The Maryville University community mourns the loss of Peter F. Benoist, who served as a member of the Maryville University board of trustees from 1992 to 2010, including six years as chair from 2001 to 2007.
Benoist led Enterprise Bank & Trust and its parent company, Enterprise Financial Services Corp., for 15 years. During his tenure, Enterprise, which serves privately held businesses and their owners, grew from $550 million in total assets to $5.1 billion, expanded its operations to Kansas City and Phoenix and increased its stock valuation 200%.
In addition to Benoist’s exemplary record in the banking industry and his great philanthropic works in St. Louis, he was a great supporter of Maryville as a board member. He led Maryville through two leadership transitions and, in 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from the University for his outstanding service. Benoist’s wife of 50 years, Carol, is a Maryville alumna from the Class of 1970 and a tireless supporter of the University and its mission. In addition, many of Benoist’s relatives attended Maryville as far back as the 1890s.
Benoist is survived by his wife, his four children, grandchildren and siblings.