Title: The Papers of Johannes Wilhelm Ylvisaker, 1908-1988

ID: LCA/RG15/Ylvisaker, J

Primary Creator: Ylvisaker, J. Wilhelm (1900-1981)

Extent: 1.81 Linear Feet. More info below.

Documentation consists of a photo album, late 1800's-early 1900's; photocopies of articles on Ylvisaker; biographical information on Johannes and Lucille T. Ylvisaker; booklet "Luther College: The President's Report;" papers on his funeral; programs; Ylvisaker family information; genealogy; descendent book.

Johannes Wilhem Ylvisaker, Luther class of 1921, became president of his alma mater in 1948.  Before returning to Luther, he completed a CT at Luther Theological Seminary, an M.Th at Princeton Theological Seminary, married Lucille Torgerson, and worked as a teacher and a pastor.  Ylvisaker’s presidency from 1948 to 1962 was marked by growth and development in almost every aspect of the college.  Six major buildings were completed, attendance skyrocketed, the endowment grew, and a development plan was created and implemented for the first time.  While many changes took place over his fourteen years in office, Ylvisaker tried to work within the traditions of the school to maintain the stability established by his predecessor, O.J.H. Preus.  His patience, intelligence, and wit were assets to his office and college.  J.W. Ylvisaker resigned in 1962 after developing Parkinson’s Disease and passed away in 1981.

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Johannes Wilhem Ylvisaker, som gikk ut fra Luther College i 1921, ble president ved Luther i 1948. Før hans tid som president, tok han en CT ved Luther Theological Seminary, en M.Th. ved Princeton Theological Seminary, giftet seg med Lucille Torgerson, og jobbet som lærer og prest. Ylvisakers periode som president fra 1948 til 1962 var preget av vekst og utvikling i nesten alle områder av skolen. Seks viktige bygninger ble gjort ferdige, søknadsmassen økte kraftig, tondsmidlene vokste, og en utviklings plan ble laget og satt i verk for første gang. Selv om mye ble forandret i løpet av hans fjorten år som president, prøvde Ylvisaker å ta hensyn til skolens tradisjoner så han kunne opprettholde den stabiliteten som forgjengeren hans, O. J. H. Preus, hadde oppnådd. Ylvisakers tålmodighet, intelligens og klokskap var nyttige egenskaper for stillingen og for skolen. J. W. Ylvisaker gikk av stillingen i 1962. Han døde i 1981.

Repository: Luther College Archives

Alternate Extent Statement: 6 boxes, 1 folder

Use Restrictions: Though we may hold the property rights, Luther College Archives does not hold the copyrights for all materials. Individuals may use materials for non-commercial, private use, but commercial users must secure permissions from the copyright holders and/or Luther College Archives to reproduce, publish, or quote protected materials and photographs. For more information about the Luther College copyright and fair use policy, please visit https://www.luther.edu/library/copyright

Preferred Citation: Cite unpublished materials: Johannes Wilhelm Ylvisaker Papers, RG15 Manuscripts, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa

Finding Aid Revision History:

6/15/24: Abby Bates updated copyright policy link.

12/02/19: EC updated the preferred citation.