Luther president Torgerson to step down in 2013

Luther College President Richard Torgerson has announced he will end his tenure as president of the college in the summer of 2013.

Torgerson came to Luther in July 1999. Serving as president until the summer of 2013 will bring the end of the college's Sesquicentennial Celebration, the fulfillment of the Sesquicentennial Fund goals and the end of the current five-year strategic plan, Torgerson said in his announcement.

"We do not know where our journey might lead us, but we have great faith that once again we will be called to serve where our passions and gifts can fulfill a need," he said in a statement.

Torgerson has delivered impressive results during his 14-year tenure, leaving Luther College a significantly stronger institution as a result of his service, Luther board of regents Chairwoman Paula Meyer said. Meyer expressed the appreciation of the board for the work and commitment Torgerson and his wife, Judy, have invested in the college.

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.

He directed two transformational strategic plans, and he will have led Luther's development team to the completion of three major campaigns for scholarships, facilities and other educational needs: Leadership for a New Century that raised $63.5 million; the Higher Calling Campaign that raised $93.3 million, and the Sesquicentennial Fund that is raising $50 million. These funding initiatives have added more than $55 million to the college's endowment.