Leah Christensen grew up on a farm in Bloomington, Idaho, USA. Her parents barely had enough to support the family of 10, much less to finance college. In 1949, Leah borrowed $200 from her former 8th-grade teacher to pay the first semester's tuition at LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Although a "nervous little country girl," she loved the one-year course. After she completed it, College President Kenneth Bennion recommended her for a secretarial position with the Dean of Students at then Utah State College. Leah accepted the position as she had discovered her natural abilities and her love of learning. She went on to earn a degree in business education and then a master's degree.
Years later when she was widowed for the second time, Leah tithed the proceeds from her husband's insurance settlement and then made a significant gift to the LDS Business College. A matching donor doubled the amount of her gift, and Leah hopes to increase that endowment even more. Now over 80 years old, she says, "Those nine months with LDS Business College played such a significant role in my life. I'd like others to have the same success I had as a result of borrowing that $200 from my 8th-grade teacher. I've always had enough, and those who have enough should share with those who don't. I've always felt the blessings from giving to others are greater than those I'd receive otherwise. I'm not a wealthy woman, but if there's anything left, it will go to [charity]. Our wealth is not ours. It belongs to the Lord."