Richard Torgerson Presidential Papers

Richard Torgerson Presidential Papers, 1980-2014 | Luther College Archives

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Collection Overview

Title: Richard Torgerson Presidential Papers, 1980-2014

ID: LCA/RG02/9th President

Primary Creator: Torgerson, Richard L. (1943-2022)

Extent: 16.4 Linear Feet. More info below.

Subjects: Luther College (Decorah, Iowa), Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Administration

Languages: English

Abstract

The presidential papers of Richard L. Torgerson, ninth president of Luther College (1999-2013).

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Records contain correspondence, meeting records, and subject files from the presidency of Richard L. Torgerson.

Collection Historical Note

Richard L. Torgerson was appointed the ninth president of Luther College in 1999, succeeding Jeffrey Baker. He and his wife Judith (Judy) led Luther through two eventful terms.

Torgerson oversaw several changes to the Luther campus, including the additions of Sampon Hoffland Laboratories, the Center for the Arts, Legends Fitness Center, the Aquatic Center, and the Bentdahl Commons. He lead initiatives to increase sustainability on campus, including the installation of the first solar energy field, the wind turbine, reconfiguring green spaces, and being a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Committment in 2007.

Torgerson also led the college through two strategic plans, three signifcant fundraising campaigns (Leadership for a New Century, A Higher Calling, and the Sesquicentennial Fund). He presided over Luther College's celebrated Sesquicentennial in 2011. He was awarded the Norwegian Order of Merit in 2013.

President Torgerson retired in 2013, but maintained and active interest in Luther College. In 2018, he and Judy established the Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies at Luther.

Biographical Note

Richard L. Torgerson was born on July 26, 1943 in Saskatoon, Sasketchewan, Canada. He graduated from Concordia College Moorhead in 1964 with degrees in biology and physical education. He continued his studies at Washington State University, earning a master's degree in entomology and a doctoral degree in entomology and zoology and 1966 and 1969, respectively. Before coming to Luther College, he worked at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa; Texas Lutheran College, Seguin, Texas; Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas; Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, and Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota.

Torgerson was appointed the ninth president of Luther College in 1999. His presidency saw numerous upgrades to campus facilities, an increased committment to sustainability, and significant growth of the college endowment. He retired in 2013.

Torgerson married Judith (Judy) A. Carlson in 1964. They had two sons, Brennan and Korey. He passed away on October 30, 2022.

Subject/Index Terms

Luther College (Decorah, Iowa)
Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Administration

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1: Reports, Budgets, and Meetings, 1998 - 2003],
[Box 2: Subject Files, 1998 - 2004],
[Box 3: Subject Files, 1997 - 2002],
[Box 4: Subject Files, 1987 - 2003],
[Box 5: Hammond Associates Files, 2000 - 2004],
[Box 6: Subject Files, 1999 - 2002],
[Box 7: Subject Files, 1999 - 2002],
[Box 8: Subject Files, 1994 - 2003],
[Box 9: Subject Files, 1995 - 1997],
[Box 10: Subject Files, 1995 - 2004],
[Box 11: Subject Files, 1999 - 2003],
[Box 12: Valders Building Proposals, 2002 - 2003],
[Box 13: Memorandums and Speeches, 1999 - 2008],
[Box 14: Inauguration Guest Book, 2000],
[Box 15: Meetings and Correspondence, 1999 - 2002],
[Box 16: Subject Files, 1993 - 2005],
[Box 17: Subject Files, 1980 - 2005],
[Box 18: Subject Files, 1990 - 2004],
[Box 19: Nobel Peace Prize Forum Executive Committee, 1990-2011],
[Box 20: Torgerson Farewell, 2013],
[Box 21: Subject Files, 1999 - 2011],
[Box 22: Subject Files, 1993-2012],
[Box 23: Subject Files, 1983-2012],
[Box 24: Subject Files, 1989-2011],
[Box 25: Subject Files, 1983-2012],
[Box 26: Strategic Planning Task Groups, 2000-2001],
[Box 27: Subject Files, 1993-2007],
[Box 28: Subject Files, 1997-2013],
[Box 29: Doctoral Program Research, undated],
[Box 30: Presidential Memorabilia],
[Box 31: Files from Karen Martin-Schramm, 1999-2014],
[All]

Box 17: Subject Files, 1980 - 2005

Folder 1: Aid Association for Lutherans, 24 July 1991 - 18 December 2001
Folder 2: Annapolis Group, 2000 - 2005
Folder 3: Americafest, 1998
Folder 4: Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, 1997
Folder 5: Association of American Colleges and Universities, 1998 - 2000
Folder 6: Athletics, September 1996 - March 1997
Folder 7: Blandin Foundation, 2002
Folder 8: Cabinet Agendas, 2003 - 2004
Folder 9: Campus Wide Information System Task Group, 2000 - 2001
Folder 10: Child Care at Luther, 1998
Folder 11: Commencement, 2004
Folder 12: Commencement, 2003
Folder 13: Commencement, 2002
Folder 14: Community Vitality Center, 1 July 2002 - 3 March 2003
Folder 15: Council for Independent Colleges, 2002 - 2004
Folder 16: ELCA Study Grants, 1996 - 2003
Folder 17: ESL Summer Program, 5 July 1993 - 23 October 1997
Folder 18: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2002 - 2003
Folder 19: Faculty Women and Wives, 1984 - 1998
Folder 20: Hawkeye Agency Advisory Board, 1999 - 2000
Folder 21: Honorary Degrees Ceremony - Ulf Christiansen, May-01
Folder 22: Honorary Degrees Ceremony - Robert Flaten, May-01
Folder 23: Honorary Degrees Ceremony - Tom Vraalsen, May-01
Folder 24: Honorary Degrees Ceremony - Roald Hoffmann, Jan-01
Folder 25: Honorary Degrees Ceremony - Dr. Christine Grant, May-02
Folder 26: Honorary Degrees Ceremony - Craig Lewis, May-02
Folder 27: History - Social Committees, 1980 - 1981
Folder 28: A Study of Higher Education Needs and Governance, 12-Jun-96
Folder 29: Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium, 1 May 2000 - 27 August 2002
Folder 30: Instructional Media, 6 September 1989 - 26 June 1997
Folder 31: International Education Director, 31 March 1995 - 3 January 2003
Folder 32: International Study Group, 3 April 1992 - 11 December 1995
Folder 33: Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Survey, 1992 - 2003