West Chester University - Serpentine Yearbook (West Chester, PA)

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f inr JOHN R. HOLLINGER BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA JOHN R. HOLLINGER, now a resident of West Chester, Pa., was born near White Oak, Lancaster Co., Pa., November 30, 1887. He received his elementary education in the public schools of SchaefFerstown, Pa., graduating from the high school there in 1906. After teaching two years in the rural schools, he entered the West Chester State Normal School, from which institution he was graduated in 1910, and at once was appointed principal of the Atglen (Pa.) High School. His work there was so highly commanded that at the end of one year ' s services he was called back to the West Chester State Normal School where he taught the following two years. During Mr. Hollinger ' s student days at West Chester his class elected him business manager of the first class ' book ever published at the State Nor- mal School. The business ability which he displayed m bringing out this publication, The Pathfinder, attracted the attention of the principal. Dr. George Morris Philips, so strongly to the possibilities of which this young man gave evidence that he induced him to abandon teaching and take charge of and reorganize the bookstore and supply department of the Normal School. At the end of one year ' s services in this capacity the mem- bers of the board of trustees were so appreciative oi his success in handling this new work that they had entered upon the minutes of April 28, 191 3, the following: This has been the most profitable year m this department since the organi;ation of the school, and we feel it is but right to say that this IS due to the business ability, energy, and efficiency of Mr. John R. HoUinger, who has charge oi the bookroom, in addition to being the school ' s bookkeeper. Besides performing the duties as indicated above, which he did most efficiently, Mr. Hollinger was made treasurer of the school publication, The Amulet, and of the Athletic Association of the school, both of which organizations he placed upon a self-supporting basis. They had hitherto experienced such financial difficulty as to make th eir continuance a matter of serious doubt. When the position of business manager of the West Chester State ft f Normal School became vacant in 1913, there was no question in the minds A-S of the members of the board of trustees concerning the right man for the {25]

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BITJIlft jj U Alice A. Cochran Ljbrarian Jessie H. Ludgate Assistant John R. Hollinger Business Manager George S. Roberts Registrar 5( M wum ■ J.V-, -■ Kt - ' i- r ' l 1 124]

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imp. place. John R. HoUinger was elected to the position which he still holds. From the day of his election until the present time his influence and useful ' ness to the school have so extended that his services are considered well-nigh indispensable. Not only are his executive ability and efficiency recognized by the local authorities, but as well by the Department of Education, and other departments at Harrisburg, where his services are given a rating of the highest order. During 1925 he served on the committee which standardized the salaries and positions of the employees of the state. He also served on the budget committee during the legislative session of igi- , and at different times on various other committees having to do with the business affairs of the state. Mr. Hollinger is half-owner of three large modern hotels located in At- lantic City, N. J., which together provide for eight hundred guests. He is a director of the Home Building and Loan Association of West Chester, Pa., and was formerly director and treasurer of the Brinton Lake Club until September, 1926, when pressure of business forced him to voluntarily with- draw from the activities of the Club. Varied and exacting as are Mr. HoUinger ' s business responsibilities, he, nevertheless, is always willing to give a sympathetic hearing to anyone who seeks his advice, and to render aid when possible to those in need. He was very loath, when asked recently for the information, to confirm what has been known to but few, namely, that at the present time he is helping through college three young men — one in New York University, one in Temple University, and one in the University of Pennsylvania; and that, in all, he has assisted forty-two young people to obtain a normal school or college education. Besides, he has identified himself with, and given support to practically all local activities which have for their purpose the betterment of the community. He is a founder member of the Penn Athletic Club of Philadelphia, and holds membership in the following: West Chiester Rotary Club Cfiamber of Commerce, West Chester, Pa. Chamber of Commerce, Atlantic City, N.J. Hotel Associations of New Jersey and Pennsylvania National Education Association Pennsylvania State Educational Association Keystone Automobile Club All Masonic affiliations The Elks :26i