Torreys' enthusiasm, generosity benefit campus and commuity
By Marsha Shoemaker (reprint courtesy SCSU Spring 2004 Outlook)
George Torrey's passion for sports - especially Husky Hockey -
is widely recognized ... so much so that in a proclamation written for the 1997 March of Dimes Celebrity Roast, then St. Cloud Mayor Chuck Winkelman quipped: "Whereas, it is so well known that George Torrey is enthusiastic about athletics, 'too much sports, what's that mean?' could be his theme."
It was a bit of good natured ribbing, but Winkleman's witticism also is a testament to the commitment George and his wife Shirley have to their community's university and its athletic program. Supporting SCSU is a pleasure and a responsibility they relish, both as parents of a 1988 graduate, Kathryn Torrey Samuelson, and as community leaders.
"St. Cloud State is so very important to the community," George said. "And athletics is important to the university because it brings so much public awareness to the campus".
George and Shirley have been ardent fans and supporters of SCSU athletics for 30 years. In 1997 they established a $100,000 scholarship fund in memory of their son David that provides a full scholarship annually for a Husky hockey goalie. This year their gift of $500,000 to SCSU intercollegiate athletics will provide the National Hockey Center and the new multi-purpose stadium with state-of-the-art scoreboards that feature a video screen for instant replays and other new technology.
For this continuing commitment to SCSU Athletics, George has been honored with induction into the SCSU Athletic Hall of Fame (1996) and with an Alumni Service Award (1998).
"George is a great friend and generous supporter of Husky ahletics," said SCSU Athletics Director Morris Kurtz. "Even without being asked, he is always ready to go that extra mile on behalf of our student-athletes and coaches."
To the Torreys, going "that extra mile" is a way of life. During his years at the helm of the St. Cloud- based Herberger's department store chain, the company developed a strong culture of giving to service projects and charities in the communities served by their stores. Through active and generous support of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, Torrey also proved his personal commitment to strengthening the community.
"In my career I'm most proud of the development and growth of Herberger's from a small employee-owned company to a large multistore chain," George said. "But with that as a platform, we were able to provide a great deal of support for the Herberger communities, and that's even more satisfying."
Scholarships are a particular priority for the Torreys in their personal philanthropy. "We are people-oriented, and giving to scholarships and to further education fits who we are," he said. "It's a very important way to show that we appreciate that we're living comfortably, and we want to share with others who aren't as fortunate."
Through the community foundation, Shirley, a former nurse, and George fund two scholarships for nursing students at SCSU and one for a College of St. Benedict nursing student. In their son David's name, they support Community Foundation scholarships for four St. Cloud Technical High School graduates each year, 10 scholarships at St. Cloud Technical College, and youth hockey scholarships.
They also have given generous support to George's alma mater, Gustavus Adolphus, and local charitable services such as United Way, CentraCare Health Services, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and Anna Marie's Shelter for women who are victims of domestic abuse.
The Torreys' leadership and support have made tremendous contributions to the strength and character of our region, said Don Wetter, President-elect of the SCSU Foundation Board of Trustees. "They are committed to making their community a better place, and that makes them very special friends to the many people and institutions who continue to benefit from their generosity."
Through their generosity and enthusiasm for giving back to their community, the Torreys have become excellent examples for the students whose lives they touch and for their many friends in the community. "He's a source of motivation to all of us," said Kurtz.
"Equally important as their efforts on behalf of Husky athletics are their qualities as human beings," Kurtz said of the Torreys. "They are simply two of the finest people you would ever want to meet. Young and old alike in our community respect and feel warmly about them."
Note: The Torreys have been long-time members of the Center Ice Club and George has taken a number of road trips with our group over the years. We echo the fact that they are two of the finest and most generous people you would ever meet . The CIC thanks George and Shirley for their substantial contribution to the NHC and SCSU hockey.
