S.C.R. No. 27 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, It is fitting and appropriate that the Texas 1-2 Legislature recognize Dr. Thomas K. Kim on the occasion of his 1-3 retirement from 22 years of superlative service as President of 1-4 McMurry University; and 1-5 WHEREAS, In a tribute to his talent and efforts on behalf of 1-6 the university, this remarkable educator will become the 1-7 university's first chancellor on May 31, 1993, the day that he 1-8 retires; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Born in Shanghai, China, on February 18, 1929, Dr. 1-10 Kim came to the United States in 1948 to pursue his education; he 1-11 received his bachelor's degree in economics in 1952, his master's 1-12 degree in business administration in 1954, and his doctor of 1-13 philosophy degree in economics in 1961; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Dr. Kim taught at the college level from 1957 to 1-15 1970 before accepting his present position at McMurry College; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Among Dr. Kim's greatest accomplishments was his 1-17 success in continuing McMurry's high standards of academic freedom 1-18 and teaching excellence; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Known as a responsible and loyal administrator, he 1-20 ensured that McMurry operated on a sound financial basis and for 18 1-21 consecutive years the university had a balanced budget; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Under his skillful leadership, endowment assets grew 1-23 from $3 million to $25 million; one of the original founders of the 2-1 Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, he was instrumental 2-2 in effecting McMurry's change from a college to a university; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Dr. Kim earned countless honors as a result of his 2-4 dedication to excellence; in 1986, he was named Abilene Chamber of 2-5 Commerce's Outstanding Citizen of the Year; in 1988, he was 2-6 designated United States Air Force-Military Airlift Command's 2-7 National Citizen of the Year; chairman of the 1989-1990 United Way 2-8 of Abilene campaign, Dr. Kim has served on many local boards 2-9 including the Abilene Chamber of Commerce; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Throughout his long and varied career, Dr. Kim has 2-11 been strengthened and supported by his lovely wife, Martha; and 2-12 WHEREAS, The State of Texas has benefitted greatly from the 2-13 diligence and ability of this notable administrator who has 2-14 conscientiously performed his duties in an exemplary manner; now, 2-15 therefore, be it 2-16 RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas 2-17 hereby express its sincere appreciation to Dr. Thomas K. Kim for 2-18 his exceptional contributions to his university and its students 2-19 and faculty with all best wishes for a rewarding retirement; and, 2-20 be it further 2-21 RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for Dr. 2-22 Kim as an expression of the admiration and gratitude of the Texas 2-23 Legislature.