Kenneth E. "Andy" and Theda C. Anderson Memorial Business Scholarship

This scholarship was started to honor the memory of Kenneth E. "Andy" and Theda C. Anderson and their lifelong support of NJC.

The day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor Mr. Anderson enlisted in the Army Air Corp as a pilot trainee. He graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant pilot from the US Air Corp and was stationed in Norfolk, England with the 445 Heavy Bomber Group for one and a half years. Andy received an Air Medal and Presidential Citation Medal for the eleven (11) bombing missions over various German industrial cities in the B-24 Liberator he piloted. Casualties were high among his fighter group with one out of every 8 pilots being killed in action. Andy also served in the Korean War as a refueling pilot in a B-29 Super Fortress over the North Sea and North Africa

After the war Mr. Anderson enrolled in the University of Denver to finish his education and graduated with a degree in political science in 1947. This is where he met Theda, who was in the middle of a very successful modeling career. They married at the Washington Park Community Church on August 31, 1946. Then moved to Sterling, Colorado in 1949 where they co-developed Country Club Hill subdivision with Herb and Lydia Vandemoer and lived for the next 65 years while raising their three children Judy, Kent and Kim. 

During their very active life in Sterling Theda owned and operated a small clothing store known as "Tots and Teens", was a Red Cross Grey Lady Volunteer for over 20 years and was active in her local Chapter of PEO. Andy sold life insurance for Kansas City Life Insurance Company for 45 years, where he received many awards including a qualifying Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 39 consecutive years. He was an extremely talented artist and during his college career won numerous awards for his etchings, posters and advertisements.

Theda and Andy supported numerous community initiatives including serving on the NJC Foundation's Board of Trustees for nine years and starting the Northeastern Junior College fund, Logan County Hospital, David Walsh Medical Center, Heart Fund, Miss Colorado Pageant, Up With People, American Cancer Society and was recognized as The Colorado Volunteer of the Year in 2002. They were involved members of the First Presbyterian Church. In 2014, the Andersons created and donated the bicycle sculpture in Columbine Park, and in 2015 gave the City of Sterling the Anderson Pavilion, located on the Platte River. 

Theda and Andy were very active socially and known for their genuine interest in others. Their enthusiasm and love of life affected everyone they met. The amazing energy, optimism and enthusiasm they brought to our lives and community will never be forgotten.

This scholarship is designated for prospective students to Northeastern's business program. Andy and Theda Anderson were longtime supporters of Northeastern, and have generously made numerous donations over the years to support aspiring students and the mission of the college.