In 1959, Chuck Hartzell ‘63 and Peg Getty ‘63 began their college educations at a Baptist-affiliated school in Ohio following their parents’ wishes for a missional fit. At the time, their school did not offer critical courses for their respective majors in science and education, meaning they’d need to commute to a local state school to meet their degree requirements. Approaching their third year in the fall of 1961, Chuck and Peg chose to transfer to Geneva College, stepping out in faith that God had a plan.

Looking back on the situation, Dr. and Mrs. Charles R. Hartzell III believe their transition to Geneva was providential as it provided them with a biblically integrated framework for all of life.

Chuck devoted his career to scientific research after graduating in 1963, beginning with various positions in Australia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. He then worked for 26 years as the director of research at duPont Institute in Delaware, now known as Nemours Children’s Health, one of the nation’s leading pediatric health systems. Chuck’s work was foundational to integrating the research branch of the institute with the medical practitioners, guiding doctors and researchers alike as the hospital grew over the years.

After earning her bachelor’s in education at Geneva, Peg earned a master's in speech pathology before working at the Delaware School For The Deaf for 26 years. Because of her compassionate personality and education background, Peg became a thought-leader for those within her field.

Retirement did not stop Peg and Chuck from continuing to serve in their local church. At the age of 60, Chuck began classes at Union Presbyterian Seminary to earn his Master of Divinity. He and Peg continue to strengthen their church body through community groups, Sunday school, and leadership. The Hartzells are celebrating 61 years of marriage, in which they have together read through the Bible once a year since January of 1990.

The Hartzells were blessed with a son and a daughter, both of whom attended colleges in Pennsylvania. Their son, Scott, lost his battle to cancer at the age of 42. Their daughter, Amy, works in student affairs at Princeton University, helping graduate students determine their own vocational tracks.

The power of education is woven through Chuck and Peg’s careers and family line. Years ago, Geneva provided the Hartzells with the mentors and skills they needed for a lifetime of service. Today, they return the value by gifting the College the ability to steward more students’ educations through financial contributions, including their estate plans.

“The impact that Geneva had on our lives and careers was so immense that we really feel that whatever we can do to help other students experience that same impact, we should do,” says Chuck. “That really has been our goal in giving to the College, to maintain that level of spiritual impact in the grace and mercy that God has given to us, so that students can go out and do the same.”

The joy of education continues to flourish because of gifts such as from the Hartzells.

To learn more about Geneva's Advancing Faith and Learning campaign and join the mission, visit genevacollegefoundation.org/forthis.