Charles Anderson
by E .E. Burniston and H. V. Park
(From 1983-1984 Harrelson News)
On December 5, 1983 a retirement luncheon was held at the North Carolina State University Faculty Club to honor Charlie Anderson who retired as an Associate Professor of Mathematics after 30 years of service to North Carolina State University. In attendance were 42 faculty members and guests, including many retired professors, Charlie's wife Mary Lee, his daughter Sarah Hansen, and Dean Garrett Briggs. Dean Briggs congratulated Charlie on his service as an instructor and as the Departmental Scheduling Officer from 1973 to 1983. Dr. Burniston made some light-hearted remarks on Charlie's skill as a sailor and pointed out that he would most certainly be missed, having been the Department's source of make-up quizzes. Guests were also reminded that Charlie served at Pearl Harbor during the infamous Japanese attack. At the conclusion of the luncheon, Charlie was presented with a framed certificate, recognizing his 30 years of service, and also was given a cordless telephone.
The luncheon was a very happy occasion, especially for Charlie himself, who was very appreciative for the affection shown to him by all the guests. We will all treasure the happy event, for just eight short months later, Charlie succumbed to cancer.
Charlie Anderson came to North Carolina State University as an Instructor of Mathematics in 1953. He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor in 1970 and to Associate Professor in 1983. He always had the respect of the faculty and students as an effective and dedicated teacher. His teaching effectiveness was recognized in 1970 by a letter from Provost Kelly who congratulated him for being in the top 25% of the faculty as rated by the students. He was also very active as a student advisor and served effectively on Departmental and University committees, including the Faculty Senate.
While the record speaks for itself, for those of us who were lucky enough to have had Charlie as a colleague, it will be his commitment we shall remember—his commitment to his students, to his colleagues and to his friends. He will be truly missed.
It was Charlies wish that in lieu of flowers at his funeral, donations should be sent to the Department for the "Jack Levine Award," an award which recognizes that student with the best performance in the Putnam competition. The name of this award will be changed to the "Jack Levine and Charles Anderson Award."