In this issue, meet Board of Trustees member John Peveto
By Salwa Choucair
John Peveto
If it’s true that enthusiasm is contagious, then John Peveto’s passion for the University of the Incarnate Word may cause an epidemic.
“It’s a very inspirational and exciting place to be, and I love being there,” says the 73-year-old entrepreneur who has served on the Board of Trustees since 2005.
Considering it an honor to serve with Dr. Louis Agnese Jr. as president, Peveto quickly and proudly points to a growing list of changes that have occurred at UIW while he has served on the board, including the addition of both a pharmacy and an optometry school, a new stadium, the expansion of the nursing school, and expanding continuing education opportunities and worldwide campuses.
“Upon meeting Dr. Agnese, I was impressed, particularly because he was such a forward-thinking person,” he recalls. “I just gleaned from him that he never stops having a dream or vision. He leads dynamically.”
Peveto is no stranger to forward-thinking leadership. Regarded as one of San Antonio’s foremost business leaders, he serves as chairman of the board of Brake Check, the company he founded in 1968 and recently sold to his children.
With four decades of business and community leadership in San Antonio, Peveto’s legacy extends far beyond his family. While serving through the years on the boards of numerous civic organizations, including the San Antonio Airport, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, University Hospital and the Cancer and Therapy Research Center, he has witnessed and been a part of the Alamo City’s growth and ever-changing landscape.
“I feel like you have to give back to the community,” Peveto explains, “and it is my privilege and honor to do so. It has taught me an awful lot about business and people. I’ve been accepted openly and gained greatly in my knowledge.”
UIW’s students, in fact, have inspired Peveto and his wife, Bonnie, so much that they have committed to build an interfaith chapel on the university campus. After witnessing how the faith-based university accepts students of all religions, the Pevetos wanted to provide a place where anyone can worship 24 hours a day.
While he continues to serve on the UIW board along with a few other community commitments, Peveto is retired and enjoys traveling with family and friends. Of course, his enthusiasm for UIW goes with him, often serving as a guide. He has traveled to sister schools in China, Dubai and Turkey, and always takes time to speak with students if given the opportunity.
With all of his success and community involvement, there is one special organization Peveto would still like to join: the UIW Alumni by Choice Club, but it doesn’t exist. Of course, that’s never stopped him before.
