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Peter Geiger is the Executive Vice President of Geiger, a family-owned business for four generations, and editor of the world-famous Farmers' Almanac. Peter, a graduate of Lewiston High School, has a strong passion for education issues, and gives back to his community through a hands-on approach to volunteering. For 17 years he has headed an Adopt-A-School Program with Montello Elementary School and has championed similar business/school partnerships throughout Maine and the United States. Peter has served on many boards, including the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, Sisters of Charity Health System, Junior Achievement of Lewiston/Auburn, State Board of Education, and St. Joseph's College. Through his influential and successful business, ready commitment to various community programs and projects, and strong leadership on countless boards, commissions, and task forces, Peter has exemplified excellence and what it means to be a good business citizen and community volunteer.
Here is what Marguerite Stapleton, VP Mission Effectiveness, said when making the presentation:
Peter Geiger is no stranger to us here tonight or to this community. This is partly because he is just so involved. God is everywhere. Peter is everywhere around here. Just in case there is one person here who just moved to Lewiston/Auburn, let me tell you about Peter Geiger.
He is the son of Ray and Ann Geiger, second of five children, a graduate of Lewiston High School and Villanova University. He's a "local boy" who came here in 1955. After college, he joined the family business and got on the Red Cross Board and United Way Board. That was just a start to his public service. Just some of his activities include Junior Achievement of Lewiston/Auburn, 13 years including 2 terms as President; State Board of Education, 5 years and Chair; St. Mary's/Sisters of Charity, 11 years on the Board and 3 years on the Foundation Board; Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, since 1996 and now its Chair; St. Joseph's College Board from 1983 to 1990, back again in 1998, now on the Executive Committee.
Peter himself says that serving on the Junior Achievement Board was a real turning point for him. He learned the power of a mentor, walking with young people at crucial moments in their life, being there with wisdom, sharing skills.
His brother Gene says Peter "grows people. He lives his life to help other people and to mentor, and it brings him joy."
In 1988 Peter establishd an Adopt-A-School Program at Montello Elementary School. In lots of ways this was a natural marriage of his own insight into the power of mentoring and the lessons learned from his father, Ray Geiger. 50 years ago he brought his company to Lewiston absolutely committed to giving back to the community.
When asked "Why do you do what you do?" Peter's immediate response is "I have a duty to give back!" and in the same breath "Public education is the backbone of our society."
From this belief Peter has a tremendous power to say to others "Join me. You can do it too," so many other businesses in this community have "adopted" schools. Sisters of Charity Health System adopted Holy Cross School and McMahon public school.
The truth is "good does beget good" Adopt-A-School has grown in various places throughout the country.
You may have noticed when you see Peter's name in print "Peter E. Geiger, Philom." This dates back to Ben Franklin, the father of almanacs. Philom is a contraction of philomath or philosopher and mathematician. Loosely tranlated it means "lover of learning" and is now used by all almanac editors.
Where did he learn about this giving - public and provate - and the importance of both?
First, his father was a very public person. He believed "You make living by what you get. Make a life by what you give." His mother is a very private person who gives quietly and in an intensely personal way.
Second, he likes to surround himself with givers. This is something that really influences you. Good does beget good.
Third, his idea of giving is really being there, not just paying lip service. Giving of one's times is giving the most valuable commmodity we have.
Many honors have come to Peter: Corporate Award from Maine Teacher's Association, Lewiston Chamber of Commerce Ray Geiger Award for advancing education/business partnerships, President George H.W. Bush 618th Point of Light for making a difference in the lives and future of children, Jefferson Award from Maine Broadcasting Association, Maine State Chamber Maine Investors Award.
We add one more award tonight,
Marguerite d'Youville Award for Excellence for deliberate effort toward achieving outcomes of the highest quality while striving for innovation and continual improvement. He has given to Marguerite d'Youville Pavillion, Sisters of Charity, Lewiston/Auburn, whatever needs to be done....
We firmly acknowledge that we see the spirit of Marguerite d'Youville in you, in your heart, in your actions.
Reprinted with permission.
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