Donna Anderson

School of Public Health, October 8, 2009

Donna Anderson received a master's degree in public health in 1971 from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. A public health consultant and community volunteer, she has been active in the public health field at local, state, and national government and community levels for more than four decades. She is credited with helping with the establishment of the School of Public Health's Alumni Society and she served as its first president. Under her leadership, the Alumni group advised the school on revamping curricula and preparing students for a changing, complex workplace. It also connected alumni with the school and with the faculty. In 1990, she received the University of Minnesota Volunteer Award. She served on accreditation and search committees, offered counsel on emerging issues, connected students with field experiences, served as guest lecturer, and supported the school's mentoring program. Most recently, she has helped the school to re-establish and re-energize its Alumni Society and Alumni Board by conducting focus groups, forming a steering committee to review the Alumni Society bylaws, examine board roles, and encourage candidates to run for board positions.