SMU’s Kabara Institute to host Can Do Canines founder

WINONA, Minn. — Al Peters, a 1974 Saint Mary’s University alumnus and founder of Can Do Canines, will speak at his alma mater Monday, April 7, as part of Kabara Entrepreneurial Days.

The event — free and open to the public — will begin at 7 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. A question-and-answer period will follow.

Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. In 1987 the business incorporated as the Companion Dog Connection, Inc., and over the years it has expanded its services and reach. Specially trained dogs assist individuals throughout the Midwest who are deaf or hard of hearing, those with physical disabilities, seizure disorders, or autism and people with diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness. All assistance dogs are provided to the client at no charge. Peters services as executive director of the organization.

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s is joined by the business, education, psychology and sociology departments in sponsoring this event.

The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study. It also strives to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand. And, it fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society.