Professor Gretchen Anderson passed away Monday morning after battling cancer for over a year. While cancer claimed her body, her spirit was never overcome. Dean Phillips frequently mentioned Anderson's "infectious" smile which you can see in these photos of her with fellow faculty, students, alumni, and children from the community. To the end, Anderson was focused on helping others: whether students in her classes who needed help with chemistry or guidance with their academic plan - or fellow faculty who needed teaching advice or help with tenure and promotion. As one student commented: "If you find a professor that is more passionate about what they do, I would be very surprised! Dr. Anderson is absolutely wonderful!"
While she sported many interesting hats this past year, Anderson wore many figurative hats during her life. To fellow faculty she was scientist, administrator, and leader. To students she was professor, mentor, and advisor. To friends she was advocate and counselor. To family she was mother, wife, and sister. To all who know her, she was irreplaceable. We are terribly sad for her passing, but we are extremely grateful for the time we have shared.
