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 25: Subject Files, 1983-2012Add to your cart.
Folder 1: Presidentsråd Updates, 2002-2007Add to your cart.
Folder 2: Technology Task Force, 1996Add to your cart.
Folder 3: Regents Update, 1983-1995Add to your cart.
Folder 4: Board Books, 1997-1998Add to your cart.
Folder 5: Diversity Statement, 1994-1995Add to your cart.
Folder 6: Regent Buddy System, 1993-1997Add to your cart.
Folder 7: Sesquicentennial Early Planning, 2011-2012Add to your cart.
Folder 8: Planning Committee Meetings, 2006-2012Add to your cart.
Folder 9: Curricular Programming, 2007-2009Add to your cart.
Folder 10: Eckhart Paintings, 2009-2012Add to your cart.
Folder 11: Habitat House, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 12: History Walk and Luther Drama Sketches, 2009-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 13: Hymns/Liturgy/Commissions, 2005-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 14: Homecoming/Founder's Day, 2007-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 15: Employee Picnic, 2009-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 16: Illustrated History, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 17: Music, 2010-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 18: Parade Float, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 19: Publicity About Sesquicentennial, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 20: Luther Sesquicentennial Magazine Coverage, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 21: SAC Events, 2010-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 22: Pastors/Church Worker Reunion, 2006-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 23: Publications, 2009-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 24: Relay Race, 2008-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 25: Storypeople, 2007-2010Add to your cart.
Folder 26: Trivia Questions for KVIK Radio, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 27: Vesterheim Exhibit, 2007-2009Add to your cart.
Folder 28: Festival Dinner and Journey Portrait, 2009-2011Add to your cart.
Folder 29: Volunteer Reunion, 2010Add to your cart.
Folder 30: Commencement Weekend, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 31: Convocation/Founding Families Reception, February 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 32: Founding Families Reception Guest Book and Convocation Brochure Schedule, 2011Add to your cart.
Folder 33: Decorah Community Recreation Initiative (REPSI) Press Release and Powerpoint, 2008-2009Add to your cart.
Folder 34: Remarks by Pres. Torgerson at the LUTHER 10 Senior Giving Campaign Kick-Off Event, 2009Add to your cart.
Folder 35: President's Council Stationary, 2005Add 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]