Why One Alumna Continues to Give Back to the Place That First Felt Like Home

Mrs. Billie Compton Gerstenberger’s early years at John de la Howe shaped her life. Today, her generosity through the John de la Howe School Foundation helps shape the lives of students at the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture.

When Mrs. Gerstenberger chose to support the John de la Howe School Foundation and the students of the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture, she did so with a clear purpose: she wanted today’s young people to experience the same sense of direction, confidence, and meaningful community she found here as a child.

Today, the John de la Howe School Foundation continues that legacy by supporting programs, opportunities, and experiences that help students thrive. Mrs. Gerstenberger's generosity touches many of those efforts, from student outings and recognition awards to residence hall renovations, and most recently inspired the school’s first Foundation-funded Veterans Day celebration.

But her journey as a committed donor began long before 2026, in a very different chapter of the school’s history.

A Childhood Rooted in Care, Structure, and Community

Mrs. Gerstenberger's early years at John de la Howe unfolded during the cottage-era children's home, a time when daily life revolved around shared responsibility and the guidance of caring adults. She remembers polishing floors with cut wool blankets, helping in the kitchen before sunrise, and learning the value of contributing to her cottage.

These experiences built confidence and a sense of purpose. But what stayed with her most was the steady presence of her house parent, Mrs. Landers. She created a warm, encouraging environment where students felt seen and supported. She noticed when reassurance was needed, sat beside students on the porch, listened generously, and offered the kind of consistency young people depend on.

“It was my safe place from God,” she says. That foundation shaped her values in ways she carries to this day.

A Life of Service Guided by Early Lessons

After leaving John de la Howe, Mrs. Gerstenberger carried those lessons into adulthood. She joined the U.S. Army, excelled in training, and was recommended for Officer Candidate School—an honor she ultimately declined in order to serve as an enlisted soldier. She later married Master Sergeant Kurt Gerstenberger, whose life also reflected discipline, integrity, and service.

No matter where her military journey took her, the grounding she received at John de la Howe remained constant. It shaped her work ethic, her sense of responsibility, and her lifelong belief in giving back.

A Chance Encounter Brought Her Back to JDLH

Years later, a simple conversation in a grocery store about an upcoming alumni reunion sparked Mrs. Gerstenberger's return to campus, now home to the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture.

Walking the grounds again, she recognized something familiar: a mission centered on helping young people find purpose, structure, and community. Conversations with school leadership renewed her trust and rekindled her connection to the place that shaped her early life. That renewed connection inspired her giving.

A Gift That Sparked a New Veterans Day Tradition

Just last year, Mrs. Gerstenberger contacted the John de la Howe School Foundation with a heartfelt request: she wanted her support to create a Veterans Day celebration for students. As a former soldier, she hoped they would gain a deeper understanding of service, patriotism, and the opportunities available through a military career.

Because of her generosity, the Foundation hosted a special program honoring veterans while introducing students to leadership, character, and civic responsibility—an experience made possible by her vision.

This is how Mrs. Gerstenberger gives: thoughtful, personal, and centered on students—guided by her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you’re inspired to do the same, explore our Ways to Give, Students & Scholarships, and Academic Pathways & Programs pages to see how your support can take shape.

Giving in Ways That Touch Every Corner of Campus

Over the years, Mrs. Gerstenberger has contributed generously through the John de la Howe School Foundation, supporting:

• Student outings and morale-building activities

• Renovation and enhancement of student housing and residential facilities

• Operational and campus needs

• Emergency, hurricane, and crisis relief support

• Student recognition awards and achievement programs

• Auction items and experiences for Foundation fundraisers

• Alumni, donor, and community engagement gatherings

• Ongoing “fill-the-gap” assistance for emerging needs

  
  

Their giving strengthens both the daily rhythm of campus life and the long-term mission of the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe.

A Donor Whose Roots Run Deep

Mrs. Gerstenberger is the kind of supporter whose commitment is grounded in gratitude and lived experience. She gives because this place shaped her during an important chapter of her life. She gives because she believes every student deserves an environment where they can grow, discover their strengths, and step confidently toward their future.

As she puts it: “If I can help one student find their footing the way I once did, that’s worth everything to me.”

Her story shows that giving begins with gratitude, purpose, and belief in others. For Mrs. Gerstenberger, that generosity is deeply rooted in her faith, and she is quick to give the Lord all the praise and honor. Her commitment to service extends into her community in Lexington County, where she serves on the Clemson Extension Advisory Committee and as a certified Clemson Master Gardener Program—continuing to invest her time and talents in others.

That same commitment to serving others is what draws her to give back to John de la Howe. She believes deeply in the mission of the John de la Howe School Foundation and in the students it exists to serve.

Inspired by Mrs. Gerstenberger's Story? Here’s Where You Come In.

Stories like Mrs. Gerstenberger's begin with someone choosing to get involved. If you feel that connection, explore our Ways to Give page and discover how your support can open doors for the next generation of students at John de la Howe.