DePauw Stories

Anne Christy and Jeff Ballentine, both members of the Class of 1986, recently were going through their estate planning process. There was no question that they would include DePauw among a few cherished organizations they wanted to support. 

“While we don’t have the resources to build a hall or start a new program,” Anne said, “we are honored to be part of a rich legacy of alumni supporting DePauw so that it remains strong and vibrant into the future.”

The Ballentines have made a commitment in their wills to contribute to DePauw. “In the meantime,” Anne said, “we are looking forward to donating annually to support students directly.” This year, they supported The Fund for DePauw and the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media.

Jeff and Anne met as first-year students at DePauw. They both served on the Union Board for two years, which solidified their friendship. They also both joined Greek organizations, Anne serving as service and scholarship chairs for Kappa Alpha Theta and Jeff serving as treasurer, social chair and IFC secretary for Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Informal activities, such as picnics and running at the quarry, study breaks with chipwiches at the Hub, listening to guest speakers at Meharry Hall and hanging out at the fountain in Bowman Park are among their most treasured memories.

Jeff majored in Spanish and said some of his most formative experiences include service with Habitat for Humanity and winter-term trips to Mexico, Peru and Georgia. He served on the student senate and ran on the track team for four years. After DePauw, he earned his teaching certification from University of Kansas in Lawrence and a master’s degree in Latin American Studies at UCLA. Today, Jeff is a middle school Spanish teacher at University School of Milwaukee.

Anne, too, said traveling abroad was an important experience while a DePauw student. “My semester in Greece ignited a lifelong passion for travel and learning about a variety of cultures,” she said.

In addition, her work at WGRE radio on campus gave her invaluable career experience. She volunteered as a tour guide for the Admission Office and participated in a winter-term tour of Midwestern cities. During her senior year, she worked as one of the first student employees to serve as an admission counselor, which taught her time management, communication, presentation and sales skills. Winter-term internships in corporate communication and television news informed her early career direction and provided context for when she changed careers from television anchor/reporter roles to corporate communications and public relations. Today, Anne oversees marketing, communications and business development for Rogers Behavioral Health, a nonprofit provider of mental health and addiction treatment in 20 U.S. cities.

“We both were quite involved with so many experiences that shaped the people we are today,” Anne said. “We learned how to balance a variety of commitments and interests, which has served us well as adults balancing careers, raising three kids, volunteering (and) family and friends, while still trying to stay healthy.”

She added: “At a small school like DePauw, there are so many opportunities to be involved and engaged; that pull to raise our hands stayed with us over the years.”

Indeed, the couple have raised their hands as loyal donors for DePauw and have participated in reunions, volunteer opportunities and speaking engagements. Anne is co-chair of the couple’s 35th reunion set to take place in 2021, in person or virtual depending on the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served on the Alumni Board for three years, which was, she said, “a wonderful opportunity to reengage and learn about all the exciting progress DePauw had made since we were students.”

As leadership-level donors, the couple have attended Washington C. DePauw Society events and other donor ceremonies that Anne said gave her a chance to observe generous donors from all walks of life who recognized the importance of their DePauw education and wanted a legacy of giving back. Coupled with her own experience as a scholarship recipient, Anne said these events and relationships were influential in their desire to support DePauw in their will.

The Ballentines have three adult children: Tyler, a physical therapist; Ryan, employed by the California State Parks and Yosemite National Park; and Erika, a labor and delivery nurse. In their free time, Jeff and Anne enjoy hiking, skiing, reading and traveling. Anne is a yoga instructor and Jeff is an avid cook and gardener.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support DePauw through your estate plan or with an annual gift, contact Steve Trautman, executive director of charitable giving, at steventrautman@depauw.edu or 765-658-4085.