Beloved Harper College Professor Drowns In Costa Rica

COSTA RICA — A biology professor at Palatine's Harper College drowned in Costa Rica on Christmas Day, according to reports. Craig Stettner was on vacation with his family preparing to be joined by a group of students coming to study with him in the rainforest.

"His commitment to conservation and passion for the environment inspired his students," Dr. Ken Ender, the school's president, said in a statement. "Craig leaves behind a troop of 'eco-warriors' who will carry on his work."

Stettner was swimming with his family when tragedy struck, according to the Daily Herald.

Stettner taught a range of biology courses like Man and the Environment, Animals and Society and others. His students were coming to volunteer at a wild animal rescue center, the Herald reported, and spend time at a research station during their 11-day study abroad program.

He was beloved among his students. Of 121 student ratings on RateMyProfessors.com, fully 100 percent of students said they would take another class with Stettner.

He was "absolutely in love with his job and studies," one rater said.

"He's hands down the best professor I've encountered at Harper," said another.

See Dr. Ender's full statement here:

It is with a heavy heart that I must share the news that our colleague and friend Craig Stettner passed away while on a trip to his beloved Costa Rica. Craig was a full-time faculty member with Harper's biology department since 2002. His commitment to conservation and passion for the environment inspired his students to learn more about biology and ecology and the role they play in it. He was on vacation in Costa Rica and preparing for a group of students who were going to join him for a field research study abroad program in the rainforest. Craig leaves behind a troop of “eco-warriors” who will carry on his work. He will be deeply missed.

We extend our deepest condolences to Craig’s family. He was an excellent teacher, an invaluable colleague and a friend to all who worked with him.

Photo credit: courtesy of Harper College