James J. Garver, vice chairman of the
Southeast Community College Board of Governors, died March 30. He was 71. Garver
served the Board from November 2007 to December 2012, then again from 2015 to present.
During his tenure he held various offices.
Neal Stenberg, chairman of the Board, said
Garver’s dedication to SCC and its students and employees was always
top-of-mind.
“The Southeast Community College family is
greatly saddened by the death of Jim Garver, who was for so many years a good
friend to the College, to its staff and students, and to his colleagues on the
Board of Governors,” Stenberg said. “Jim was highly respected by, and a mentor
to, those of us who followed in his footsteps on the Board.”
Stenberg said Garver served on the Board during
a time when the College came to be known for academic excellence.
“During Jim’s tenure, and through his
leadership and involvement, the College saw a transformational development in
new programs and facilities, all geared to meeting the needs of students and
facilitating economic development in the SCC area and throughout Nebraska,”
Stenberg said.
“At the same time, Jim knew the value of a
dollar and always required that expenditures be fully justified in terms of the
benefits provided to the College and its constituents. At Board meetings, Jim
was an outspoken leader but always respectful and collegial in dealing with his
colleagues and with staff. Jim was hard working, steady, and a recognized
leader in post-secondary education in Nebraska. He will be greatly missed.”
A celebration of life is
planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Sacred Winds Native Mission
Church, United Methodist Church, 2400 S. 11th St., Lincoln.
His full obituary can be
found at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/journalstar/name/james-garver-obituary?id=34030051