“It is our belief that a good education is everything you need to build a strong future,” Ardeth explains. She and Ev learned this first-hand, when they were students at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University and while they were preparing their own kids (Mark, Dale, Paula, James, Mary, Teresa, Samuel and Lisa) for college. “We owe CSB and SJU for the life we have,” offers Ev. “Our college experience wasn’t only about the education. We had fun, and we met lifelong friends.”

Ardeth and Ev graduated from Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s in 1952 – she pursued sociology, and Ev graduated with a chemistry degree and became a urologic surgeon. Today, they are happy to share the rewards of their life so that current and future CSB students can have the opportunity of a residential liberal arts education.

In honor of their deceased daughter, Teresa Jean Duthoy, the Duthoys have established an endowed scholarship. In addition, they make an annual contribution to the endowed and annual scholarship fund and have included Saint Ben’s in their estate plans, which will significantly enhance the Teresa Jean Duthoy Scholarship Fund and create a legacy that honors their daughter and their love of Saint Ben’s.

The Duthoy children also contribute to their parents’ commitment to education. Ardeth and Ev have asked their children to refrain from buying them gifts for holidays or birthdays, but to give to their Saint Ben’s endowment instead.