By Hunter of Taylor H.R. No. 685 74R11420 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Dr. Delores Washburn is retiring from her position 1-2 as a professor of English at Hardin-Simmons University, drawing to 1-3 a close a distinguished tenure with the university that has spanned 1-4 more than a quarter of a century; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Born July 21, 1933, in Pampa to Jewell and Jimmie 1-6 Cole, this native Texan was graduated from Borger High School in 1-7 1951; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Dr. Washburn began her higher education at Frank 1-9 Phillips College and continued her pursuit of academic excellence 1-10 at West Texas State University, where she attained her bachelor's 1-11 and master's degrees in English; she later culminated her studies 1-12 by earning her doctor's degree at Texas Tech University; and 1-13 WHEREAS, She joined the staff of Hardin-Simmons University in 1-14 1968 and brought to that fine institution the highest possible 1-15 level of commitment to the educational needs of her students; in 1-16 addition to her classroom duties, Dr. Washburn also tirelessly 1-17 devoted her time and energies to sponsoring many worthy campus 1-18 organizations; and 1-19 WHEREAS, A superb writer and editor, Dr. Washburn is a 1-20 recognized authority in the area of Southern American literature, 1-21 has authored many exceptional reviews and critical essays, and was 1-22 the first editor of Mesquite, a literary journal published by the 1-23 Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and the Committee for the 1-24 Humanities containing works by Abilene writers; and 2-1 WHEREAS, For her many exceptional achievements at 2-2 Hardin-Simmons University, Dr. Washburn was named the W. D. & 2-3 Hollis R. Bond Professor of English in 1991; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Among the other well-deserved accolades given this 2-5 esteemed educator are the Cullen Award for Teaching Excellence, the 2-6 Distinguished Graduate Award from Frank Phillips College, and the 2-7 1991 Faculty Award; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Active in many civic organizations as well, Dr. 2-9 Washburn has been a dynamic member of both the Abilene Woman's Club 2-10 and the Abilene Committee for the Humanities; and 2-11 WHEREAS, She has been supported in all her many endeavors by 2-12 her devoted husband, Paul Washburn, and by her children, 2-13 Dee-Deborah Rachel Hinshaw and Gwen Ellen Snyder; and 2-14 WHEREAS, Dr. Washburn can indeed look back with tremendous 2-15 pride and satisfaction on her exemplary 27-year career as an 2-16 educator as she prepares to embark on her well-deserved retirement; 2-17 now, therefore, be it 2-18 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-19 Legislature hereby congratulate Delores Washburn on her exceptional 2-20 career as an educator and writer and extend sincere best wishes to 2-21 her for a happy and rewarding retirement; and, be it further 2-22 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-23 prepared for Dr. Washburn as an expression of high regard by the 2-24 Texas House of Representatives.