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 22: Subject Files, 1993-2012

Folder 1: Visions & Ventures, 2001-2002
Folder 2: Sunnyside (history), 2001
Folder 3: Staff Day, 2004-2009
Folder 4: Paulus Composition, 2010
Folder 5: Sodexo, 2010
Folder 6: Sesquicentennial Ball, February 1999
Folder 7: Luther Sesquicentennial, 2000-2010
Folder 8: Sesquicentennial Briefings, 2008-2012
Folder 9: Sculpture, 1998-2002
Folder 10: Royal Visit, 12-13 October 2011
Folder 11: Roslien Woodlands, 2000-2001
Folder 12: Round Table Room, 2001-2003
Folder 13: Residence Hall Wiring, 1999
Folder 14: Norby House, 2009
Folder 15: Articles/Inc. of Luther College, 1991-1992
Folder 16: Multicultural Center (MCC) Program Evaluation, 2001-2002
Folder 17: Retention Task Group, 2003
Folder 18: Diversity - RAD group, 1999-2001
Folder 19: Preus Family, 2001
Folder 20: Persistence Group, 2004
Folder 21: Postville- Agriprocessor, 2008
Folder 22: Olin, 1993-2003
Folder 23: Norway- Crown Prince Visit, June 1999
Folder 24: Northeast Iowa Community College, 1997-1999
Folder 25: McElroy Trust, 1994-2010
Folder 26: Mayo Clinic Initiative, 1997-2000
Folder 27: Minnesota Public Radio, 1996-2011
Folder 28: Pandemic Influenza Planning, 2006
Folder 29: National Collegiate Athletic Assoc., 2005
Folder 30: Main/Union Renovation, 2000
Folder 31: LECNA- Phase Two of Reclaiming Lutheran Students, 1999-2004
Folder 32: Luther College Press, 2000
Folder 33: Lilly Fellows Program, 1997-2007
Folder 34: Legends Fitness Center Ded., 2001
Folder 35: Jenson-Noble Dedication, 2002
Folder 36: Mason, Frank, and Anne, 2002-2004
Folder 37: Marketing Task Group, 2001-2003
Folder 38: MPR Board of Trustees, 2004-2007
Folder 39: US News and World Report, 1994-2007
Folder 40: U.S. West, 1998-1999
Folder 41: Scandinavian Institute, 1993-2011
Folder 42: Telmark College, 1996-2000
Folder 43: TRIO Programs (Dept. of Ed), 1998-2008
Folder 44: Tanzanian Technology Initiative, 2006-2007
Folder 45: Statue (Martin Luther) Lighting Project, 2002-2004
Folder 46: SWOT Analysis & Environmental Scanning, 1999-2000
Folder 47: Tuition Plan, 1998-2001
Folder 48: Pres. Search Committee Notes, 1995-1996
Folder 49: Wingspread Conference, 13-14 June 2007
Folder 50: Unknown Photograph, Undated