A President, a Sister, and a Builder of Programs: The Lasting Legacy of Sister Thomas Welder

When you walk across the University of Mary campus and see how far it has come—from a small college on the prairie to a nationally respected Catholic university—it’s impossible not to see the fingerprints of Sister Thomas Welder.

A Bismarck native and a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Sister Thomas served Mary College, now the University of Mary, beginning in 1963. Over the decades, she became one of the most influential leaders in the institution’s history, guiding its growth academically, spiritually, and athletically.

From Mary College to the Presidency

After joining Mary College in the early 1960s, Sister Thomas dedicated herself to the university’s mission of forming students in mind, body, and spirit. Her deep commitment, wisdom, and vision led to her appointment as president in 1978.

For more than 30 years, she served as:

• President of the University of Mary (1978–2009)
• A steady, faith-filled leader through seasons of expansion, change, and opportunity

When she retired as president on July 1, 2009, the Board of Trustees honored her with the title of President Emerita. She continues to serve the institution in mission advancement, helping ensure that the founding Benedictine values remain at the heart of everything UMary does.

Championing Marauder Athletics

While Sister Thomas is rightly known for her impact on academics and mission, her role in shaping Marauder Athletics is equally significant.

Under her leadership:

• The athletic program expanded from just a couple of teams to as many as 19 varsity sports
• UMary became a national leader in the NAIA, regularly contending on the conference and national stages
• She helped oversee the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II and membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)

For athletes, coaches, and fans, Sister Thomas wasn’t just a president signing off on budgets—she was a true supporter of student-athletes, believing deeply in the role sports play in forming character, discipline, and community.

The growth of Marauder Football and all UMary athletics happened under a president who understood that competition and mission could work hand in hand.

Service Beyond Campus: A Life of Civic Leadership

Sister Thomas’s influence reaches far beyond UMary’s hilltop.

She is an active participant in boards and community organizations, bringing her leadership and faith to a wide range of causes. Her dedication has been recognized with numerous honors, including:

• The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award (May 2004) – North Dakota’s highest honor, awarded to individuals who have been achievers in fields that brought national recognition to the state.
• Induction into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame (2007)
• The Missouri Slope Areawide United Way’s 2007 Bismarck-Mandan Lifetime of Caring Award

Each of these recognitions reflects the same core reality: Sister Thomas has given her life in service to others—students, parishioners, neighbors, and the broader North Dakota community.

Why Sister Thomas’s Story Matters to Marauders

For Marauder Football alumni and the broader UMary family, Sister Thomas Welder represents:

• Faithful leadership grounded in Benedictine values
• Bold vision that allowed Mary to grow in size, scope, and impact
• Unwavering support for student-athletes and the role of athletics in holistic education
• A lifetime of service that continues even after her presidency

The teams we cheer for, the facilities we enjoy, and the reputation UMary carries today are all part of a legacy Sister Thomas helped build.

Every time a Marauder takes the field, runs out of a tunnel, or walks across that graduation stage, they’re stepping into a story she spent decades writing—with humility, courage, and a deep love for the University of Mary.