[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S14451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DR. JERALD TUNHEIM RETIRES FROM DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor Dr. Jerald Tunheim on the occasion of his retirement as the 
president of Dakota State University in Madison, SD.
  After receiving both his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering 
Physics and Master of Science in Physics from South Dakota State 
University in Brookings, South Dakota, Dr. Tunheim briefly moved to 
Stillwater, OK, where he received his Ph.D. in Physics from Oklahoma 
State University. He began his South Dakota teaching career at his alma 
mater in 1968 as an assistant professor of physics before becoming 
professor and Head of the Physics Department in 1980.
  Dr. Tunheim has earned the respect and admiration of all those who 
had the opportunity to work with him. His friendly demeanor and wealth 
of knowledge helped him develop close friendships with various 
colleagues and students while establishing the legacy of Dakota State 
University in South Dakota. Dr. Tunheim joined Dakota State University 
three years after the South Dakota legislature changed Dakota State 
University's mission to focus on computer and information systems 
technology as academic disciplines. In his term as President, there has 
been a 236 percent increase in enrollment and the number of computer 
majors has soared from 109 in 1985 to over 1,000 today.
  In his Letter from the President, Dr. Tunheim is proud to announce 
that, ``with a proud heritage as its foundation, Dakota State has 
evolved to meet the needs of today's students with its innovative 
approach to education and a faculty with diverse backgrounds and 
experiences. Dakota State offers its students the best opportunities to 
learn and grow to meet the demands of their future.'' Over the years, 
Dr. Tunheim has committed himself to helping Dakota State University 
students learn more about themselves and the world around them as he 
has worked hard to help students find the best in themselves. Thousands 
of students over the years have benefited from Dr. Tunheim's commitment 
to higher educational excellence.
  On the occasion of his retirement, I congratulate Dr. Tunheim for his 
tireless dedication to Dakota State University and his commitment to 
quality education. Dr. Tunheim has been recognized many times over for 
his extraordinary career including being named Teacher of the Year 
twice while at South Dakota State University. He was also chosen as one 
of the ``100 Influential South Dakotans for 1994'' is listed in 
journals such as American Men and Women of Science, Who's Who in 
America, Who's Who in American Education, and Oxford Who's Who. In 
addition to the hours he puts in as President of Dakota State 
University, Dr. Tunheim has spent his time on the Madison Area Chamber 
of Commerce Education Committee, Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board 
of Directors, Council of Presidents and Superintendents of South Dakota 
System of Higher Education. Governor's Task Force on Vocational-
Technical Education, and the National Association of Intercollegiate 
Athletes Council of Presidents, among many others.
  The lives of countless people have been enormously enhanced by Dr. 
Tunheim's talent and leadership as President at Dakota State 
University. The State of South Dakota is a better place because of his 
commitment to and passion for higher education excellence and his 
achievements should serve as a model for other talented educators 
throughout our state to emulate.
  I wish Dr. Jerald Tunheim the very best on his retirement.

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