Luther College President Richard Torgerson announces retirement plans

Judy and Rick Torgerson

Luther College President Richard Torgerson has announced that he will end his tenure as president of the college in the summer of 2013 after 14 years in the position

"In the summer of 2013 Judy and I will complete 14 amazingly wonderful years at Luther College," Torgerson said.  "This time brings us to the end of an eight-year term, the end of the college's Sesquicentennial Celebration, the fulfillment of the Sesquicentennial Fund goals, and the culmination of the current five-year strategic plan.  All of this makes it a good time for us to transition to the next phase of our vocational journey.

Luther College Board of Regents Cahri Paula Meyer expressed the appreciation of the board for the work and commitment the President and Mrs. Torgerson have invested in the College, saying "Rick Torgerson has delivered impressive results during his 14-year Presidential tenure, leaving Luther College a significantly stronger institution as a result of his service.  Both Rick and Judy have devoted their lives to the college and board members, faculty, staff and students have been both inspired and motivated by their passion."

Torgerson's accomplishments include the addition of three major facilities on campus -- Sampson Hoffland Laboratories, The Center for the Arts, and the completion of The Legends Fitness Center. Major additions and renovations to facilities included Valders Science Hall, Dahl Centennial Union, Jenson-Noble Music Hall, Loyalty Hall, and all student residence halls on campus.  The central campus green areas and roadways were reconfigured and the Bentdahl Commons constructed.

Torgerson led three major campaigns for scholarships, facilities and other educational needs: "Leadership for a New Century" raised $63.5 million; the "Higher Calling Campaign" raised $93.3 million, and the "Sesquicentennial Fund" is raising $50 million.
  
Torgerson has been especially active in the field of environmental sustainability for college campuses.  He was a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007 and has championed Luther's engagement with the ACUPCC goal of initiatives that "neutralize greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the earth's climate."  The recent erection of a wind turbine that generates a third of Luther's electrical power is the most visible symbol of that commitment, but the college has planned, developed and enacted hundreds of sustainability initiatives in its drive to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 percent.

Torgerson said serving at Luther has been an honor and the fulfillment of his calling as an education leader: "14 years is the longest Judy and I have stayed in any one place.  To be able to live in Decorah and serve Luther College has made these years very special and rewarding."