Torgersen, Paul E.

Paul Ernest Torgersen, 83, of Blacksburg, died Sunday, March 29, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Staten Island, N.Y. on October 13, 1931 to the late Einar and Frances Torgersen.

Paul had a long and distinguished career at Virginia Tech serving as a department head, 1967 to 1970; dean of engineering, 1970 to 1990; president of the research park, 1990 to 1994; and president of the university, 1994 to 2000. After retirement he continued to teach on a part-time appointment for another dozen plus years. He considered himself a professor who also served as president. He taught The Theory of Organization every semester during his 48 years with the university.

As dean, Paul lead the College of Engineering to national prominence and as president he focused on achieving economies of administration and operation as well as instructional and information technology. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, received Virginia Tech’s first Affirmative Action Award, and received the Sporn Award for teaching excellence.

In 1990, at the conclusion of his twenty year tenure as dean, engineering alumni awarded him and his wife a week at Wimbledon with tickets at Centre Court. The engineering faculty, not to be out done, awarded his wife a week vacation in the Caribbean “with the engineering professor of her choice”. As dean and president he personally signed 62,191 Virginia Tech diplomas.

Paul was an avid tennis player who, at one point, was ranked 8th in the nation in doubles by the United States Tennis Association. He loved Virginia Tech sports and The Marching Virginians. During games, he was often seen pacing the sideline or at courtside.

He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Dorothea Torgersen; and is survived by two daughters, Karen Torgersen (Mike Boyd), of Blacksburg, Va., Janis Torgersen, of Oxford, N.C.; 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.

Our family would like to give special thanks to Drs. Robinson, Aronson, Steockle, Prussin and Cox for all the support they gave our father and to his wonderful care givers, Traci, Charlene, Annetta, Rachel, and Rubi for taking care of him at the end which allowed us to keep him at home, where he could enjoy the view of the valley.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 1205 Old Mill Road (off of Prices Fork Road). The Rev. Scott West and the Rev. Samantha Torgersen McElwee will officiate. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.