Nancy and Torgie Torgerson
Title/Professional Designation
Nancy – Currently Chairman, Operating Board
Immediate Past – Vice Chairman – 6 years, Secretary – 2 years
Vernon “Torgie”* – Senior Executive Vice President, Frost Bank, 46 years
Chairman, Finance Committee – The Center
Professional Background
Nancy – Community Volunteer
Torgie – Frost Bank and Community Volunteer
We both have volunteered at The Center approximately 8-10 years.
Programs or Initiatives
I have co-chaired the Gala when The Center still had an evening dinner/gala, in addition to chairing the Legacy of Hope luncheon, Ethics in Business luncheon, various committees.
The initiative closest to my heart is the Meditation Garden my husband and I spearheaded before he passed away. When I learned there was to be a garden area, I told my husband I would like for us to chair the project. After cancer surgery a number of years ago, my refuge was the garden area in the rehabilitation center. Every day I sat outside in the warm sun and it gave me strength and a sense of renewal. My husband was in complete agreement with chairing the project, and with a $200,000 matching grant from the Medical Foundation, we raised the first $100,000. But prior to that, he chose the architects – RVK – who did an incredible job bringing together the concept of The Center of hope and healing. After my husband passed away, Kelley and Pat Frost stepped in to take over the helm and brought the project to fruition, naming it the ‘Seeds of Hope’ Meditation Garden. I am grateful beyond words for their commitment to The Center, their support of me, and the love for my husband. So many of our friends have stepped up to support the Garden in his memory, and my heart is full.
The Center is a special and unique place because it is a place of comfort for those who have a hurting heart. I have come to know the emotional pain of loss, and The Center is that refuge for me and for so many. It is a beacon to those seeking comfort – the building itself, set on a large corner in the medical center, shines brightly as a place for that hope and healing.
Torgie and I kept a special scripture close to our hearts as we worked to better our community. It is Luke 12:48, and it reads,
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” We honor these words, and pray we have lived up to them in some small way, as we have been so very blessed. And, I honor my husband, who had an incredibly giving heart – to his church, to his family and friends, and to his community. To my love – I honor you and all you’ve done for others.