Donald E. Peters '71

2008 P.E. MacAllister Distinguished Alumnus Award for Service to Carroll

Don Peters '71 has devoted countless hours of service to Carroll.  He was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1998 and continued to serve in that role through 2010.  Don served as a member of the Board’s Executive Committee, chaired its Audit Committee, and served on the Advancement Committee and the Investment Subcommittee.

His service to Carroll began many years ago.  After receiving his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1971, he remained active in the Carroll community. He and his wife Kristina '71 served as past chairs of the Old Main Society. They are members of the Charles Carroll, John Adams Savage and Old Main societies. They were active in Pioneers athletics boosters and are regular participants in the annual Pioneer Golf Classic. Don and Tina are also parents of a Carroll graduate, Rebecca Peters '99.

Don is a retired executive vice president and director of systems and operations for Green Bay, Wis.-based Associated Bank, a $22 billion regional commercial bank holding company operating in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.  He also served Associated Bank as a member of Associated Banc Corp.'s Executive Committee, chairman of Associated Card Services Bank, chairman of Associated Mortgage, Inc. and board member of Associated Trust and Associated Bank, N.A.  Throughout his distinguished career, his focus has been mentoring others, and helping match individuals with opportunities that would optimize their unique skill sets.  This type of mentoring builds career satisfaction for individuals and fosters a positive culture in the workplace, as well as demonstrating how deeply Don cares for others.

Don has served as a member of the board of the Portage County Economic Development Corporation, the Portage County Business Council, St. Michael's Hospital Foundation and the Stevens Point YMCA.  He also served as president, campaign chairman and board member of the United Way of Portage County.  Don has served on various bank industry boards and committees during his 35-year career, including vice chairman of the TYME Corporation, a regional ATM network.

Don also serves on the board of directors of Ministry Health Care, Wisconsin's second largest integrated health care provider, and chairs its Business and Finance Committee. He is also the community member of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Accreditation Steering Committee, which provides leadership for the reaccreditation of UWSP by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

He is a member of the Stevens Point Country Club, Trinity Lutheran Church and Stevens Point Kiwanis Club.  In 2013, Don and Tina were national co-chairs and champions for Carroll’s National Day of Service helping to raise 35,000 meals for needy families.  The Peters live in Stevens Point, Wis., and have two adult children, Rebecca and Matthew.