The Capitol College Community Remembers Earl E. Gottsman

Earl was born in 1946 in Carrollton, Ohio. After graduating high school, he attended The Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1968. He would later earn a Master of Science degree in chemistry from Iowa State University in 1972.

 

Before earning his degree from Iowa State, Earl knew he wanted to become a chemistry professor and immediately started hand typing his resume and sending it to schools across the country. After interviewing at Capitol Institute of Technology in 1971, Earl made the move to Kensington. He would later return to Iowa State to finish his master’s research.

 

Earl was named Capitol's academic dean in 1977. He served as the vice president of academic affairs from 1985 to 2004. Earl spent the last five years of his career as a professor.  

 

In 1991, Earl received the James H. McGraw Award from the American Society for Engineering Education for his outstanding, life-long contributions to engineering technology education. He was elected a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education in 1999 for outstanding contribution. Gottsman was also a member of the Engineering Manpower Commission, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the American Chemical Society (1968-1989), and was an honorary member of Tau Alpha Pi.

 

Upon his retirement after Capitol’s 2009 Commencement ceremony, Earl was presented with the Presidential Award for his service to the college. His dedicated work as an administrator as well as a professor will always be cherished and remembered in the Capitol community.

 

Earl Gottsman touched the lives of countless students, faculty and staff members during his 37-year career at Capitol College. For those wishing to honor his memory, The Gottsman Family Scholarship Fund has been established.

 

Earl is survived by his wife Janice and children, Kevin ’98, Kendra, Kelly and their families.