New Center for Nordic Studies at Luther named in honor of Torgersons

The Luther College Board of Regents has decided to establish a center for Nordic Studies and to name it the Richard L. and Judith A. Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies.

Mason City residents O. Jay and Patricia Tomson have pledged $1.25 million in donations to Luther to endow a chair within the center.  Luther will match the Tomson's donation by raising another $1.25 million by May 31st of 2014.

The center will serve students who want to connect their interest in Nordic Studies with a range of disciplines, including environmental science and sustainability, immigration and multiculturalism, peace studies, health care, banking, political science, economics and social work.

The Tomson Family Endowed Chair in Norwegian Language and Modern Nordic Culture will serve as the academic foundation of the center, providing oversight for academic and co-curricular programs. The center will be affiliated with Luther's International Studies Program.