Virginia Hansen was a gifted teacher. She dedicated her life to being the best teacher possible for the children in her care, and as a cooperating teacher, she helped numerous student teachers hone their knowledge and skills. Every great teacher makes a lasting difference in the lives of others, just as Virginia did with her students and student teachers. Not every teacher, though, has the opportunity to make a contribution to humanity in perpetuity.

The Virginia Hansen Endowment fund was established in the College of Education through the generosity of Virginia's husband, Victor. It is intended to honor forever the work of Virginia who as a dedicated public servant held her students in such regard that she held high expectations for their learning and devoted herself fully to providing instruction worthy of those expectations. Virginia continues to influence future generations of teachers through the professional development programs sponsored from the proceeds of the endowment.