[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING MARLENE KAYSER ON THE OCCASION OF HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2018

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Marlene Kayser of Saint 
Paul, Minnesota on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Marlene's family 
will join her many friends to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of 
service to others on September 23, 2018. Governor Mark Dayton has 
proclaimed the day as Marlene Kayser Day in the State of Minnesota.
  Growing up on a farm in southern Minnesota instilled in Marlene the 
values of hard work, sensibility and duty to others. A passion for 
promoting human rights and social justice has taken her across the 
state and around the world to further this vital work. Numerous 
organizations and causes including Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights 
and Planned Parenthood have benefited greatly from her generosity, 
leadership and skills as a volunteer and role model.
  Over the decades, Marlene, her husband Tom, daughter Carol and sons 
Tom and David literally opened their arms and their Saint Paul home to 
the community to generously assist others. There they have served as 
host family to many international students, connected countless 
community leaders, and launched initiatives that improve our state and 
our planet for everyone. The open door of the Kayser home has been a 
tangible symbol of the hospitality and encouragement that Marlene 
offers.
  Through her tireless work with Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, 
Marlene has traveled the world as a grassroots volunteer--at her own 
expense--to monitor conditions and to train leaders. She's spoken with 
citizens and professionals about domestic violence in places like 
Macedonia and Romania, then returned to Minnesota to provide her 
valuable skills as an effective fundraiser who builds relationships and 
spreads the word about these important issues.
  Generations of social justice advocates have been taught by Marlene's 
example and mentorship. It has been observed by many that her gracious 
persistence and dignified determination in promoting women's rights 
inspires others to push harder and never give up when faced with 
challenges. Above all, she leads by example. When called to help, you 
can count on Marlene to provide vision, as well as the tenacity to see 
a project to completion.
  It is a privilege to know Marlene as a friend, confidant and mentor. 
Her ability to offer wise counsel and inspiration has always been a 
welcome presence during my elected service. I am grateful for her 
kindness and grace.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the many significant 
contributions of Marlene Kayser throughout her decades of human rights 
and social justice activism. As Minnesota prepares to observe ``Marlene 
Kayser Day in Minnesota,'' let us all celebrate her great impact in our 
state and around the world.

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