Dr. Morris Anderson (2012)

After attending the University of Saskatchewan, Morris Anderson came to Luther College in the 1950’s to teach English. Following Rex Schneider’s retirement as Principal and President of Luther College, Morris took the Principal’s chair from 1964 to 1974, eventually assuming the Presidency in 1974.

In addition to being tasked with the planning for the new University campus, for which the cornerstone was laid in 1971, Morris established the development function of the College, building a fundraising programme that made it possible for Luther to survive without a church subsidy.

After leaving Luther in 1986 to serve as President of Augustana College in Camrose, Alberta, he returned in 1987 to staff the position of Director of Development, and in that capacity led the fundraising campaigns for the new classroom wing at the High School and for the new wing at the University, which was named in Morris’ honour.

In 1994, Morris again filled a gap, this time in a period of financial crisis, in the position of acting President. He served for one year before handing the reins over to incoming President Richard Hordern.

Morris was an important part of many Luther fundraising campaigns, both as a staff member and a volunteer, and this is particularly true of the Spirit Campaign that began in 2000.

For many, Morris was the heart and the hands of the College, and he always viewed his involvement with Luther as his life’s calling. Morris knows and cares about every Luther staff member, and their families and children, as well as so many of the alumni and their families.