George Hennings
The Kean University community mourns the loss of Dr. George
Hennings H’10, professor emeritus in the Department of Biology,
who died on September 27. A World War II veteran, he served in the
U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1943 to 1946, held the rank of Sergeant
Technician, and saw service in England, France and Germany.
George Hennings began his career at Kean University’s predecessor,
Newark State College, as an associate professor of biology in 1960
and was later promoted to professor. While at Kean, he established
courses in astronomy and geology and was instrumental in developing
the University’s program in science education for secondary science
teachers. He retired from Kean in 1987.
Hennings Hall, the four-story building that is home to the College of
Education, was dedicated in honor of George Hennings and his wife,
Dr. Dorothy Grant Hennings H’10, on May 18, 2005. It stands as a tribute
to the couple’s combined 63 years of teaching service to the University
during which they are said to have taught nearly 15,000 students.
George and Dorothy Hennings also made many contributions to the
discipline of teacher education through their work on the curriculum
committee, editing of the School Connections journal for 15 years, and
authorship of more than 50 texts.
The couple met at Kean in 1965, shortly after she had arrived as a
professor in the School of Education, when she stopped by George’s
laboratory to borrow some lab equipment. They were married in
1968 and from that time forward, they were partners in everything –
linked professionally by a love of education and a dedication to the
development of skilled teachers and, in their personal lives, by their
focus on travel and philanthropy.
In 2010, the Hennings received honorary degrees from Kean. Three
years later, Kean’s inaugural William Livingston Award was bestowed
on the Hennings for their contributions to the promotion of excellence
in education, solid business values, and outstanding public service to
enhance and build a better society.
Together, the Hennings served on the Kean University Foundation
Board of Directors and proudly support a Kean University scholarship
that assists deserving students majoring in elementary or science
education.
George Hennings leaves behind his beloved wife, Dorothy, as well as a
legacy of excellence in teaching. His name and that of his wife lives on
at Hennings Hall as an inspiration to Kean students and a reminder of
the educational opportunities that the Hennings gave to thousands of
Kean University students pursuing degrees in education.
A Memorial Service is planned for the campus community on
Thursday, November 17, 2016.
KEANmag
63
in memoriam
