For Angela Gravino Estes ’64, her first and strongest influence was her father, who grew up poor and had to work his way through college and law school.
“He never once claimed to have pulled himself up by his own bootstraps. Instead, he told stories about all the people who helped him along the way.”
As an English major at Gettysburg, Angela met many on campus who supported her endeavors in similar ways, including a promising economics major— her husband, Jere Estes ’65—and devoted faculty who motivated her to graduate with honors.
“We had professors who challenged our thinking, shaped our values, and expanded our horizons,” said Angela. “Looking back, we recognize that much of our career success is due to the knowledge we developed through our Gettysburg College experiences—both in and out of the classroom.”
After a brief teaching career, Angela ultimately retired after 29 years as the CEO of Robins’ Nest, Inc., a nonprofit that helps at-risk children. Jere spent four years in the Navy and recently retired, following a distinguished career as a top investment officer at Dividend Assets Capital.
Today, the Estes are inspired to pay it forward— interweaving the needs of current students with their gift annuities, annual fund contributions, and an endowed scholarship.
I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to the College and the Estes family for helping me to make my time at Gettysburg as great as it can be.
—Courtney Long ’17
Health Sciences, Women’s Soccer
“We love reading letters from Courtney Long ’17 about her Gettysburg experience, which includes her studies in health sciences, research internships, and study abroad,” said Jere. “Like Courtney, I loved playing varsity soccer at Gettysburg College, and she shares Angela’s and my passion for service by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and for MEDLIFE, a mobile medical clinic in Peru.”
“The resulting tapestry is something we feel good about,” said Angela. “I can think of no better investment that will continue to grow, reap dividends, and impact the future. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
