November 16, 2004

Donor, Renaissance Man, Elmer L. Andersen Dies at 95

Elmer L. Andersen, a generous donor to the University, former governor, former regent, and for nearly 20 years a member of the board of trustees of the University of Minnesota Foundation, died Monday, Nov. 15. He was 95.

Andersen’s giving to the University spanned decades, colleges, and campuses. In return, the University conferred on Andersen its highest awards: in 1959, the Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes alumni for extraordinary distinction in professional life, public service and leadership; in 1981, the Regents’ Award, which honors significant contribution to building and developing the University; and in 1982, the University’s highest honor, an honorary doctorate. In 1999, the regents named the University’s newest library in honor of Andersen.

“Outstanding leaders can uplift individuals and institutions,” Gerald B. Fisher, President and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation, said. “Elmer Andersen is one such leader – an extraordinary man whose vision, values, superb wisdom, mentoring, and judgment have left beautiful and indelible marks on all of Minnesota, and especially on her flagship university.” Andersen was chairman of the UMF board of trustees from 1979 to 1981.

Longtime friend Tom Swain, who served as Andersen’s chief of staff when he was governor from 1960 to 1962, called Andersen “Minnesota’s greatest living citizen – admired, respected, and loved by all who know him. He personifies the Renaissance man.”

“He led a life totally committed to public service,” Swain said.

Andersen’s giving to the University was extraordinarily broad, but focused most strongly on books. His passion for books was among the constants in his life, and his gifts of horticulture volumes to the Landscape Arboretum created the Andersen Library Collection at the Arboretum, now considered a national botanical resource.

“One marvels at the Andersens’ vision as they helped develop one of the best libraries of horticulturally related books in the country,” Peter Olin, director of the Landscape Arboretum, said. Elmer and his wife Eleanor supported the Arboretum in myriad ways, contributing financial support and soliciting others to help build the Arboretum.

That passion for books led Andersen to collect thousands of volumes, many of them rare, which he donated in 1999 to the University. The Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Collection at the Elmer L. Andersen Library contains more than 12,000 volumes from Andersen’s personal library, among them rare limited editions, privately printed books, and exceptional volumes representing the work of regional printers and publishers. The Andersens later created the Andersen Book Trust, a permanent endowment that will enable the book collections at the Andersen Library and the Arboretum to be properly cared for, nurtured, expanded, and utilized by the University community and the public.

Andersen’s company, H.B. Fuller, Inc., in 1987 contributed $1 million to create the Elmer L. Andersen Chair in Corporate Responsibility at the Carlson School of Management. Andersen also has provided support to CLA; the Stassen Center for World Peace at the Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs; the McNamara Alumni Center; the Weisman Art Museum; and many others.

Andersen is survived by his wife, Eleanor, daughter, Emily, and sons Julian and Anthony.

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