Jean L. Gettys ’63 made her life a commitment to serving young people.

The 1963 graduate of Presbyterian College earned a master’s degree in special education from the  Presbyterian School of Christian Education and began her career as director of children’s work and weekday kindergarten at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn., where she also served as an elder and sang in the choir.

But after earning a second master’s degree, in special education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Gettys began a 33-year career at Cumberland House, a state residential program for emotionally disturbed children.

She also volunteered at church, the library, schools, and a local Christian ministry.

The daughter of longtime professor and college academic dean Dr. Joe Gettys,  she also has maintained a powerful love of her alma mater. In addition to gifts for the Joseph M. Gettys Scholarship for Christian Service, she also gave to the  Neville Renewed campaign and numerous other projects and funds for the College.

“Presbyterian College has been a significant part of my life,” Gettys said. “The College provided for my family, gave me an excellent education, and friends for life. It has been exciting to see the many changes and new opportunities over the last 65 years!”