On the recordJune 24, 2020
Mr. President, I rise today to honor an influential and beloved North Dakotan, Sister Thomas Welder. I know the Presiding Officer knew her very well and just a little bit ago spoke about her here on the Senate floor, and that is so appropriate. She was such a wonderful person, and we both are so very fortunate to have known her and to have had time with her, to have learned much from her. She is truly somebody who I think epitomizes the term ``servant leader.'' Sister Thomas Welder was somebody who for me was a friend and a mentor in so many different ways, it is hard to recount, and also for my wife Mikey. Sister Thomas Welder dedicated her life to the University of Mary and the students, and my wife Mikey is on the board of trustees at the University of Mary, so Mikey and Sister Thomas worked together for many, many years and share an unbelievable bond as well. I am not even sure how long Mikey and I have known Sister Thomas; it has been many years. We have seen her in so many different capacities and so many different ways, but without fail, she was an inspiration--an inspiration for both of us and frankly an inspiration for anybody who ever met her. She truly was one of the most exceptional, amazing, wonderful people I have ever met.…





