Phi Theta Kappa Remembers Dennis Anderson

Dennis Anderson was a man who injected compassion and enthusiasm into everything in his life that he loved - his family, his church, Inver Hills Community College, his students, and Phi Theta Kappa.

That he was loved in return was evident in a recent gathering of his family, Phi Theta Kappa staff and friends, at a memorial service recently at the Center for Excellence.

Anderson, a longtime Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisor at Inver Hills Community College, was serving as Minn-Wi-Kota Regional Coordinator at the time of his death in January 2005.

Some 20 family members from Minnesota and other states came to Jackson, Mississippi, to share memories of Dennis's life, and to participate in the presentation of a memorial paver - a gift from the Minn-Wi-Kota Region - for the Center's Alpha Courtyard. The family has also established a scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa members at Inver Hills Community College, in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

"The true effectiveness of a leader may be measured in what happens after you are gone," said Phi Theta Kappa Executive Director Rod A. Risley, welcoming guests to the memorial service. "Your coming all this way, and all your efforts to ensure that Dennis's legacy will continue, are a testiment to his effective leadership."

Risley read a message from Inver Hills Community College president Dr. Cheryl Frank, who told of the outstanding academic performance, leadership abilities and service of the first two students to receive the Dennis Anderson Memorial Scholarship. "What better legacy can there be than to continue to make a difference in the lives of students?" Risley said.

Anderson's wife Rose Ann spoke of Dennis's contributions as a teacher. "We will never know the thousands of lives Denny and all teachers touch," she said, "but after he passed away we heard from so many who said they were better for having him as a teacher."

"Long before Denny became involved with Phi Theta Kappa, he lived the values the Society is all about," she said. "Phi Theta Kappa is all about excellence - and so was Dennis."

Dennis's son Travis, who attended Inver Hills Community College, spoke of his own realization of the respect his father had in his profession. Anderson's daughter Marissa McDonald told of her father's wish to be remembered as a good teacher. "Today shows he is remembered that way," she said. Douglas Anderson talked about his brother's special talents as a caregiver, which were evident in every phase of his life.

Barb Murray, who preceded Anderson as Minn-Wi-Kota Regional Coordinator, and now is Phi Theta Kappa's Advisor Education Specialist, read a statement from current Coordinator Linda Tetzlaff. Tetzlaff thanked the family for sharing Dennis with Phi Theta Kappa, and said the region is pleased to help create a lasting reminder of their friend and leader. "We will all remember Dennis for his hugs, his laughter and his genuine caring for all people," Murray said.

"It is almost as if he knew he would not be here long" Risley said in conclusion. "So he tried - and succeeded - to live his life to the fullest."

For information about donating to the Dennis Anderson Memorial Scholarships at Inver Hills Community College, contact Executive Director of the Inver Hills Community College Foundation Gail Morrison.

For information about Alpha Courtyard memorials and scholarship donations through the Phi Theta Kappa Memorial Scholarships, contact Director of Institutional Advancement Nancy Rieves.