Lincoln, NE – Longtime Southeast Community College employee and current member of the Board of Governors, Steve Ottmann, died Nov. 11, 2019, in Crete. He was 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.”
As a Board member, he held a different perspective since he worked at SCC for so many years, and always held student interests first, said Holay.
“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 is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith Ottmann, his three children and five grandchildren.
“The College and the students and communities it serves were the beneficiaries of Steve’s desire to thank SCC through his tireless and noble service as an SCC Board member,” Illich added. “Steve will be greatly missed, but his contributions will continue to serve the College well for many years.”
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. Locally he was a member of the Dorchester United Methodist Church, the Dorchester Area Community Association/Fourth of July, Sons of American Legion Squadron 264, and Saline County Farm Bureau.
Ottmann’s family requests that friends donate blood at the nearest blood bank or make a financial donation to a future SCC scholarship for local students.