University mourns loss of beloved professor
Campus Times
February 14, 2003
photo by Raul Mena
Dr. George Arnold joined the science faculty at La Verne College in
1965, hired by Dr. Robert Neher, as a Physics professor, under the leadership
of President Harold Fasnacht.
A memorial service was held Jan. 26 in honor of Dr. George Arnold, former
chairman of the Department of Physics and Mathematics, who lost his battle
with pancreatic cancer Jan.16.
A member of the University's faculty from 1965 to 2000 as an associate
professor of physics, Dr. Arnold's expertise helped strengthen the small
science division.
"George brought a lot to the University," said Robert Neher,
professor of biology and chairman of the natural science division. "He
was a major part in helping it grow into what it is today."
Following his vision, Dr. Arnold began to establish physics as a major.
He ran a one-man physics department, teaching close to eight classes
a year, including some CAPA weekend classes. He worked to grab students'
attention.
Dr. Arnold's classes soon started to fill as the professor's dedication
and unique style of teaching was well received by the students.
"George was a wonderful teacher," said University of La Verne
President Steve Morgan. "He did his very best to relay his information
to his students in a very enjoyable way."
Harvey Good, chairman of the biology department and professor of biology,
said he remembered how accessible Dr. Arnold was to his students.
"He was very dedicated to his students," said Good.
"He always helped and spent time with them, he even kept in contact
[with them] after they graduated."
Born on February 16, 1933 in Elgin, Ill., to George R. Arnold and Ada
Miller, Dr. Arnold was raised in a typical, conservative Brethren family
where hard work and study was enforced. Abiding by his family's guidelines,
Dr. Arnold received high grades throughout high school.
After high school Dr. Arnold graduated from Manchester College with
a bachelor of science in physics in 1955 and received his master of science
in physics at the University of Wisconsin.
He came to ULV from the State University of New York in Buffalo where
he taught physics and astronomy.
Dr. Arnold's hard work paid off in 1971 when he was promoted professor
of physics. Two years later he was named chairman of the department of physics
and mathematics.
Aside from teaching classes and introducing the university to physics,
Dr. Arnold took part in many campus activities. He served on almost every
committee during his 35-years at the university and attended all the faculty
luncheons, tennis and volleyball tournaments. And he was a long-time member
of the lion's club.
After years of such a hectic schedule, Dr. Arnold chose to work only
half time and retired two years later to spend more time with his wife,
Donna; and daughters Jeanne and Susan.
Even after his retirement Dr. Arnold continued to visit the campus daily,
attended the Wednesday faculty lunches and kept his Friday lunch dates with
Good.
It was not until he was diagnosed with cancer that he stopped attending
the lunches.
While the disease took its toll on his health Dr. Arnold tried to stay
active. He even attended the 2002 December division party.
"He was smiling even though he had to sit in a wheel chair the
entire night," Neher said.
But that was Dr. Arnold, an optimistic man with a ready smile. He left
his mark on the university and everyone he came in contact with.
His positive attitude, teaching ability, dedication and quick smile
will be missed by all of his friends and colleagues.