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Friday, March 29, 2024
The Observer

Husband of ND employee wins lotto

After spending several exhuasting days in Alabama on a field trip with 31 high school students, University employee Stephanie Bridges was looking forward to coming home two weekends ago. What awaited her was not quite the relaxation she expected.Her husband presented her with a winning lottery ticket worth $3.7 million.Kevin Bridges had won the Hoosier Lotto several days earlier, but waited until his wife returned home to break the news."The past days have been pretty hectic; [I've] not [been] able to sleep well," said Bridges, a South Bend native, and a graduate of Clay High School and Oral Roberts University. She has been an advisor for the University's Educational Talent Search program for 11 years."Right now we're happy, but it is really overwhelming. We're just trying to get back to the regular routine," she said.During the whirlwind that has been the past two weeks, they have changed their home phone number and held a press conference in Indianapolis. The state suggests that lotto winners hold a press conference to preclude the media onslaught, avoiding a "long, drawn out process," she explained.Stephanie Bridges said that she and her husband have not had the chance to make many concrete decisions. They have been meeting with financial planners to determine the best way to manage their money, and they also plan on spending some time away to discuss the details of their future.The couple does not plan on changing its lifestyle in any drastic way. Bridges said that she will continue working at her current position, and that her husband will return to school full-time. Kevin Bridges is a purchaser for Mohawk Flush Doors, Inc. of South Bend. Kevin Bridges played the lottery frequently, and like many Americans, he and his wife often imagined what it would be like to win. But when it actually comes true, your plans become "totally different" Stephanie Bridges said."When you get it, the responsibility sets in, and you want to be more reasonable," Stephanie Bridges said.Stephanie and Kevin Bridges, who are very close to both of their families, said their families will support them in any way they can. Though, they are trying to be "extremely conscious" about how they spend their money. Their first priority is "securing the future" for their three children, a 16-year old son and two-year old twin daughters.Despite the stressful past weeks, Stephanie Bridges said her family is very pleased."It's a good thing," she said.