Gettysburg was the place where we truly came into our own—academically, socially, and personally. We loved the energy of campus life, from an active social scene to long walks and quiet moments on the battlefield, which gave us space to think, talk, and imagine what our futures might hold. Laura especially loved attending football and basketball games, where the sense of community was palpable, and dances and concerts added to the fun and excitement of being a student. Even now, we think of Gettysburg as one of the most beautiful campuses we’ve ever known—a place that felt inspiring and welcoming every day.
Our time at Gettysburg was shaped profoundly by faculty mentors who believed in us and pushed us to be our best Clay was challenged and encouraged by Dr. Derrick Gondwe in Economics, whose rigorous approach sharpened his thinking and boosted his confidence. Dr. Lou Hammann ’51 in Religious Studies also played a pivotal role, ultimately recommending Clay for Phi Beta Kappa—an affirmation that meant more than we can fully express. Laura found her mentors in the English Department, particularly Dr. James Pickering and Dr. Richard Geyer, who helped her develop strong communication and critical thinking skills. Those skills became the foundation for her career in advertising, just as Clay relied on the analytical and communication tools he gained at Gettysburg when he started his real estate business
Our lives since Gettysburg have taken us many places. Today, we divide our time between Park City, Utah, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with real estate projects in both locations. Laura retired from advertising to raise our family of three children, each of whom has followed their own unique path. Our middle son, Alex, who has Down syndrome, was fully included in regular classrooms and now lives independently—a journey that continues to remind us of the power of opportunity and belief. Our daughter, Kristin, is an artistic director of a regional theater and a mother, and our youngest son, Max, is self-employed in Manhattan.
Gettysburg taught us that anything is possible and that dreams are worth pursuing. That belief inspired us to give back by establishing the Professor Gondwe Memorial Endowed Scholarship for students who are the first in their families to attend college—something especially meaningful to us, as Clay was a first-generation college graduate. We are deeply grateful for what Gettysburg gave us and are proud to help open the door for another student each year.