| |
Portrait of Laurel D. Loftsgard |
Laurel D. Loftsgard was the first NDSU alumnus to serve as President of NDSU. Dr. Loftsgard was born in 1926 in Hoople, North Dakota . He served in the armed forces after graduating high school and again during his collegiate career. He graduated with a bachelor's in agricultural economics from NDAC in1954. He went on to Iowa State to earn his masters and doctorate degrees. He returned to NDAC in 1958 as an assistant professor of agricultural economics and in 1966 he was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was appointed acting President in January 1968 and made permanent by the Board of Higher Education six months later. During his presidency, enrollment increased by over 50%, more than $30 million worth of building projects were undertaken, he spearheaded the creation of the NDSU Development foundation, as well as many other achievements. In 1980 he received Blue Key's Doctor of Service Award. President Loftsgard died of cancer in early October 1987 after serving as NDSU's President for 19 years. In 1991, the new crop and weed sciences building was dedicated L.D. Loftsgard Hall.
Pres. & Mrs. Loftsgaard with Bison football team members, 1984 |
|
