Dr. John L. George Memorial Scholarship Fund
Dr. John L. George passed away on February 19, 1999, at the age of 67, after a year-long battle with leukemia. John joined the geography department faculty at Salem State in 1961 and quickly earned a reputation as an outstanding teacher and professional in his discipline.
To the geography department and its alumni, John will be especially remembered for his dedication to students and his devotion to the university's welfare. He spent countless hours counseling students on life and academics. He was an authentic leader who valued everyone's human dignity and often drew on his own experiences to help students achieve their goals. He and his wife, Joan, opened their home to student gatherings and helped foster a sense of family among Salem's geographers that extended well beyond the classroom. John was a champion of Salem State.
John earned his BS here in 1953, then went on to Clark University for his MA in geography and to Boston University for his PhD. But his first allegiance was to Salem. He was actively involved in everything from recruiting first-year students to serving as president of the Alumni Association. He was a principal architect of our academic geography degree programs and of the concept of internships. He promoted the department's and the college's accomplishments nationwide, fought for resources such as the Digital Geography Lab, and served as the college's political liaison at the State House.
He also served his community as a volunteer on multiple committees and as an elected official in Danvers, serving on the Library Trustees, the Planning Board, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Selectmen.
Are You a Geography or GIS/Cartography Major at Salem State?
Would You Like To Make a Contribution To the Scholarship Fund?
John's wife of 40 years, Joan, and their three children, Louis, Nancy, and Julie, have initiated a scholarship fund for geography majors in John's memory.
If you wish to contribute, please make a check payable to:
The Dr. John L. George Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Salem State University Foundation
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970