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.

Obituary, Legacy.com (accessed Nov. 3, 2022).

"Remembering Richard Torgerson," Luther College (accessed Nov. 3, 2022).