amount of effort and purpose put into everything going on.”
But it’s more than just on the field. In his eyes, it’s about mixing success both in athletics and in the classroom. As a result, an integral part of the new Theodore G. Schwartz and Todd G. Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence will be named the G. J. Peter & Family Student-Athlete Computer Lab.
“I want my children to see that there is a balance,” Peter said. “We’ve really made a good balance with our contribution. It goes to the athletic department but it is an academic piece. I am very, very happy with that balance. I think my kids will understand as they grow older, the significance of that and why I specifically did it that way.”
Passion for the U
Peter grew up in Philadelphia and chose to attend Miami much in part for its growing reputation both in the classroom and in athletics.
“When I came down to Miami, Howard [Schnellenberger] was just taking over and I started going to games,” Peter said. “I actually worked at the games selling programs my freshman year. I then worked in the athletic department as a student, and I worked to put myself through college my first couple years. I started to really enjoy it and got to know some of the players.”
One of those players is UM great Bernie Kosar, who he has now been friends with for over 30 years. Clearly from the start, Peter has been a part of the U family.
“I take pride of ownership in having a Business degree from the University of Miami,” Peter said. “I’m a big college sports fan as it is, so it lended itself perfectly to my situation where I started to really follow the University of Miami’s athletic programs and felt it was time to do something to help the program and give back in proportion to what I could afford at the time.”
Timing is Right
After years and years of loyal support, Peter recently decided it was time to show even more support. Partly because he was better able to, but also because like most, he wants to help take the program to the next level.
“I’ve always wanted to help and as you grow older, you get a little more secure financially and you start to look at things a little differently,” Peter said. “Ten years ago, my goal was to be a Golden Cane and I did that. I think this is just the natural progression – stepping up and doing a little more.”
Peter’s financial stability is thanks in large part to a long and successful career in business. As the director of his own Venture Capital firm and a key component in numerous entities, he knows what it takes to become successful and the hard work and sacrifice it takes to get there.
“I am a very competitive person, very driven” Peter said. “I want to succeed very badly with my company and I started to have that same motivation with Miami athletics, especially football.
“After going to the games year after year and enjoying the good years when we were winning championships, you start to almost take it for granted and almost think it should be happening every year. But that’s not realistic.”
It may not be as realistic these days, but as a fan, Peter sees the potential. As a businessman, he knows the pieces are coming together for a run at another title.
“I think we are on the right path,” Peter said. “In football, we’ve got a phenomenal head coach, a great coaching staff and a great athletic department behind them. From my perspective looking at it from a business standpoint, I think all of the executives are in place to make another run not only in football, but in some of the other sports as well.
“To me, the program is on the right path going forward and it really just needed some of the passion and commitment that made this program so special in the first place. President Shalala, Coach Golden and his great staff recognize this and have already done a tremendous job, but there is much more work to be done and that includes help from our alumni base.
“That can be the differentiator from my standpoint. I’m just proud to be a small part of it.”
For more information or to help support the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence, visit UHurricaneClub.com or contact Jesse H. Marks, Assistant Athletic Director at 305-284-2981.