Claudia Anderson, assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies, died June 13 following a two-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was 66.
Following 31 years of dedicated service to the Case Western Reserve University community, Anderson retired in January. She began her career at CWRU in 1989 as director of transfer credit evaluation and transfer student advising.
Throughout her tenure at CWRU, Anderson worked tirelessly to ensure the success of our transfer students, visiting students, and employees taking courses. She was one of the first staff members with whom these students had contact when they arrived at the university. Anderson assessed their transcripts, assisted in their understanding of academic requirements, and introduced them to various resources of the university. Known as a great listener, she eased what can be a difficult transition for students. Every person she spoke with left her office with a positive feeling and confidence in her ongoing support, Undergraduate Studies staff members said.
Colleagues remember Anderson as not only a hardworking member of the Undergraduate Studies team but one who could be counted on to participate cheerfully in whatever needed to get done.
“Claudia quietly worked tirelessly to get done a huge amount of work with growing populations of students, but when it was time to relax and celebrate, Claudia became the life of the party with all kinds of stories,” said Dean of Undergraduate Studies Jeffrey Wolcowitz.
Dean Emerita of Undergraduate Studies Margi Robinson recalled hiring Anderson: “Back in 1989, Bob Davis [then Dean of Undergraduate Studies] delegated to me the task of finding and hiring a 3/2 program/transfer advisor. This was in the second year of our having a single UGStudies Office, amalgamating the Western Reserve College and Case Institute of Technology academic affairs offices. We were all delighted when Claudia accepted the position we offered her, and ever since, I have felt very proud of my first hire, and happy to have been her colleague for 16 years, and her friend.”
Claudia is survived by her daughter, Caroline, her twin sister, Daria, and her husband, David Merino. She will be inurned at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. A celebration of her life and memorial service will be planned for a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association-Northern Ohio Chapter.
Her full obituary is available online.