Dave House and Linda Ott Honored for Extraordinary Contributions


Dave House

I’m passionate about inclusivity and making sure that students, particularly high school students who don’t have a lot of opportunities, are given exposure to computing.”

Linda Ott, Emerita Chair and Professor, Computer Science

At the opening event of the Computing[MTU] Showcase this April, two individuals were inducted into the College of Computing Honor Academy for their lasting contributions: Dave House and Linda Ott.

“When we created the Honor Academy, we wanted to celebrate our distinguished alumni, and we also wanted to celebrate the folks that have had an outsized impact on computing at Michigan Tech,” said Dean Dennis Livesay.

“The work that they have done is very different, but it’s connected by one thing: a long-standing legacy. The impact of their work will continue on for generations,” Livesay added.

Dave House ’65, a longtime supporter of Michigan Tech and the College of
Computing, was recognized for “his profound and long-term commitment to computing and Michigan Tech.”

“I came to Michigan Tech as a graduate of a community college and I managed to take three years of electrical engineering in two years, which was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” said House. “But I came out of here a changed person. I came out of here with an engineering degree from a noted technological university.”

“Dave is one of the University’s most successful alumni, he’s one of our biggest supporters, and he is the person who always challenges us to innovate and to shoot for nothing less than excellence,” said Livesay.

“Computing has invaded every part our lives and its influence is only with time,” said House. “I’m glad to help Michigan Tech advance both the science of computing and the application of computing in every field of learning.”

Linda Ott started her career at Tech in 1987. She is recognized for a lifetime of work advancing the Department of Computer Science, and broadening campuswide participation in computing.

“Linda is the heart and soul of computer science at Michigan Tech,” said Livesay. “Her legacy is within our alumni, our growing prominence, and our exciting future.”

Ott served as chair of the computer science department from 1996 to 2010, and as acting chair from 2019 to 2022. She played a major role in the formation of the College in 2019.