George C. Heckman

Reverend George Creider Heckman D.D., LL.D (January 26, 1825 – March 5, 1902) was a Presbyterian minister and the ninth president of Hanover College serving from 1870 to 1879.

Early life Heckman was born on January 26, 1825, in Easton, Pennsylvania, to John and Mary Heckman, both of German descent. Heckman first pursued education in the field of ministry while studying at the Easton Classical Academy and later attended Lafayette College at the age of 16, graduating in 1845. After his graduation from Lafayette he attended Princeton Theological Seminary where he graduated in 1848. He was first licensed to preach on August 4, 1846, and was ordained by the Presbytery of Steuben, New York, on February 8, 1849. By 1870 he agreed to take over as president, taking over the presidency at a trying time for the college. During his nine years as president at Hanover, Heckman was known for erecting the President's house, securing $50,000 in funding from alumni contributions, and "laid foundations for the future growth and stability of the institution." Towards the end of his presidency the college came into financial crisis when a bad investment by the school's treasurer greatly reduced the college's income. Heckman, unable to provide for his family at a now reduced salary, resigned as president in 1879. Upon the conclusion of his duties in this office in 1889 he agreed to take the role as pastor in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Personal life On June 11, 1850, Heckman married Josephine A. Davis, and together they had eight children. He also served as a trustee on the boards of both Hanover and Lafayette College, and gave an address at the semi-centennial commencement of Lafayette College in 1882.

He also published a book Dancing as a Christian Amusement in 1879.

Heckman died in Reading, Pennsylvania, on March 5, 1902, from heart failure.