H.R. No. 263 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On February 9, 1995, San Antonio native Dr. Bernard 1-2 Harris became the first African-American astronaut to walk in 1-3 space, bringing great honor to his family, state, and nation; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The son of Gussie and Joe Burgess of San Antonio, 1-5 Dr. Harris attended Sam Houston High School and the University of 1-6 Houston, where he completed his biology degree in 1978; this fine 1-7 Texan then set his sights on a career in medicine, graduating from 1-8 the Texas Tech School of Medicine in 1982 and serving as a 1-9 practicing physician for several years; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Known for his compassionate and often innovative 1-11 work as a medical doctor, Dr. Harris also devoted himself to 1-12 conducting important scientific studies; his research ultimately 1-13 resulted in the publication of several influential articles that 1-14 established him as one of our nation's leading scientists; and 1-15 WHEREAS, In July 1991, this outstanding individual joined the 1-16 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an 1-17 astronaut, becoming one of a long line of Texans who have dedicated 1-18 themselves to the pursuit of scientific advancement as a member of 1-19 America's space program; Dr. Harris flew his first mission in April 1-20 of 1993, when he served as mission specialist and conducted 1-21 research in the fields of physics and life sciences; and 1-22 WHEREAS, On February 1, 1995, this remarkable man traveled to 1-23 the stars yet again as a crew member on board the space shuttle 1-24 Discovery, making history as a witness to the first rendezvous of a 2-1 space shuttle with the Russian Mir Space Station; and 2-2 WHEREAS, On this mission, Dr. Harris also became the first 2-3 black astronaut in history to walk in space; during the course of 2-4 the space walk, which lasted five hours, he tested the 2-5 effectiveness of NASA's new flight suits and gathered data that may 2-6 one day be used in the construction of a United States space 2-7 station; and 2-8 WHEREAS, In addition to his work as an astronaut, Dr. Harris 2-9 has committed himself to improving the quality of Texas education; 2-10 a member of the Texas Tech Board of Regents since 1993, he teaches 2-11 medicine to enterprising young students at The University of Texas 2-12 Medical Branch, the Baylor College of Medicine, The University of 2-13 Texas School of Medicine, and The University of Texas School of 2-14 Public Health; and 2-15 WHEREAS, In his dual role as an educator and scientist, Dr. 2-16 Harris has expanded the boundaries of human knowledge and 2-17 experience, and his remarkable achievements are indeed an 2-18 inspiration to Texans of all ages who dream of exploration, 2-19 adventure, and discovery; now, therefore, be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-21 Legislature hereby commend Dr. Bernard Harris for his outstanding 2-22 contributions to the State of Texas and the United States and 2-23 extend to him warmest best wishes for success and happiness in his 2-24 future endeavors; and, be it further 2-25 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-26 prepared for Dr. Harris as an expression of highest regard by the 2-27 Texas House of Representatives.