Personal Giving Stories

Fred '51 and Bea Botterbusch have good reason to be proud of their accomplishments as educators. They met when they were both teaching in the York City Schools. Fred retired as a principal and administrator with the York City Schools, celebrating his dedication to a career spanning nearly thirty-nine years. This life-long appreciation of learning helped them decide to make Gettysburg College the beneficiary of their charitable gift annuity.

"As professional educators we understand the importance of supporting higher education," Fred said. "Gettysburg College made a lasting impression on me. We wanted to give back to the institution that made such a difference in our lives."

A native of York, Pennsylvania, Fred entered the College in 1945, but his studies were interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He returned to finish the requirements of his major in mathematics and graduated in 1951.

Fred's keen eye for math and their desire to share their legacy with others led to the couple's gift of $10,000 to fund a charitable gift annuity for Gettysburg College. Their two-life annuity delivers an initial tax deduction and provides both of them with income for the rest of their lives. Upon their passing, the principal in the annuity will come to the College to be used for the area of greatest need. Every Gettysburg student has benefited from the generosity of donors.

There is a bit of a Gettysburg tradition in the Botterbusch family-son Frederick Botterbusch II graduated from Gettysburg College in 1978. And granddaughter Rebecca Stevens will graduate in 2011. Gettysburg is proud to be a part of their family history and grateful for their generosity.