By:  Bivins                                           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.