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Long before Kevin Klassen ’19 became a portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price, he was a Gettysburg College sophomore searching for the work that would inspire him.

One day before class, Klassen noticed Economics Prof. Drew Murphy ’84, P’20 studying a series of investment charts on his laptop. Curious, Klassen waited until an opportune moment after class, introduced himself, and asked a simple question: “What are you doing on your laptop? I want to know about that.”

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist Abigail Disney will visit Gettysburg College Sept. 30-Oct. 1 for a series of public programs exploring economic inequality, storytelling, philanthropy and the potential for structural change.

Jenny Stone ’76 sometimes says her career in athletic training began with an unlucky fall or maybe, she admits, a lucky one.

Stone was a sophomore physical education major at Gettysburg College when she hurried up a wooden spiral staircase in Plank Gym on the way to gymnastics class, slipping and breaking her foot. Suddenly, the student-athlete who had played field hockey and basketball found herself with something unfamiliar: free afternoons.

That unexpected opening changed everything.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, four chairs sat on the stage of Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater, each representing far more than a place to sit. They symbolized the spaces, experiences, and relationships that have shaped the journeys of members of the Class of 2027 over the past three years.

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, Gettysburg College will host a public panel exploring nearly two centuries of shared history with Gettysburg and Adams County, highlighting the people, places, and partnerships that have connected campus and community across generations.

Gettysburg College will host “Gettysburg College and Community: A Shared History” on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the newly renovated College Union Building Ballroom. This event is free and open to the public as part of the America250PA celebration.

Bob Ortenzio ’79 understands the appeal of building something from the ground up.

As co-founder and executive chairman of Select Medical, Ortenzio helped grow a company headquartered in central Pennsylvania into a nationally recognized leader in health care. When Gettysburg College shared its vision for a new women’s wrestling program, he recognized some of the same elements that have inspired him throughout his professional life: an ambitious idea, experienced leadership, and the opportunity to create something lasting.

Gettysburg College welcomed the Class of 2030 through Orientation traditions that connected students to campus, community, and history, from Move-In Day and Convocation to the First-Year Walk. Students were encouraged to explore curiosity, exploration, service, and meaningful engagement throughout their Gettysburg journey.

The first steps of a Gettysburg education can be measured in many ways.

Long before Michael Bishop ’57 became a Nobel Prize–winning scientist, he was the first-year roommate, fraternity brother, traveling companion, and friend of Bob Schultz ’57.

After arriving at Gettysburg College in 1953, Bishop, from Goldsboro in rural York County, Pennsylvania, and Schultz and Fred Stroehmann ’57, both from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, shared a room in Pennsylvania Hall. All three roommates later joined Lambda Chi Alpha together and became part of a circle of students eager to reshape the College community.

Gordie Beittenmiller’s connection to Gettysburg College did not begin with an acceptance letter, a residence hall, or a diploma. It began with a story.

Growing up east of Gettysburg near York, Pennsylvania, Beittenmiller developed an early interest in the battlefield through a high school project suggested by his American history teacher. A few years later, while attending Penn State University Park, he returned to Gettysburg as a seasonal National Park Service ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Gettysburg College celebrated the fourth graduating class of its Master of Arts in American History program. Graduates were challenged to bring deeper knowledge, courageous inquiry, and a commitment to truth into classrooms and inspire future generations of citizens.

In a place where the nation’s history continues to shape its future, Gettysburg College celebrated the fourth graduating class of the Gettysburg College-Gilder Lehrman Institute Master of Arts in American History program on July 16 at the Majestic Theater.