Dr. Dan W. Andersen, former president of Church College of Hawaii/Brigham Young University–Hawaii, and a former member of the Polynesian Cultural Center board, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2013.
As the "first" president of BYU–Hawaii, Dr. Andersen reported to Dallin H. Oaks, then-president of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. As the university president, Andersen helped to refine changes instigated by President Brower, and placed strong emphasis on programs to prepare students for living and working in the Pacific and Asia. Several major buildings, including a campus library, were planned and completed under his direction.
Under President Andersen's leadership the university prepared for and, in 1976, received a full ten-year accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The university still maintains this accreditation today.
Raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Andersen attended West High School and served as the student body president. After high school, Anderson was inducted into the Army and, following his military service, he labored as a full-time missionary in Denmark. Andersen served extensively within the LDS Church as a member of a stake presidency, bishopric, stake high council, and as a branch president, teacher and temple sealer. In addition to his mission in Denmark, Andersen served in Western Samoa and New York.
Andersen is preceded in death by his first wife Lina and his second wife Sabra. He is survived by his current wife, Gloria Driggs Andersen, 12 children, 52 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.
A viewing for Dr. Andersen will be held Sunday, August 25, 2013, from 6-8 PM at Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home, and at 9:30-10:30 AM, Monday, August 26, before the 11 AM funeral service at the LDS chapel, 2445 N. Timpview Dr (650 E), Provo, UT. Sympathies may be directed to the family at www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com.