$2.2 million Torson estate gift is a ‘catalyst’ for Luther College

The estate of the late Judith (Lueder) Torson ’62 and Doug Torson recently provided Luther College with a gift of $2.2 million. Not only is the amount significant, but so is its purpose.

Doug and Judith (Lueder) Torson

“This gift is truly going to serve as a catalyst,” said Mary Duvall, vice president for advancement. “The Torsons’ generosity will inspire more generosity, help our enrollment team reach more prospective students, and help our new leaders become even better, therefore maximizing their impact.”

The reason for this gift’s far-reaching impact is that it was made without any restrictions, said Duvall. “The Torsons’ gift was not only financial but also strategic, in so far as we can use it for the most impact right now.”

The Luther College Board of Regents has approved the Torson gift to provide Gerdin Fieldhouse challenge funding, enrollment marketing funding, leadership development initiatives, and support for the Luther Fund.

“I am grateful for the many partners that enable Luther to enact its mission to inspire and equip students to courageously serve the common good, and to realize its vision to catalyze the creation of a more sustainable and just society, one graduate at a time,” said President Brad Chamberlain. “This unrestricted gift from the Torsons is truly a blessing, and it leaves a legacy that will catalyze the belief, pride, and hope in Luther College that I see building on and off campus.”

A native of West Union, Iowa, Judy Torson majored in elementary education at Luther. Upon graduating in 1962, she launched a 30-year teaching career at Cleveland and Pierce Elementary Schools in Cedar Rapids. She married Douglas Archie Torson in 1967, a Coe College graduate who pursued a career at Collins Radio, the Cedar Rapids School District, Metropolitan School Supply, and as a business owner. They were members of First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Doug died on Nov. 5, 2020, followed by Judy on Aug. 29, 2024.

Family friend Brenda Short remembers the Torsons as “very fun-loving, giving, and into their church.” They had a close friendship with Short’s parents, playing cards and games, often spending Christmas Eve together, and even going on vacations together. “They didn’t have any children, so I think it was nice for them,” said Short. In addition, Short noted that Judy loved Luther, and she treasured a collection of memorabilia from her student years.

Judy had two younger siblings who also graduated from Luther. Her brother, Kenneth A. Lueder ’65, died in 1989; a scholarship in mathematics was established at Luther through a gift from his estate. Her sister, Barbara Lueder, graduated from Luther in 1970 and also pursued a career in education. She currently lives in Coralville, Iowa, and provides scholarship support to Luther through both current giving and an estate gift. Her niece, Karla (Lueder) Organist ’84, continued in the tradition as an elementary education major at Luther.

“Estate gifts like the Torsons’ are expressions of deep trust in the college’s future,” said Kelly Sorenson, director of planned giving. “They strengthen every corner of campus — from the classroom to programs — and ensure that Luther students continue to experience the kind of education that changes lives. We are profoundly grateful for donors who choose to leave such meaningful legacies.”

To learn more about planned giving, visit legacygiving.luther.edu.