Meet Our Donors

We are grateful for those who have made an estate gift to Duke Divinity School. Here are their stories.
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June 2, 2025
Paying It Forward by Clearing a Path
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, M.Div. ’79, believes a God-orchestrated series of unlikely events overcame her hesitation to becoming a pastor. Now she hopes a gift to Duke Divinity School in her will can smooth the path for future clergy.
June 2, 2025
Sounding Out a Call: Steve Flowers’s Story of Impact
When Steve Flowers, M.Div. ’04 gave to Duke Divinity School, he wanted to ensure that Duke Divinity students continue to have access to the same excellence in formation that he experienced, empowering him to “preach the gospel with clarity and confidence.”
January 1, 2025
Angels All Around Us: A Donor Story
Good people, "wonderful angels" helped the Goehrings stay at Duke Divinity School when they were students. Now they try to do the same for others through 40 years of continuous giving and an estate gift.

More Donor Stories

May 1, 2024
Blessed to Be a Blessing: Ken and Kristi Spencer Plan an Estate Gift for Duke
For Ken and Kristi Spencer, Duke Divinity School was such a gift in their lives. Now they're giving back to help the next generation through a tithe on their estate.
May 1, 2023
Blended Faiths and a Common Purpose in Giving
Bill and Barbara Dahl want to support faith-based education changing the world for the better. A giving plan is part of how they do that.
November 1, 2022
A Passion for Education Inspires Giving
For Claude and Betty Jean Young, a charitable gift annuity is a perfect vehicle for preachers, teachers, and others of modest lifetime income to give back in support of causes dear to them.
May 1, 2022
A Fitting Memorial for a Beloved Pastor, Husband, and Father
Diane S. Adkins decided that an endowed scholarship was the best way to carry forward her husband David Adkins's legacy.
November 1, 2021
The Ripple Effect of Generosity
Susan Pate Greenwood's life changed when Duke Divinity School's director of field education helped guide her to parish ministry. Now she's establishing an endowment supporting students who otherwise couldn’t afford to attend the school.
May 1, 2021
Planning as a Spiritual Discipline: A Giving Story
Estate planning in your mid-30s might not be the norm. But for Ron and Kasey Beaton, preparing for death is a key part of Christian life.
November 1, 2020
Ongoing Support for a Continued Witness
A bequest from Maurice and Dotty Ritchie affirm the school's ongoing vocation to prepare people for both lay and ordained ministry.

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