Passion for Education Inspires Giving

Throughout all 71 years of Claude and Betty Jean Young's happy marriage, they have never ceased to give thanks for the excellent educational foundations given to them. This includes Duke University, where Claude received a bachelor's degree in 1951, before receiving his degree from Duke Divinity School three years later.

Over many decades, Claude served as a dedicated pastor of churches in North Carolina. He also served as a United Methodist District Superintendent, vice president of the board of Global Ministries, and vice president of the United Methodist Publishing House.

For Betty Jean, who holds several post-graduate degrees, the greatest joy of her career has been teaching French in various high schools and a community college.

The couple has supported the pillars of their education by giving back through their time, treasure, and talents. In their retirement, they have focused more of their financial giving to Duke University and Duke Divinity School.

"There can be no doubt that the generosity of The Duke Endowment, Trinity College, and Duke Divinity School have made it possible for our family to achieve heights we would otherwise not have attained," the couple said.

In addition to giving to the Divinity Annual Fund for decades, the Youngs began investing in charitable gift annuities in 2015—and have been receiving income ever since.

"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," the Youngs said.

You, too, can join the Youngs by making a future gift to support Duke Divinity School. For details, contact Betsy Poole at (919) 660-3456 or external@div.duke.edu.