Verlyn grew up in a Norwegian-speaking home in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, so Norwegian is his first language. He has visited Norway many times and because there is no American accent to his Norwegian, he is inevitably asked, “When did you immigrate to America?” He explains that he grew up in a “Norwegian ghetto” in Minnesota where the everyday language was Norwegian, so he learned early how to pronounce all those difficult vowels. He also explains that he has a Norwegian accent in his English so he does not need an American accent in his Norwegian.

Dr. Anderson has had a very distinguished career, serving on the faculty of Concordia College for thirty-six years, as well as on numerous organizations, societies, and institutions promoting a knowledge of Norwegian history and culture. Last year he received the St. Olav medal “in recognition of his great service to Norway.” He, his wife, Evonne, their three daughters and three sons-in-law all traveled to Norway where the award was presented. What a thrill this must have been!