ABERDEEN, S.D. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune visited Northern State University on Tuesday, April 15, to meet with students, faculty and staff.
The visit began with a campus tour alongside Northern State University President Neal Schnoor and Vice President for Finance and Administration Veronica Paulson, including a stop at the Cecil Harris statue. The statue holds personal significance for the senator, as Harris flew alongside Thune’s late father, Harold Thune, during World War II.
Thune then held a student-focused discussion in JFAC Room 117. Students received priority seating, and faculty and staff were also invited to attend. A photo opportunity with attendees followed the session.
NSU student Jorja Whempner, a history, secondary education and government major, said it was a memorable experience to welcome the Senate Majority Leader to campus.
“It was surreal being able to host the U.S. Senate Majority Leader here at Northern,” Whempner said. “A lot of students don’t realize Senator Thune is currently the most powerful person in the Senate. The fact that he came to Aberdeen to speak to us is incredible. You can tell how committed he is to South Dakota when you hear him speak and see him take time to connect with students.”
Michael Grebner, a junior biochemistry major, said the discussion helped him better understand national issues.
“It’s not every day that the Senate Majority Leader visits campus, and it was remarkable how open Senator Thune was in answering students' questions,” Grebner said. “Hearing him talk about policy and economic priorities helped me better understand the Senate and the issues our country is facing. This experience gave me even more respect and admiration for Senator Thune and made me want to stay informed and involved in what is happening in our country.”
The senator concluded his visit with additional campus stops and conversations with athletics staff and student-athletes.