Elder W. Eugene Hansen, a longtime attorney and general authority emeritus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been presented the Utah State Bar's distinguished service award.
Elder Hansen, who served as president of the State Bar in 1979-80, was recognized for his leadership to the bar, professionalism and worldwide humanitarian service. The award was presented this week at the organization's annual Past Presidents Dinner in Salt Lake City.A graduate of Utah State University and the University of Utah College of Law, Elder Hansen practiced law for more than 30 years before he was called to serve the LDS Church as a member of the First Quorum of Seventy. In 1993, he was called to the Presidency of the Seventy. Elder Hansen was granted emeritus status on Oct. 3.