Donald Andersen, associate professor of civil engineering, retired after 33 years of service to NDSU.

Andersen contributed to the department in many ways. He taught a variety of courses, advised and mentored many students, served as adviser to the Institute of Transportation Engineers and former adviser to the American Society of Civil Engineers, and conducted research projects with the North Dakota Department of Transportation. He also was selected as a Teacher of the Year in the College of Engineering and Architecture.

Andersen earned his bachelor’s degree from NDSU in 1970 and his master’s degree from Penn State University in 1973. He began teaching at NDSU in 1977 and shortly thereafter, attended Texas A&M University to complete his doctorate in 1982. In the years between his undergraduate and teaching careers, Andersen worked at the Nebraska Department of Roads from 1970 to 1974 and the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M from 1974 to 1977.

“I consider myself lucky to have had an opportunity to learn from ‘The Don,’ “ wrote Anthony Waldenmaier, Andersen’s student and advisee. “Not only was he an excellent professor in the classroom, but he was a great person to know in life. If anyone ever had a question about jobs, research, résumés or anything else, they knew Dr. Andersen would always be there to help …. Dr. Andersen cared for every student and wanted each of them to make the best of themselves. He possessed the ability to keep a class light-hearted and still teach in-depth technical course work. When asked what the highlight of his teaching career is, he’ll reply, ‘Seeing a lot of good students become successful in life.’ ”

In retirement, Andersen plans to spend time on his farm in Ada, Minn., traveling, golfing, playing Angry Birds and continuing his toy tractor collection.

NDSU is student focused and committed to its land-grant mission.