By THOMAS A. KVAMME                                                                         ALUMNUS: Dr. Wayne Anderson ‘73

December 13, 2007

Wayne Anderson

Establishing a strong foundation is something that pays off in the long run. That is especially true for Williston surgeon Dr. Wayne Anderson, who says his start at Williston State College was the “perfect fit” for him. The native of Westby, Montana attended here from 1971-73.

Coming from a small high school, Anderson felt that he got a great start at UND-W, known affectionately as UND-DUB.

THE 70’S COLLEGE COMMUNITY
Dr. Anderson still recalls “lots of opportunities with great instructors. My biology teacher, Mrs. Irene Eide, and my chemistry instructor, Mr. Robert Wastvedt, were outstanding and gave me a tremendous background in both subjects.” After freshman year he served as a teaching assistant for Mr. Wastvedt.

Other instructors on campus during his day were Edna Juhala, Davis Law, Dominic Schaff, and Gary Sukut. Phil Rabon was athletic director and a physical education instructor. “Phil was a great promoter for the college and the community, just as he continues to be to this day,” he adds.

Darrel Anderson was the head basketball coach and women’s basketball was just getting started. The Tetons played their home basketball games at the Williston High School gymnasium. “We did have a pep band that played at those games, under the direction of Mr. Law,” said Anderson.

COMING FULL CIRCLE
From UND-W, Anderson went to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and attended medical school until 1980. He completed his family practice residency in Grand Forks from 1980-81. From 1981-82 he was at the University of Nevada, involved with the school of medicine and beginning his surgical residency. During 1982-86 he was back at UND.

Dr. Anderson was one of the first two graduates of the UND Department of Surgery. He then served on the UND School of Medicine faculty from 1986 through 1992.

The Andersons moved to Wolf Point, Montana in 1992 to be closer to family. That community served as a springboard back to Williston in 1994. Williston proved to be the perfect place for Dr. Anderson to set up his medical practice. Anderson now works in an independent practice as a general surgeon and serves as a clinical professor of surgery with the UND School of Medicine.

FAMILY ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY
Dr. Anderson’s wife Jennifer and their five children are active in school and community activities. Jennifer works with the Williston Band Boosters and has been involved in work with her children at St. Joe’s Elementary School and church.

Sarah, their oldest daughter, recently earned her bachelor’s degree in social work at Concordia College. She is back home working part-time and seeking full-time employment in her field of study so she can remain in Williston. Sarah is an organist at First Lutheran Church and also works with the Band Boosters. Mary Catherine is a junior at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota and Erin is a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Son Mark is a junior at Williston High School and their youngest daughter Rachel is an eighth grader at Williston Middle School.

Music remains a constant for Dr. Anderson; he enjoys performing with the Williston City Band today. “I occupy a chair and try to play along with the band the best I can,” he said, referring to his talent with a horn. Dr. Anderson’s other side interests, according to the Mercy Medical Center website, are “family travel, reading, computers, golfing, and hunting.”

WSC PROVIDES PERFECT TRANSITION
Anderson says Williston State College is “a definite asset to the community and a definite asset to the region.” He points out that WSC provides a perfect transition to 4-year college life for students, much like himself, who come from smaller schools. It also allows them to earn the same general credits that are available at larger colleges. “I had a seamless transfer to UND as all my credits transferred without question. I was ready to begin my junior year,” said Anderson.

Dr. Wayne Anderson is one of many alumni who credit WSC for preparing them for successful careers.