In 1997, the same year Florida Gulf Coast University started offering classes, Mike Peters began his weekly trips to campus.

He wasn’t taking or teaching classes, but he set foot in more academic buildings, residence halls and other facilities than most students and faculty members. And, as a representative of one of the many local vendors and contractors who serve FGCU, his touch was evident in every new building since 1997.

Peters was a longtime employee of Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, a family-owned company that has installed and maintained carpeting, ceramic tile and other flooring in buildings across campus for the last 28 years. Over time, he became close friends with FGCU staff members he worked with, enthusiastically followed Eagle athletics teams and brought his love of golfing to the annual FGCU Foundation Founder’s Cup that raises scholarship funds.

Peters took pride in his relationship with FGCU. That’s why he would appreciate that his estate will help students achieve their dreams of earning a college degree, according to longtime friend Mark Wiles, Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings president and a longtime FGCU supporter. Peters passed away July 26, 2024 at 73, leaving his estate to Wiles. At the direction of Peters, Wiles gifted the proceeds of over $800,000 to the university.

“FGCU was a huge part of his life. Mikey truly, truly loved the university. Everybody at FGCU was his family,” Wiles said. “He was just a good man. If you knew Mike, you loved Mike.”

Endowed scholarship funds established

This generous gift will benefit students in several areas across campus. The Physical Plant Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by department staff in 2007, received $500,000. Over the years, the fund has supported 36 students with 69 awards.

Additional funds are designated for the Business Technology Services Endowed Scholarship Fund and the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering’s Learning Hub Endowed Fund. The Michael S. Peters Endowed Scholarship Fund was also established to support veterans at FGCU — a tribute to Peters’ U.S. Army service.

“It’s pretty cool that so many students all over will benefit from this,” said Jim Hehl. As associate vice president of the Physical Plant, he worked closely with Peters. “That’s really the goal.”

Hehl first got to know Peters when Hehl worked for Collier County government, and the Wayne Wiles company became a county contractor with Peters as its representative.

When Hehl joined FGCU in 1997, he continued his business relationship and his friendship with Peters. They shared a love of sports and golfing. Over the years, Peters spent many a Thanksgiving with Hehl and his wife, Mary Banks, associate vice president and chief information officer at FGCU.

“Mike was such a likeable guy,” Hehl said. “He and Mark Wiles really felt ownership of the university because it was in their backyard. They wanted to be part of this, knowing it was going to be here for a long time, and wanted to see it grow.”

When FGCU’s athletics programs got off the ground, Peters took special pride in his part in elevating the facilities to boost recruiting efforts and the fan experience, Hehl said. Peters had played baseball in college at Liberty University, but his interest in sports ran the gamut.

Lasting legacy for students

A Virginia native, Peters moved to Naples in 1996, just a year before FGCU opened its doors. He soon started working for Wayne T. Wiles, the company founder and Mark Wiles’ father.

Peters was known to tuck a pencil behind one ear for jotting down measurements and calculating project estimates the old-school way. He was a dedicated worker, Mark Wiles said, and he enjoyed a bargain — often sharing his buy-one-get-one-free bounty with pals.

“He and my father were great friends,” said Wiles. “He just kind of became part of our family. We’ve been best friends forever.”

Wiles stood by his buddy through a cancer battle that Peters seemingly overcame in 2023. Then, last year, tumors were discovered in Peters’ brain. Within days, he entered hospice care and died.

While still mourning their loss, friends know that Peters will have a lasting legacy at FGCU — not only in the Physical Plant office suite named for him but also for the opportunities students will have in the future thanks to Peters.

“To have these endowed scholarship funds and know the impact they will have on the kids as something that’s going to go on and on — it’s amazing,” Wiles said. “This all came from Mike. I’m proud that I was able to champion it and administer it for him.”