Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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GEORGE F. FISHER, PH.D. A.M. A Biographical Sketch N dedicating this number of the Lanthorn to Dr. Fisher, the class of Nineteen Sixteen feels that they are indeed honoring them- selves. Dr. Fisher was born at Kreamer, Pa., January 17th, 1869. Being reared in a home animated with a truly Christian spirit, both his parents being pious, God fearing folk, from his youth he was day by day laying the foundation for his future life, characterized as it is by his activity, and interest in all movements that concern the welfare of man. Having secured his early education in the district schools of Snyder Coun- ty, he entered Missionary Institute (now Susquehanna University), gradu- ating therefrom in 1888. The course of the institution extending only to the end of the Sophomore year, after teaching one year, he entered the Junior class at Bucknell University, where he graduated with honors in 1891, having the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy conferred upon him. As a post-graduate student of Illinois Wesleyan University, he secured the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. After graduation from Bucknell University he taught district school for two years. The next year he was elected principal of the Friends ' Normal In- stitute at Rising Sun, Md., which position he filled very successfully for a period of two years. In the Fall of 1892 he was called to the Department of Natural Sciences of Bucknell Academy. The zeal and earnestness with which he performed his work soon won for him the respect and confidence of stu- dents and Faculty. While filling this position the call came to him, in 1896, to become the head of the Department of Natural Sciences at Susquehanna University. After much deliberation and prayerful consideration, he decided to accept the call and cast his fortunes and interests with this young struggling institution — his Alma Mater. Time has proven that herein lay his future field of activity. No doubt, in his mind, there was a vision of a Greater Susquehanna and to-day as never before the vision is becoming a reality. With his characteristic determination and devotion, he set to work to make his department a vital factor and potent force in the up-building of the insti- Page Eight

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TO We, the Class of 1916 Dedicate THIS LANTHORN In Recognition of His Great Loyalty to the College and His Lasting Friendship for the Students. Page Seven

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tution. It was during these early years of his professorship at Susquehanna that the now abandoned Chemical and Physical laboratory was erected. His was the guiding hand in the arrangement and equipment of the building. Each year brought with it advanced steps and improvement in the various courses of the University, but nowhere has there been a fuller development than in the Department of Natural Sciences. The laboratory soon became crowded and inadequate to meet the increasing needs of the department; for years, although handicapped and over-crowded, the work was carried on until in 1912, when with the dedication of the new Charles Steele Science Hall, even brighter and larger fields were opened to this department. This building stands not only as a monument to those, who, through their generosity, made it possible, but to him who with unceasing toil and sacrifice has ever labored to make the study of the Sciences of the greatest possible benefit to the students. Dr. Fisher has been Curator of the Museum of Susquehanna University since 1896; has been President of the Society of Natural Sciences since 1898; Superintendent of Trinity Lutheran Sunday School for the past fourteen years ; he has served on the Board of Health of Selinsgrove, and also other noteworthy positions have been filled very capably by him. That there is more in this life than mere fame or wealth has truly been manifested by his devotion and loyalty to his Alma Mater, for notwithstand- ing the flattering offers he has received from time to time, chief of which was the one received during the past year to become the head of the Department of Sciences of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, he has declined all of these, preferring rather to remain with us, much to the gratification of the students, Faculty, Alumni and friends of Susquehanna. A man of the finest Christian type, he lives his life among the students — where day by day there goes out from him that something which cannot do other than influence those who come into personal contact with him, to live for those things which tend to develop true Christian manhood. May Dr. Fisher live many years and thus be enabled to carry on his noble work among the students of Susquehanna — the institution he has served so faithfully, loyally and unselfishly during the past years. The above sketch would not be complete should we fail to mention an im- portant event in Dr. Fisher ' s life. — His marriage on December the 29th, 1898, to Miss Lilly L. Yale, of Slattington, Pa. Tage Nine