Disabled Students Programs and Services

A Success Story

Foster Andersen

Selected as one of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Americans.
January 9, 1999
Washington D. C.

Thirty-eight-year-old Foster Andersen has overcome extreme odds to accomplish many great things in his life. Six months after a near fatal motorcycle accident that left him a quadraplegic, Andersen was back in school and determined to get his high school diploma and attend college.

Graduating from community college with an Associates degree in Mechanical Technology, Andersen went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering and then a Certificate of Computer Graphics Drafting.

Andersen has used his knowledge of design and personal knowledge of being physically challenged to enrich and assist the lives of others. He has authored "My Second Life," and co-authored "Living in a State of Stuck." An independent living counselor with Central Coast for Independent Living, Andersen works on establishing Ability Awareness Days at local schools, and is the Founder and President of Shared Adventures, a non-profit organization which takes people with physical or mental disabilities out to experience adventure sports such as SCUBA diving, kayaking, surfing, outrigger canoeing, and indoor rock climbing.

A member of the Santa Cruz County Jaycees, Andersen has worked for many years as the Fifth District Commissioner for the Commission on Disabilities and continually strives to make the lives of those that are physically challenged more enjoyable. His work has brought him several awards including the Awareness Toward Preserving the Environment Award from the Surfrider Foundation and he was the Outstanding Young Californian in 1997 from the Santa Cruz County Jaycees.

Andersen resides in Santa Cruz, California. Andersen also is a student at Cabrillo College.

About this site |

Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003, phone: 831-479-6100