The Doran D. Hershberger Scholarship Endowment fund

Doran Hershberger was a humble, quiet, exceptional man with considerable talents and a strong commitment to living the Christian faith.

He attended Goshen College during World War II, earning a BA degree in mathematics and then transferred to Case Western Reserve where he earned a BS degree in electrical engineering. Later, he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. In addition, he excelled in advanced courses provided by General Electric Company, where he was employed in designing small motors for appliances.

While at Goshen, Doran was involved with track and field, setting records which stood until his younger brother came along and broke them. He played piano for the glee club, and demonstrated to his friends the best way to jump out the second floor of a building, landing with knees slightly bent to avoid injury.

Doran had three guidelines for choosing his career. First, he must enjoy the work. Second, it must be something which helps others and does not create harm. Third, it was important that he would earn enough to provide well for his family.  He spent the major part of his career working for General Electric Company, earning at least 20 patents for his designs of small motors and washing machine systems.

Doran volunteered his time and abilities in many ways, including helping to implement heating and cooling systems at his church, building sets and props for Bible school, teaching Sunday School and working as treasurer for the Victim-Offender program of Holmes County Ohio.  He enjoyed gardening, making things, fixing things, thinking up good ways to accomplish difficult tasks, playing with his grandchild, cooking and even building houses.

Doran and his wife Emilie had two children, David and Linda, both of whom attended Goshen College.

This scholarship fund was established anonymously in the late 1990s. Doran did not want any special recognition for his contribution. His goal and intention was to help promising students, not to draw attention to himself. Education was very important to Doran. He loved talking with young engineering, math and physics students, giving them encouragement and enjoying their discoveries, questions and enthusiasm. The children of Doran and Emilie feel this scholarship is their father’s way of continuing to encourage and support promising students of faith and integrity while learning at Goshen College.

-The Children of Doran Hershberger