Whatever happened to…

by Daniel Gomes ’08

Standing in front of a topographical map of the Cumberland Valley that dominates his dining room, Professor Emeritus George Rae said he is most proud of twice being a charter member of Phi Kappa Phi - the oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society. He was a charter member at Michigan in 1950 and again here at Ship in 1994.

“I’ve enjoyed retirement,” laughed George Rae, professor emeritus of geography/earth science. “It’s given me time to do things I never would have had the time to do.”

One might be the Corn Festival. George is one of the founders and a past president of the Corn Festival Committee. While an active member, George helped survey the town. Then with the help of life-long friend Sam Garmen, he designed and implemented various historical signs (chocolate brown with white lettering) and lampposts throughout the downtown.

He acknowledges, “The festival is a great way to benefit programs. But more importantly it brings everyone together.”

George is proud of all his memberships and volunteer activities. Perhaps the activity he enjoys the most is his involvement with St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where he is senior warden emeritus. Many of his fellow churchgoers are his closest friends.

“I’ve been blessed to be part of such a community. I thank God he led me here where I am fortunate to be around such nice people.”

The Health Service Foundation, a regional emergency council for south-central Pennsylvania, has benefited from George’s regional planning skills. He has served since 1978 and is active on the planning committee. He is president of the Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services Council that he founded in 1977.

George still misses teaching. His greatest reward “was to watch my students learn and to mature.” He added, with a smile, several of his students, now grown and married, still send him Christmas cards.

Underlying it all is his fascination with geography.

“I’ve always been interested in my surroundings. I love living in the valley because it has such a rich history and environment. I like to learn why people settled where they did and how it influenced where they settled.”

George considers it vital that people pay attention to geographic and environmental problems. “I look at all the pollution and the climate changes, and I have to say I’m concerned. I think there are solutions if we all work together.”

Meanwhile George is content with his life in a “wonderful community” where he can indulge his passion for geography and serve his fellow citizens.