SCC Board Member Passes Away

Longtime Southeast Community College employee and current member of the Board of Governors, Steve Ottmann, died Nov. 11, 2019, in Crete, Nebraska. He passed away at the age of 73. Ottmann had been a member of the SCC Board since 2013. Prior to that he taught developmental math at the College for close to 40 years.

“Steve’s commitment and dedication to Southeast Community College is an inspirational reminder of the importance of living with a focus on service, grace and gratitude,” said SCC President, Dr. Paul Illich. “Steve cared greatly for the diverse student and community populations and always performed his duties as an SCC Board member with the highest integrity, thoughtfulness and selflessness.”

Sandeep Holay worked with Ottmann in the math department at SCC for many years. He said he was very caring toward the students, and they were always his first priority.“He was always very student-focused and worked in the math lab just so he could be with the students one-on-one,” Holay said. “He was always looking for ways to engage the students.He wanted to be a Board member because he wanted to push for student-oriented projects,” he added.

Richard Ross was dean of the Arts & Sciences Division during most of Ottmann’s time at SCC. He said Ottmann mostly taught math to the students in the technical trades, and was good with the students. “He was always looking out for the best interest of the College,” Ross said. “He was a good asset to SCC.”

Ottmann held a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was active in the Nebraska Community College Association and the Association of Community College Trustees. Ottmann is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith Ottmann, his three children and five grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Dorchester United Methodist Church.