Giving is a family affair for the Eisenhuths

For Jennifer Eisenhuth, DDS ’94, MS ’96, dentistry—and the University of Minnesota—are a family affair. That’s why the school is so close to her heart—and why it’s part of her estate plans.

It all started with Eisenhuth’s parents, who both graduated from the University of Minnesota. “They encouraged me to attend, too,” she recalled. “At a young age, I appreciated the ability to study nearly anything at school. The opportunities seemed endless!”

Eisenhuth took advantage of plenty of those opportunities: she studied civil engineering as an undergraduate at the Institute of Technology, before pursuing her DDS and completing an MS and Certificate in Orthodontics at the School of Dentistry.

Though they may seem disconnected at first glance, Eisenhuth’s paths of study always made sense for her. In fact, it was her orthodontist who first gave her the idea to pursue a career as a dentist. “I would watch him work, and think that he had the perfect career,” she said.

Pursuing engineering helped her get to orthodontics herself. “The physics I learned in my engineering courses related directly to the physics of tooth movement,” she said.

While at the University of Minnesota, Eisenhuth loved being a mentor, particularly to younger students. She also recalls dental school as “both challenging and fun.”

Eisenhuth met her husband, Peter, while in school—in Territorial Hall, to be exact. Today, the two have three children, one of whom is a current student at the School of Dentistry. Eisenhuth lives and practices in Eagan, MN, where she is an orthodontist and an entrepreneur.

Every day, Eisenhuth is grateful for the opportunities granted to her from her education. That gratitude inspires her to give back with annual donations.

“I left the School of Dentistry so well-trained to be an orthodontist,” she said. “The education was excellent, so I enjoy giving back.”

She also pays forward that education as a part-time clinical instructor, and she and her husband have pledged to include the School of Dentistry in their estate plans.

Eisenhuth and her family hope to inspire and educate future generations of gophers in any way they can. And at the end of the day, it all comes back to their U of M family.

“We included the University of Minnesota in our estate plans because we are both graduates,” she said. “We both believe in the school, and the education provided to the students. We hope our gift will carry on that excellent education to future generations.”

To learn more about including the School of Dentistry in your estate plans, please contact Chief Development Officer Emily Best at (612) 625-6811 or [email protected].