[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT O. KELLEY

 Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, after 7 and a half years of 
leadership educating the best and brightest minds not only in North 
Dakota, but from around the world, University of North Dakota, UND, 
president, Dr. Robert O. Kelley, is retiring. I want to take the time 
to thank him for his service and send my best wishes to President 
Kelley, his wife, Marcia, and his family for their commitment to the 
students, faculty, and families served by the university.
  President Kelley joined the University of North Dakota in 2008, 
serving as the school's 11th president and providing the university, 
its students, the city of Grand Forks, and the State of North Dakota 
the steadfast direction needed to strengthen the legacy and leadership 
of the institution.
  As an alumna, the University of North Dakota will always hold a 
special place in my heart. The University of North Dakota is where I 
gained knowledge and skills that helped me in both the private and 
public sectors. So I am proud President Kelley similarly ensured that 
students continue to receive the skills they need to succeed. Under his 
steady guidance, the University of North Dakota has grown 
significantly.
  Nearly $225 million in building projects are underway at the 
university, including the school of law building addition and 
renovation and the new school of medicine and health sciences building, 
which will open in the fall of 2016. Each and every time I return to 
the campus to visit with students and faculty, I see firsthand the 
exceptional college experience UND offers. I know these accomplishments 
are in large part attributed to Dr. Kelley's direction and will be an 
element of his legacy for years to come.
  Since the university's founding in 1883, it has been an academic 
center for North Dakota, where young minds have had the opportunity to 
learn and grow to become the leaders of the State and the country. 
President Kelley's leadership has worked to navigate the university 
through sometimes controversial reforms including the process to change 
the school's nickname and logo. Under his guidance, the school worked 
to ensure a smooth transition.
  As UND looks to the future, I recognize that President Kelley's work 
over these last 7 and a half years has strengthened the institution's 
foundation for excellence and will help those who follow in his stead 
to maintain the school's legacy. On behalf of the students, families, 
and citizens of North Dakota, I wish him and his family the best and 
thank them for their hard work and service to the University of North 
Dakota and our great State.

                          ____________________