By Hunter of Taylor H.R. No. 224
74R6013 KMP-D
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives takes great pride
1-2 in commending a truly remarkable Texan, Dr. Don Edward Beck, for
1-3 his invaluable contributions toward the peaceful creation of a
1-4 democratic South Africa; and
1-5 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck began his lifelong interest in diplomacy
1-6 and negotiation as a student at Abilene Christian University, where
1-7 he received his master's degree in 1959; he credits this exemplary
1-8 institution for imbuing in him the moral and spiritual dedication,
1-9 as well as the solid academic background, that has enabled him to
1-10 become one of the world's leading experts in conflict resolution
1-11 techniques; and
1-12 WHEREAS, This remarkable individual completed his doctorate
1-13 at the University of Oklahoma before serving as a professor at the
1-14 University of North Texas, where he quickly gained recognition for
1-15 his innovative research and teaching in the field of peace and
1-16 conflict studies; named one of the university's outstanding
1-17 professors in 1969, he also was recognized as one of the
1-18 outstanding professors in the nation only one year later; and
1-19 WHEREAS, In the midst of the turbulent campus protests of the
1-20 late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Beck was often called upon by
1-21 university administrators to defuse potentially violent
1-22 confrontations; today his negotiation techniques are still in use
1-23 across the nation, and he is an active lecturer and member of the
1-24 World Future Society, American Psychological Association, and
2-1 International Society of Political Psychology; and
2-2 WHEREAS, In 1979 this outstanding educator resigned his
2-3 tenured position at the University of North Texas to devote himself
2-4 fully toward ending apartheid in South Africa, a decision that
2-5 received strong support and required great sacrifice from his
2-6 loving wife and children; and
2-7 WHEREAS, During the next 15 years, Dr. Beck worked behind the
2-8 scenes with governmental officials, civil rights leaders, business
2-9 investors and owners, and international diplomats to develop
2-10 successful strategies for attaining a more peaceful transition of
2-11 power in that troubled nation; during the final four years of this
2-12 transformation, he was the only private citizen from the United
2-13 States directly involved in the high-level negotiations that
2-14 ultimately led to the release of political prisoners and the
2-15 triumphant dissolution of the apartheid regime; and
2-16 WHEREAS, During this time, Dr. Beck also cofounded the
2-17 National Values Center, a group that applies emerging technologies
2-18 and new scientific knowledge toward the development of more
2-19 effective conflict resolution techniques; in addition to his
2-20 consulting work with Fortune 500 companies, he has worked with the
2-21 Denton Police Department, the Texas Department of Human Services,
2-22 and the cities of Plano, Grapevine, and Colleyville to design
2-23 creative solutions for pressing social and economic problems; and
2-24 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck is a true inspiration to Texans everywhere
2-25 who struggle against great odds to make the world a better place in
2-26 which to work, live, and raise a family, and this Texan's
2-27 exceptional accomplishments are indeed worthy of special
3-1 legislative recognition and support; now, therefore, be it
3-2 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
3-3 Legislature hereby commend Dr. Don Edward Beck on his many
3-4 extraordinary contributions toward peace and understanding in South
3-5 Africa and extend warmest best wishes to Dr. Beck and his family
3-6 for success and happiness in their future endeavors; and, be it
3-7 further
3-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-9 prepared as an expression of gratitude and high regard by the Texas
3-10 House of Representatives.