Huntington University names faculty chair in honor of alumnus

Huntington, Ind.-Huntington University has established a named faculty chair in honor of alumnus Luke J. Peters. The Luke J. Peters Professor of Business will foster continued growth in the business and economics department.

"We think it is a very appropriate, prestigious and significant way to honor Luke Peters," said Huntington University President G. Blair Dowden. "We are honored to recognize Luke, and in the broader sense, the Peters family."

Jim O'Donnell has been named to the position by the Huntington University Board of Trustees. This is the first named faculty chair in the history of the university.

"I am humbled by this honor and by such an act of generosity that blesses the university and me, both personally and professionally," said O'Donnell, who started at the university in 1993. "I hope this gift encourages every professor in the work they do on behalf of students and in serving God."

Peters was a generous donor to the campus, giving $170,000 during his lifetime and $2.3 million upon his death two years ago - one of the largest gifts in the school's history. Peters attended Huntington University in 1950-51 and 1953-54, and while he went on to receive his degree from another institution, he remained dedicated to the university throughout his life.

Peters later worked for Motorola as an internal accountant. He also spent time working for the company's Swiss operations.