S.C.R. No. 37 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature was deeply saddened by the 1-2 death of A. Kenneth Pye, the respected and popular former president 1-3 of Southern Methodist University; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born August 21, 1931, in New York City, Mr. Pye 1-5 earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Buffalo 1-6 in 1951; he acquired his law degree from Georgetown University in 1-7 1953, then proceeded to earn advanced law degrees from Georgetown 1-8 University in 1955 and 1978; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Called early to positions of responsibility, Mr. Pye 1-10 became a full professor of law and associate dean of the law center 1-11 at Georgetown University; while a law professor at Duke University, 1-12 he was named law school dean, and later chancellor, university 1-13 counsel, and acting president of Duke University; and 1-14 WHEREAS, In 1987, President Pye accepted the responsibility 1-15 of the presidency of Southern Methodist University; and 1-16 WHEREAS, When President Pye arrived in Dallas, the university 1-17 was reeling from a football scandal that many considered the 1-18 greatest crisis in its history; and 1-19 WHEREAS, President Pye brought his dedication and 1-20 determination to the task of restoring the integrity of his 1-21 institution; that he succeeded admirably is evidence of his 1-22 unwavering belief in the university and its future; and 1-23 WHEREAS, The importance of the role President Pye played in 2-1 rebuilding Southern Methodist University's shaky foundation cannot 2-2 be overemphasized; his tenure was filled with significant advances; 2-3 and 2-4 WHEREAS, To the students of the university, Mr. Pye was a 2-5 caring advocate and leader; he improved academic standards, pushed 2-6 for more campus diversity, and bettered the school's national 2-7 reputation; and 2-8 WHEREAS, The president was also praised for his steadfast 2-9 belief that athletes should perform in the classroom as well as on 2-10 the playing field; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Ultimately, his university and his community 2-12 realized the amazing transformation President Pye had accomplished; 2-13 he was one of the truly great leaders of higher education; now, 2-14 therefore, be it 2-15 RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-16 hereby join the many friends and relations of this worthy citizen 2-17 in sad recognition of the loss they have suffered and extend 2-18 sincere condolences to the bereaved family: his wife, Judith; and 2-19 his son, Henry Williams Pye; and, be it further 2-20 RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for 2-21 those held dear by A. Kenneth Pye as a token of sorrow and sympathy 2-22 from the Texas Legislature, and that when the legislature adjourns 2-23 this day, it do so in his memory.