Emeritus Professor Stanley V. Anderson passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2009.   A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the UCSB Faculty Club.

Professor Anderson joined the Department of Political Science in 1961 after obtaining his Ph.D. in political science from UC Berkeley.  He continued as an active member of the faculty until his retirement in 1991, teaching classes on international law, international organization, and American public law.  He served as Department Chair in 1978-79 and was Director of the Education Abroad Program in London in 1982-84

Anderson was best known for his research on the office of the ombudsman, a concept that began in Sweden in 1800s.  During his tenure on the faculty, he published two books:  Nordic Councils: A Study of Scandinavian Regionalism and Ombudsmen for American Government, along with multiple chapters and monographs on ombudsmen studies world-wide.  

His research interests continued after retirement, and this year he published a new book, Reform in a Prison Hospital: A Doctor and an Ombudsman Blow the Whistle (iUniverse Inc., 2009).  The book deals with the difficulties and reprisals faced by a prison doctor who blew the whistle on severe deficiencies in the quality of medical care given to inmates of the Nebraska prison system.  Long-time colleague John Moore says: "The book was a fitting capstone to Stan's career.  It showed what the office of the ombudsman is capable of accomplishing.  Stan's work on the ombudsman was his major contribution to both scholarship and community service.  With respect to ombudsmen studies, no one enjoys greater prominence than Stan Anderson."

In addition to his degree in political science, Anderson also earned the J.D. and L.L.B. degrees from Boalt Hall,and continued to practice law part-time throughout his academic career.  He was a member of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association, who in 2002 awarded him the Richard Abbe Humanitarian Award "for his lifelong dedication to humantarian service."  The Bar lauded his pro bono work with indigent felony defendants, acting as legal counsel to countless students, and for serving as a mentor to many local attorneys.

Professor Anderson is survived by his wife Mary Anderson, and his son Stefan Anderson and daughter-in-law Chi Anderson.  The Anderson family has decided to dedicate a bench on the UCSB campus in Stan's memory.  They note that Stan was always proud to be a part of UCSB, and that he loved to walk around the campus and appreciated a nice place to sit and enjoy its beauty.

Friends who wish to contribute to the memorial bench may send their checks to the political science department.  Checks should be made payable to The UCSB FOUNDATION with the notation "Anderson Memorial" on the memo line, and mailed to:

Anderson Memorial
c/o John Woolley, Chair
Department of Political Science
Mail Code 9420
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9420