[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 91 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E727-E728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF DR. THOMAS C. PLEGER

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2017

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to acknowledge the life of a 
devoted community leader and dedicated educator, Dr. Thomas Pleger, who 
passed away at the age of 48 on Sunday, May 7, 2017.
  Thomas was born on April 24, 1969, to Ernest and Barbara Pleger, and 
grew up just across the border from Menominee, Michigan in Marinette, 
Wisconsin. He earned his doctoral degree in archaeology and 
anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and spent 21 
years teaching at various private and public institutions throughout 
the region. Following his tenure as Campus Executive Officer and Dean 
at UW Baraboo-Sauk County, Thomas followed his passion for education 
into the Upper Peninsula where, on July 1, 2014, he became the eighth 
president of Lake Superior State University, a position he would hold 
until his untimely passing.
  As the president of Lake Superior State University, Thomas is 
remembered for his warmth, generosity, and tireless devotion to the 
school and its students. Lake Superior State University experienced a 
tremendous period of growth under Dr. Pleger's stewardship, including 
the implementation of a One Rate tuition plan, the financial 
restructuring of the university, the advancement of the R.W. Considine 
Hall Renovation project, and the procurement of funding for the 
proposed Center for Freshwater Research and Education. These 
accomplishments eventually led to him earning an appointment to 
Governor Rick Snyder's 21st Century Economy Commission, where he 
applied his extensive background in education to identify Michigan's 
economic priorities for the next 20 years.
  Beyond the campus, Dr. Pleger's leadership translated into real 
results for his community. Indeed, it was not uncommon for Thomas to 
lend a listening ear or life advice to prospective students, and he was 
known to connect on a personal level, with a lighthearted sense of 
humor. Today, Dr. Pleger is survived by his wife, Teresa, father, 
Ernest, brother, Tim, sons Matt, Andrew, Chad, and Collin, and his 
sister, Amy Pfister. Not only will Lake Superior State University bear 
the positive impact of Dr. Pleger for generations to come, but 
communities around the country will benefit from the countless lives he 
touched.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Pleger's outstanding career in education cannot be 
overstated, and his family and community can take great pride in 
knowing that the Upper Peninsula is a better place thanks to his life's 
work. On behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you 
to join me in recognizing an outstanding public servant whose 
contributions will continue to bless Yoopers for many years to come.

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