ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) issued this statement on news of the death of former Minnesota First Lady Delores Perpich, whose support for the organization was deeply appreciated.

Ms. Perpich, known as Lola, was the wife of Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich, and they shared efforts to advance arts education and human rights work in the state, efforts that led to establishment of the Center for Victims of Torture among additional rights-focused organizations. Ms. Perpich is remembered for important achievements in the state, opening the Perpich Arts High School in 1985, the same year CVT was incorporated.

“We so very much appreciate Ms. Perpich’s commitment to developing programs in support of human rights in Minnesota,” said Dr. Simon Adams, CVT president and CEO. “We are grateful for her vision and actions that supported humanitarian work that continues today, a legacy of hope for refugee survivors of torture living in Minnesota and around the world.”

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization with offices in Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Uganda, United States and additional project sites around the world. Visit www.cvt.org