Mr. Robert Gottsch of Hastings, Neb. received the Hastings College President’s Award at the college’s annual Honors Convocation on Friday, May 7. The President’s Award recognizes meritorious service to the college.

Gottsch is vice chair of the Hastings College Board of Trustees and a generous supporter and friend of the College. He joined the Board in 1995.
“Mr. Gottsch is passionate about Hastings College,” said Dr. Phil Dudley, president of Hastings College. “Through his commitment and generosity, he has improved the College in countless ways.”

Gottsch has given significantly to all major Hastings College building projects in recent years, including the Osborne Family Sports Complex, Morrison-Reeves Science Center, and the track facility. He has also provided scholarship support for students. 

As chair of the Board’s Committee on Trustees, Gottsch has recruited several talented Board members and has lifted the Board to an even higher level of excellence and service. He also chaired and continues to serve on the Buildings and Grounds Committee and has devoted countless hours to ensuring that the College provides the finest possible physical plant for Hastings College students.

Robert Gottsch is president of Gottsch Enterprises, Inc., which is involved in cattle feeding, ranching, pork production, farming and commercial and residential real estate. In addition to his Nebraska operations, Mr. Gottsch has interests in companies in Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri and Argentina. Elected in 2006 to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, he served on the Omaha Federal Reserve Bank Board of Directors and the Nebraska Environmental Quality Council.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,150 students. Hastings College was named 75th Best Value College in the nation and #1 in Nebraska by Forbes.com and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. It was named a 2010 “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and rated a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.