Booth University College is pleased to announce it will be naming its new $2.6 million business/learning centre Petersen Hall, in honour of a $1 million donation received from Allen and Janet Petersen of Sherwood Park, AB.

“We are deeply grateful for the Petersens' landmark donation. Naming the centre in honour of the Petersen family is a fitting tribute to their generosity and recognition of their longstanding support of Booth UC and the mission of our institution,” said Dr. Donald Burke, President of Booth UC.

Mr. Petersen served on Booth UC's Board of Trustees for six years until his term concluded at the end of June. The extended Petersen family have been active members of The Salvation Army for several generations. This donation demonstrates their commitment to the ongoing mission of The Salvation Army through the educational programs offered by Booth University College.

“This $1 million gift—the largest individual donation in the history of Booth UC—is a vote of confidence in the institution's capacity to serve The Salvation Army through its educational programs,” added Dr. Burke. “Petersen Hall will enhance greatly our students' learning experience. It will transform the facilities currently available to them with state-of-the-art technology infrastructure and a range of new educational and training opportunities.”

The construction of Petersen Hall will be completed before the end of the year. It includes the renovation of approximately 4000 square feet of space on the second floor of 290 Vaughan Street to accommodate three new classrooms and office space for Booth UC's School for Continuing Studies and its Business Administration program. While Petersen Hall is scheduled to open in January 2015 in time for the start of the winter semester, the official opening celebration will be held during the Spring Convocation weekend in April 2015.