Linda Andersen, professor emeritus of modern languages and literatures, mentor and promoter of the University’s international programs, died April 17.
Andersen taught French and was given emeritus status in 2002, after 32 years of service at CSUF. She specialized medieval French literature and philosophy and coordinated the French program for many years. She was instrumental in the development of international programs on campus, which lead to an exchange program with the University of Paris in 1984, founding the campus chapter of the Phi Beta Delta international honor society, and programs that link students with leadership development and global internships.
As acting assistant vice president for graduate and international programs in 1986, she ushered in international curriculum and launched foundational fundraising for a three-year interdisciplinary project.
Andersen traveled to Lithuania in 2002 with a campus delegation to discuss higher education issues with faculty members at Kaunas University of Technology, and, in 2005, she received the College of Humanities and Social Science’s Outstanding Service award.
The educator received her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College, and her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Andersen is survived by her sister Marcia Murphy and her brother Thomas.
The family requested donations be made in her memory to the Emeriti Association Scholarship Endowment or the American Cancer Society.