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

Collection Overview

Title: Richard Torgerson Presidential Papers, 1980-2014Add to your cart.

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 24: Subject Files, 1989-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 1: Dahl, Bert and Millie, 1999-2006Add to your cart.
Folder 2: Datatel, 2001-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 3: Dedication Services in August, 2008-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 4: The Center for Environmental Stewardship, 2003-2009Add to your cart.
Folder 5: Faculty Committes/ Governance, 1995-2000Add to your cart.
Folder 6: Faculty Associate Status, 1977-2009Add to your cart.
Folder 7: ELCA - Dept. of Higher Education and Schools, 1996-1999Add to your cart.
Folder 8: Farwell Birthday, 2009Add to your cart.
Folder 9: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America- Assembly Meetings, 1993-2007Add to your cart.
Folder 10: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), 2004-2008Add to your cart.
Folder 11: Distance Learning, 1998-1999Add to your cart.
Folder 12: DeMolay Conference, 2003Add to your cart.
Folder 13: Diversity Issues- General, 1996-2000Add to your cart.
Folder 14: Complaint Letters, 2001-2010Add to your cart.
Folder 15: Environmental Issues, 1997-2000Add to your cart.
Folder 16: Founders Day Convocation, 1998Add to your cart.
Folder 17: Nobel Peace Prize Forum Brochures, 1989-2002Add to your cart.
Folder 18: Nobel Peace Prize Forum Brochures, 2003-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 19: Nobel Peace Prize Forum Consortium Executive Committee Meeting Minutes, 1994-2010Add to your cart.
Folder 20: Nobel Peace Prize Forum Speaker Portraits, 2001-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 21: IPTV Juletide Production, 2002-2003Add to your cart.
Folder 22: IPTV 2005 Broadcast, 2005Add to your cart.
Folder 23: Marketing Council, 2000-2001Add to your cart.
Folder 24: Marketing Council Meetings, 2002-2003Add to your cart.
Folder 25: Marketing Council, 2003-2004Add to your cart.
Folder 26: Marketing Council, 2004-2005Add to your cart.
Folder 27: Marketing Council Meetings, 2005-2006Add to your cart.
Folder 28: Marketing Council, 2006-2007Add to your cart.
Folder 29: Mindpower, 2001Add to your cart.
Folder 30: Integrating Marketing Communication Plan, 2002-2003Add to your cart.
Folder 31: Regents Activities, 1993-1996Add to your cart.
Folder 32: Regents Reunion, 14 May 2004Add to your cart.
Folder 33: Regents Update, 1996-2007Add to your cart.
Folder 34: Intersections number 31, winter 2010Add to your cart.
Folder 35: Nobel Peace Prize Forum Photographs, 2001Add to your cart.
Folder 36: Judy Nye's Remarks at Staff Meeting, April 2011Add to your cart.

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]