Steve Wesselhoft

From a press release

IRONWOOD — Gogebic Community College is pleased to announce Mr. Steven Wesselhoft, of Ironwood, as the graduation speaker for the 89th annual commencement ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. CST Friday in the David G. Lindquist Student and Conference Center Gymnasium on the GCC campus in Ironwood.

Steven Wesselhoft, Dean Emeritus grew up in Elkhart, Indiana, graduated from Valparaiso University with a baccalaureate in social work, and then the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh with a masters of public administration degree.

He began employment at Gogebic Community College in 1984 as the Director of Financial Aid, Student Housing and Veteran’s Affairs before becoming the Dean of Student Services in 1989. He served in that position until his retirement in 2010 after 26 years of service to the college.

During his tenure, Dean Wesselhoft served under seven college presidents and multiple Boards of Trustees. He credits his success and longevity as a college dean to the many people around him, with special nods to his mentor, David Lindquist, and to the highly capable and committed members of the Student Services staff.

Dean Wesselhoft led many projects over the years, including the conversion of student records systems from pencil/paper and first generation computerized records to today’s technology, an intervention program to identify struggling students, overseeing tutoring operations, as well as intensive advising services, and providing increased student life opportunities, including operation of the Lindquist Student and Conference Center, expanded athletics, new on-campus housing, and broadening of support services to students at Gogebic’s off-campus sites.

Dean Wesselhoft was instrumental in writing and obtaining multiple grants, including the college’s TRiO Student Support Services Grant which has continued uninterrupted for 22 years and has provided over five and a half million dollars of external funding to directly support Gogebic student achievement.

He is best known for his open-door commitment to and advocacy for students, and his ability to find creative solutions to difficult problems on behalf of students and the college. Dean Wesselhoft is very proud of the thousands of students who have passed through the college’s doors and moved on to satisfying careers and lifelong pursuits of learning.

Dean Wesselhoft has served on various boards, community planning groups, and service organizations, including President of the Ironwood Kiwanis Club and organist for many years at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood. He currently enjoys active membership on the GCC Foundation Board.

Steve is married to Betsy and they have two grown children and seven grandchildren. His hobbies include: golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening, extensive traveling, and scuba diving.