As part of the U.S. Olympic Committee, University of Miami alumnus Michael “Pete” Piechoski, BBA ’76, knows a thing or two about teamwork. His generous $3.625 million gift to UM reflects that spirit of cooperation and inclusion, providing support to a number of programs and academic units.
The gift provides support to the university by creating three endowment funds: Piechoski Family Endowed Graduate Business Fellowship Fund; Piechoski Family Endowed Graduate Engineering Fellowship Fund, and Piechoski Study Abroad Endowed Fund.
The gift, which is part of Momentum2: The Breakthrough Campaign for the University of Miami, also will support the Student Athlete Excellence Fund and the Undergraduate Education Gift Fund.
“This wonderful gift demonstrates Pete’s interests and commitments that span across the university,” said Thomas J. LeBlanc, executive vice president and provost. “His gift is perfectly aligned with the University of Miami’s strategic priorities. We are forever grateful for Pete’s loyalty and leadership to his alma mater.”
Pete Piechoski, who recently was named an Alumni Trustee to the UM Board of Trustees, is senior vice president and chief financial officer for Peter Kiewit Sons Inc. in Omaha, NE.
One of North America’s largest construction and engineering organizations, Kiewit serves a variety of markets including transportation, water, heavy civil, power, oil, gas, chemical, building and mining. The firm was named to the list of North American Top Companies for Leaders in 2011.
Piechoski received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from UM in 1976, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University in 1979.
“I am forever grateful. The University invested in my potential even before I knew I had potential,” Piechoski said. “I want to give back to my alma mater to recognize and express appreciation for its investment in me.”
He has served on various boards including the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation; University of Miami President’s Council; U.S. Bank Advisory Board of Omaha; Omaha Community Foundation; United Way of the Midlands; Omaha Children’s Museum; College World Series of Omaha, NE. and Marian Catholic High School. Piechoski also serves on the UM Athletic Advisory Committee and the Visiting Committee for the UM College of Engineering.
Pete and his wife, Jeri, have two children. Alexandra is a graduate of Villanova University with a degree in engineering, and Bradley is a graduate of UM, with a degree in engineering.
