Lebanon Valley College - Quittapahilla Yearbook (Annville, PA)

Page 15 text:

Professor S. Hoffman Deric-kson ROFESSOR S. HOFFMAN DERICKSOX, M. S.. was born on a little farm in Wildcat ' alley, on the north side of Buffalo Mountain, Perry Co., Pa., April y, 1879. His father is Henry B. Derickson, who was born and brought up on the same farm. His paternal grand parents were of Scotch and Irish descent, while his maternal grand- parents were Germans. He attended public school until the age of sixteen. Ill health, however, prevented regular attendance. Between the ages of two and four he suffered from blindness. He spent two summer sessions and one full year in the Newport High School in 1S96 and 1S97, and in the fall of 1S97 he entered Lebanon ' allev Acad- emy. After spending one year in the Academy he entered the College and re- ceived the degree of B. S. in 1902 and M. S. in 1903. In the fall of 190J he entered Johns Hopkins University. Baltimore, Md,, and in the summer of the following year he represented tliat instutition in a scien- tific expedition of twenty four men to the Bahama li-lands. During the fall of 1903, through the absence of the Professor of Biological Sciences of Lebanom ' alley. Prof. Derickson was appointed Acting Professor in his stead; and in 1907 he was elected to the professorship of this department, which position he now holds. The summer of 1908 he spent in Maryland and ' irginia, making a collection of fossils for ' assar College and our own museum. During the summer of 1909 he conducted a party on a trip to the Bermuda Islands for the purpose of Biolog- ical research. On these various expeditions Prof. Derickson has succeeded in ac- cumulating a splendid collection of fossils, etc., which have greatly increased the value of our College Museum, and the student body is continually reaping the benefit from the experience that he has had while thus engaged. Prof. Derickson had charge of the installation of the Biological Department in the new Administration Building, and the excellent showing made by that de- partment is the strongest evidence we can offer as to his ability in his chosen field. Students from his department are continually assuming exceptionally responsible positions immediately upon graduation, which again is positive proof of the most excellent work that results from his careful direction and instruction . Professor Derickson possesses a deep love for nature, which is apparent in the critical observations that at once impress any one who has the pleasure of ac- companying him on a walk amidst nature ' s charms. He is a man endowed with a strikingly brilliant intellect, a sympathetic but firm disposition, and an integrity of character unassailable. Because of his sympathetic nature he has become en- deared to all the students. His inherent force of character inspires all to nobler ideals, so that any one associating with him cannot help but feel that he is in the presence of one who is a master in his chosen line, firm in decision, yet certain and just, and a kind friend to all.