Dr. Afton Hansen
LEGENDARY TEACHER AND GIVER with multitudes of students. His inquiring mind would also direct him to complete a Ph.D. in 1961 at Utah State University. In the first years of teaching in the thennewly constructed Hans Reed Christensen Science Building, he recalls the wonderful friendships with other faculty members in the sciences, and the much-needed teaching space available in the new building.
Afton Hansen with President Carlston at the 2014 scholarship reception by Travis Schiffman
As a young boy racing through the countryside near Mayfield, Afton Hansen may not have realized that his early exposure to flora and fauna would eventually lead to many great experiences and accomplishments as a master teacher and biologist. Through the years, Afton has encouraged countless students through his teaching and his scholarship fund. Afton’s love of learning led him to enroll in Snow College, graduating with an associate degree in 1950. He continued his studies at Brigham Young University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in biological science in 1952 and a master’s degree the following year. Afton returned as a member of the Snow College faculty the following year and willingly shared 35 years of his life and love of biology as a demanding but effective teacher
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Of Afton’s many contributions to Snow College over the years, perhaps one of the most wellknown is the science building’s display of birds, fish, and mammals that greets visitors who frequent its hallways. This collection has a very interesting origin. Afton recalls that many students had never seen a badger before, and because it was the school’s mascot, he felt that it was very important to have one mounted on display for them to study and understand. Being a rugged outdoorsman, he had no trouble trapping a badger, but when a taxidermist wanted $38 to mount it, Afton’s $2,800 salary would not permit him to pay someone for the work. “In the course of my studies, we’d take classes in mammalogy and also ornithology, where we did what we call study skills. Mammals were classified by the characteristics of their skulls and we learned to use cotton to maintain their bodies in proper shape while they were on the museum shelves.” This experience led Afton to become a licensed taxidermist on his own time and at his own expense. He
collected, prepared, and donated nearly all of the animals in the collection. More than a decade ago, Afton established the Afton M. Hansen Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund provides scholarship support for students majoring in the health or biological sciences. Each year, several students are assisted in achieving their educational dreams through this endowment. According to a letter from one recent scholarship recipient, “I greatly enjoy science and have since I was very young, and studying biology here at Snow College has fostered that fascination and helped it grow from an interest into a career path. … I believe you have made a very good investment and I hope, one day, to be able to do the same for others. Thank you for your inspiration and commitment to helping future generations.” Afton has always realized the value of an education in his own life and especially in the lives of students. When asked why he enjoys being a donor, he shared the following: “I know there are some kids that are struggling to get through school, and if there are kids that will take things seriously, do some good work … attend their classes, and do a good job, I think it is a good thing to be able to help.” Dr. Afton Hansen continues to inspire students to succeed and be givers themselves.
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