Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Geraty and his wife Gillian have devoted their lives to enlarging human understanding in a contemporary Seventh-day Adventist context, fostering a culture of servant-leadership and Christian empathy at La Sierra University and across the world.

When Gillian and Larry met in Beirut, Lebanon- where their families worked at Middle East College- Larry's love for Gillian was immediate. Their relationship solidified during his time at England's Newbold College when he secured the then-required permission of the college authorities to date her. The two married after Larry graduated from Pacific Union College in California.

At Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Larry earned MA and BD degrees before completing a PhD in Syro-Palestinian archaeology and Hebrew Bible at Harvard. In Boston, Gillian and Larry helped create the Association of Adventist Forums. They enjoyed a year in the Middle East as Larry conducted research there on a Fulbright Fellowship.

Larry later joined the faculty at Andrews University. The couple aided in the formation of a global, cosmopolitan Adventist congregation. Gillian studied architecture and began the university's first kindergarten program. Larry helped initiate the Adventist church's only doctoral curriculum in biblical archaeology. He founded the university's Institute of Archaeology and headed a museum honoring Professor Siegfried Horn.

As Atlantic Union College president in the late 1980's, Larry drew on his vast network to attract top talent to the college leadership team and expanded enrollment.

Gillian and Larry relocated to Riverside, California in 1993, when Larry accepted La Sierra University's presidency. He supported La Sierra's commitment to being an authentic university. He fostered the ongoing diversification of its student body, faculty, and staff, which has led to its repeated recognition as the most diverse campus in the United States. He also worked tirelessly to enhance the university's community visibility, helping to ensure support for its development plans. These plans led to a transformation of the university's campus and neighborhood and the creation of a substantial funding source for La Sierra. Larry served as president until 2007, when he transitioned into retirement- and a fundraising role for the university's Office of Advancement.

The Geratys were recognized in 2009 as Riverside's Family of the Year. Larry also chaired the board of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, and was named Riverside's Citizen of the Year. He continued work as an archaeologist in Jordan, and colleagues chose him as president of the American Schools of Oriental Research, the world's preeminent Near Eastern archaeology association. Retirement has enabled him and Gillian to spend more time with their children and grandchildren, nurture friendships, travel, and learn.

Gillian and Larry have encouraged intellectual vitality, flourishing relationships, and spiritual growth wherever they have worked. Their contributions have been outstanding and irreplaceable.