Bjorn "Erik" Borgen interview, 1996 February 13

Abstract:
In this series of interviews by Odd Lovoll for his books “The Promise of America: History of the Norwegian-American People” and “The Promise Fulfilled: A Portrait of Norwegian Americans Today,” Bjorn Borgen and Odd Lovoll discuss Bjorn’s childhood in Norway during World War II and his subsequent immigration to Wisconsin. Bjorn also details his many academic and economic successes in business. He explains his history with the sport of skiing, the process of adjusting to living in a new country, and his later business ventures. Bjorn also talks about his thoughts on Norwegian values and his political views.

Biography:
Bjorn Krogh “Erik” Borgen was born September 22nd, 1937, in Åndalsnes, Norway, to Helene and Truls Borgen. He was nicknamed “Erik” by his grandmother. After World War II, his family moved to Wisconsin in 1947, where Bjorn grew up in the town of Strum. Bjorn earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962 and later an MBA from Harvard in 1966. While studying at Harvard, he met his wife, Katherine, with whom he has three children. Today, Bjorn is a successful businessman living in Colorado, where he continues skiing.