[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 55 (Thursday, April 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PAUL TORGERSEN

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2015

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I submit these remarks to commemorate the 
life of Paul Torgersen of Blacksburg, Virginia, who passed away on 
March 29, 2015, and to pay tribute to his tremendous legacy at Virginia 
Tech.
  Paul was born on October 13, 1931 in Staten Island, New York. In 
1953, he graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 
with a B.S. in industrial engineering, and went on to earn his M.S. and 
Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in 1956 and 1959, respectively. 
Paul joined the faculty of Oklahoma State University in 1959, and 
served until 1966 first as an assistant professor and later as an 
associate professor.
  In 1967, Paul began his long and distinguished career at Virginia 
Tech. He served as professor and head of the Department of Engineering 
from 1967 through 1970, Dean of Engineering from 1970 through 1990, 
President of the research park from 1990 through 1994, and President of 
the University from 1994 through 2000.
  While serving as President, Paul helped grow Virginia Tech's 
influence in the nation in both academics and athletics. Under his 
leadership, U.S. News & World Report ranked its engineering and 
business colleges among nation's top 50. Furthermore, the university's 
endowment nearly doubled.
  Importantly, even while serving in senior leadership posts, Paul 
never forgot his roots, teaching at least one course each year for 58 
years (which began before he arrived at Virginia Tech). Accordingly, 
Paul referred to himself as ``a professor who is also serving as 
President.''
  Paul's numerous professional accomplishments include his appointment 
to the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research 
Council. He also authored several books, and served on the editorial 
boards of the Journal of Engineering Education, the Journal of 
Industrial Engineering, and AIIE Transactions. Additionally, Paul 
served on the Virginia Governor's Task Force on Science and Technology, 
received the 1992 Virginia Engineering Educator of the Year Award, and 
was a Fellow in the Institute of Industrial Engineers and the American 
Society for Engineering Education.
  Outside of his professional success, Paul was an avid tennis player. 
At 55, he was ranked 8th in the nation in doubles for his age group by 
the United States Tennis Association. He was even able to spend a week 
at Wimbledon at Centre Court, courtesy of Tech engineering alumni.
  Paul is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Dorothea Torgersen. He 
is survived by two daughters Karen Torgersen (Mike Boyd), of 
Blacksburg, VA, Janis Torgersen, of Oxford, NC; and a son James 
Torgersen (Lynda), of Claytor Lake, VA; six grandchildren, Lindsay 
Nalevanko, Bryan Reisch, Erin Reisch, Michael Reisch, Paul Torgersen, 
Samantha McElwee; and two great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Collin 
Nalevanko.
  Paul's impact on Virginia Tech is immeasurable. I have no doubt his 
legacy will continue on in the work of the many people he taught, 
mentored, and influenced throughout his lifetime. My thoughts and 
prayers go out to Paul's family and loved ones.

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