Clarion University of Pennsylvania - Sequelle Yearbook (Clarion, PA)

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Th 19 12 Seq u elle DR. J. GEORGE BECHT, M.S., A.M.. SC. D. Ex-Principal Dr. J; George IScchct wa. hi)rn in Montoursville, I ' a. lie received his early education in the borough schools of that pLice and at| the Lycoming County .Xonual Schnnl. He graduated from Lafayette College in 1890, and he has taken graduate work in ILnrvard and Columbia LTniversities. For more than twenty-five years Dr. Becht has been closely identi- fied with educational work. At the age of fifteen he began his teaching career in the rural schools of Lycnming County. After leaving college he was made assistant principal of the Lycoming County Normal School

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|g g|} I The 1912 Sequelle % and the following year he was made its principal. L ' nder his leadership the school increased in attendance, influence and effectiveness. In 1893 he was unaninionsly elected County Superintendent of the Lycoming County Schools. He was re-elected for three succeeding terms, being the only one in the educational history of that county to be honored with a fourth term. As a superintendent, his work was of the highest character, conscientious, inspiring and most able, and when under his regime the schools of the county made commendal)le advance- ment. In 11)03 1t- ' resigned the superintendenc - to become the head of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy at West Chester Normal School. He is a good teacher in the best accceptation of the word. He is tactful, forceful and resourceful, and his work in tlie school room early demonstrated that he belonged to the noble few born to teach. After teaching in the West Chester Normal School for one year. Dr. Becht was unanimously elected to the principalship of the Clarion State Normal School. During his administration the school had a marvelous growth. Practically all the buildings were remodeled. Xavarre Hall — one of the most complete Normal School buildings in the State — was built, and the campus was enlarged by the ad lition of ten acres. In his wiirk as principal. Dr. Becht gave a service of which he ma ' well be proud. The host of students, those who came for a spring term only and those who came to finish the course bear testimony to his earnest- ness and fine enthusiasm. . 11 recognized in him a superior leader and gave due honor to his worth. In December, loii. Dr. liecht was unanimously chosen as secretary i f the New State Board of Education. It was with the deepest regret that Trustees, Facultv and students learned of his intended removal to another field. A farewell reception was tendered to him. His last chapel exercises will be long remembered by those present. To his new field Dr. Becht takes with him the best wishes of all. Should ht wish to come home at any time, the latch string is out and a warm welcome is waiting. His life was gentle : and the elements So mi.x ' d in him, that Nature might stand up .■ nd sav to all the world. This was a man I Pa£f Tfiirtffti