Growing up in St. Louis, Charles’s fascination with science was first sparked by a high school physics course. At Amherst College, a geology course would fan this spark into a flame, influencing him to earn his bachelor’s degree in geology. Later, George would go on to earn his master’s and doctoral degrees in Geology with a concentration in geophysics at Washington University St. Louis.
After graduate school, Charles followed his desire to help others learn by pursuing a career in teaching. His tenure as an educator began in 1971 with a temporary teaching role at Western Michigan University. There he taught geophysics and structural geology before a meeting at the 1973 Geological Society of America Conference changed his life. At this conference he met Professor Bill Jordan, who was recruiting faculty for the Earth Sciences Department at Millersville University. This chance meeting followed by an interview led Charles to a distinguished 30-year career at Millersville, where he also served as the Earth Sciences department chair for nine years.
Teaching at Millersville always provided something new for Charles. The small but diverse Earth Sciences department made him into a “jack of all trades,” teaching many courses including physical geology, soil mechanics, structural geology, exploration geophysics, and sedimentation to name a few. Outside of the lecture hall, Charles established the university’s seismograph station, which he used to gather data on local seismic activity. His work in this area led him to being known as an expert on local earthquakes, something he was often interviewed on by the news media.
After a long and fulfilling career, Charles retired from Millersville in 2003, but his passion for knowledge didn’t stop there. Charles continued to educate and inspire local retirees as a guest lecturer at Quest for Learning at Holy Trinity Church, Pathways Institute at Landis Homes, and Heritage and Horizons Church of the Apostles. While serving on the program committee for Heritage and Horizons, Charles first heard of our community, St. John’s Herr Estate. Later, when he decided to move from his long-time home in Millersville, the friendly atmosphere, connection to his Lutheran faith, and plentiful activities at our Columbia campus made his choice of where to live easy.
Since arriving at St. John’s Herr Estate, Charles has remained incredibly active. He has influenced the community by serving two years on the Resident’s Council Executive committee, first as vice president, then as president. In his leisure time he has greatly enjoyed participating in a variety of activities including the billiards league, Wii bowling league, chapel committee, chime choir, and Actors Workshop where he entertains as George Burns in the “George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.” Charles has also made us all smarter by sharing his scientific knowledge with us during his lecture on earthquakes as part of the Older Wiser Learners (OWLs) program.
Charles’s presence has been nothing short of enriching. His lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and helping others continues to shape the community. His story is a testament to the power of education, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of staying engaged in life’s many stages. Whether through his work as a respected educator, his leadership within our community, or his entertaining performances, Charles has left an indelible mark on those around him.
St. John’s Herr Estates is proud to offer a vibrant environment where residents like Charles can thrive—remaining socially, physically, and mentally active throughout their lives. To learn more about the many benefits and opportunities available at St. John’s Herr Estates, contact us today and discover how you too can become part of this dynamic community!