Peccary Dinner Recognizes Dr. Don Lofgren for 31 Years of Leadership

Members of the Alf Museum’s Peccary Society thanked former director Dr. Don Lofgren for his extraordinary contributions over 31 years of leadership during the 29^th annual Peccary Society Dinner.

Lofgren, who transitioned to director emeritus in June, is credited for leading the Alf Museum’s drive for national accreditation in 1998 and transforming the facility into a world-class institution. He continues to teach classes and assist with museum activities as he prepares to retire in June 2022.

“Thirty-one years anywhere is a long time. If you live someplace for 31 years, it’s your home. I met my wife, Margaret, here at Webb. And we had two children, both girls. They grew up here and graduated from Vivian Webb School. This is really my home,” Lofgren said.

Dr. Andrew Farke, the Alf’s current director, praised Lofgren for his leadership and scholarship.

“Don is someone who has worked to ensure the past, the present and, most importantly, the future of the museum are in good hands,” Farke said. “Don, you’ve been an incredible person to work with; you’ve been a mentor and friend to me and so many others here at the museum. After Ray Alf, there is no other human who has been so influential on where we are as an institution and where we are headed. So, thank you so much for all of that.”

Farke announced that, in Lofgren’s honor, the museum’s leaders have established the Donald L. Lofgren Endowed Director’s Chair.

Lofgren shared the story of how he arrived at The Webb Schools at the age of 40.

“When I was 16, I started working for a grocery store in Minnesota. I worked till I was like 31 years old, 15 years or so. I was assistant manager. I had a pretty good life back there. But something was missing. So, I just decided one day to go back to school. Eventually, I spent 11 years straight going to school – undergrad, master’s, Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. And then I came to Webb,” Lofgren said. “This was my whole professional career, here at Webb.”

Lofgren thanked his colleagues, the museum Board of Trustees, the leaders of The Webb Schools and his students.

“I want to thank you for all your support for me over the years,” he said. “It’s been a great career.”