Peter Benson, president of Search Institute, passed away on Sunday at the age of 65. He had lived with colon cancer during the past year.
Peter was a visionary who years ago pondered the question: "Why do we always ask what is wrong with kids? Why don't we ask what is right about kids?" This resulted in the creation of the Developmental Assets, 40 resources, relationships and characteristics all kids need.
In 1993, St. Louis Park became Search Institute's learning laboratory as the first community to take this pioneering research and transform it into community action. Peter and his staff worked side-by-side with community leaders as the initiative launched, and over the years worked closely with St. Louis Park on innovations, most recently the expansion of Building Assets Reducing Risks (BARR) at the high school through the . Peter became an international leader and today, the assets are used in 600 communities in 60 countries.
Peter's wife Tunie Munson-Benson taught at and developed the Book Nook Program. His daughter Liv graduated from and his son Kai graduated from the Perpich Center for Arts Education. Funeral services are pending.