Ben Hussmann, beloved Social Studies Teacher for 33 years and recently retired in 2023, passed away on Oct. 30. He leaves       behind his wife Kristen and daughter Katie.

Hussmann’s loss still resonates deeply a month after his passing; he was an unforgettable person and teacher, Jeannie Logan, Social Studies Instructional Supervisor, said.

“I like to call him a grand teacher because his former students now [teach] in this department,” Logan said. “He not only influenced one generation of students, but those students [went] on to influence other generations.”

While observing Hussmann’s class, it was difficult for Logan to not want to join as a student. For all 33 years of his career, he worked his magic and never gave up, not even for a second, Dan Rhoades, Social Studies Teacher said.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever known anybody that got students more excited about knowing things,” Rhoades said. “He was so good at meeting students where they [were] and helping them feel like they could successfully develop their skills.”

Hussmann was a mentor to both students and his teaching peers, Rhoades added. Over the 18 years Rhoades knew Hussman, they transitioned from a teacher and student to being best friends, Rhoades said.

“He was so funny and just the right amount of dad funny,” Rhoades said. “When I first got to know him, his daughter was a baby, so I watched him grow into dad funny over the years, which was [a] uniquely hilarious process.”

Although Principal Dr. Barbara Georges did not know Hussmann for very long, she could clearly see his love and dedication for South.   

“The impact that people have on our lives is most often seen in how deeply we grieve them, and when you look at the sorrow over the loss of Mr. Hussmann, it speaks to the profound impact that he had,” Georges said. “Hold on to the memories, lessons, and moments of joy that you’ve had with him.”