Christian Beitel-Horton '13
Donor Profile
After teaching Spanish for three years and teaching English in Spain for one, Christian Beitel-Horton '13 moved into international business as an account manager for Latin America at Gartner Inc. Working at the world's leading research and advisory firm, the former Dickinson scholarship student uses his Spanish language skills to help financial services executives solve their most pressing business challenges.
Away from work, Beitel-Horton is an enthusiastic runner and completed his fifth marathon last spring. Living in Washington, D.C., he loves taking advantage of the city's abundant offerings and frequently attends Hispanic culture and educational events, tries new restaurants and explores the nation's capital.
Can you speak to how Dickinson’s useful liberal-arts education helped you in your life?
The writing intensive and globally relevant curriculum especially has been a huge asset. Clearly and concisely communicating is the gateway to many jobs and the key to excelling in the role once you're there. Having deep knowledge of other cultures—Hispanic cultures in my instance—opens up additional career opportunities while adding personal value to career areas that may have been less interesting otherwise.
What inspired your gift to Dickinson?
I have always given back to Dickinson because at the very core of the college's being is a determination to make the world a better place. Even in the first piece of mail I received as a prospective student, the emphasis on a useful education instilled in me Dickinson's value of continuing a rich academic tradition that forges each new generation of forward-focused citizens determined to improve our global society. I became part of that tradition when I became a Dickinsonian, and giving back strengthens that connection.
Why do you feel that it is important to give back to Dickinson?
Increasing Dickinson's ability to improve academically, culturally and athletically not only increases the value of alumni degrees, but it also safeguards the continuity of the mission of the college, which resonates so deeply with so many Dickinsonians: to prepare globally engaged citizens to lead and serve society. Guaranteeing that the college has the resources and the talent to continue moving in the right direction is a guarantee that more globally minded, forward-thinking students will continue to impact our world. That's a beautiful thing.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Dickinson?
Two highlights of too many to choose from are: beating Gettysburg for the first time in 36 years as part of the men's lacrosse team and the Dickinson excursions to Madrid and Córdoba while studying abroad through the Málaga Program.
What is one piece of advice you would give to today’s students?
Develop your "why." Hone skills and a knowledge base that interest you. Get good at something or a couple of things that you enjoy doing. One or more of those things might turn into your career; the others may just become hobbies that continue to add value to your life and your community. In other words, don't just major in something because "that's where the jobs are.” Instead, do things you connect with and that you're good at.
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Published November 2, 2018