By: Haywood, Shapiro S.R. No. 901 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 WHEREAS, The Texas Senate takes great pride in commending 1-3 a truly remarkable Texan, Dr. Don Edward Beck, for his invaluable 1-4 contributions toward the peaceful creation of a democratic 1-5 South Africa; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck began his lifelong interest in diplomacy 1-7 and negotiation as a student at Abilene Christian University, where 1-8 he received his master's degree in 1959; he credits this exemplary 1-9 institution for imbuing in him the moral and spiritual dedication, 1-10 as well as the solid academic background, that has enabled him to 1-11 become one of the world's leading experts in conflict resolution 1-12 techniques; and 1-13 WHEREAS, This remarkable individual completed his doctorate 1-14 at the University of Oklahoma before serving as a professor at 1-15 the University of North Texas, where he quickly gained recognition 1-16 for his innovative research and teaching in the field of peace 1-17 and conflict studies; named one of the university's outstanding 1-18 professors in 1969, he also was recognized as one of the outstanding 1-19 professors in the nation only one year later; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In the midst of the turbulent campus protests of 1-21 the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Beck was often called upon 1-22 by university administrators to defuse potentially violent 1-23 confrontations; today his negotiation techniques are still in 2-1 use across the nation, and he is an active lecturer and member of 2-2 the World Future Society, American Psychological Association, and 2-3 International Society of Political Psychology; and 2-4 WHEREAS, In 1979 this outstanding educator resigned his 2-5 tenured position at the University of North Texas to devote himself 2-6 fully toward ending apartheid in South Africa, a decision that 2-7 received strong support and required great sacrifice from his loving 2-8 wife, Patricia, and his children; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck has been inspired and encouraged in his 2-10 work by his mother, the former Bertha Mae Blevins; and 2-11 WHEREAS, During the next 15 years, Dr. Beck worked behind the 2-12 scenes with governmental officials, civil rights leaders, business 2-13 investors and owners, and international diplomats to develop 2-14 successful strategies for attaining a more peaceful transition 2-15 of power in that troubled nation; during the final four years of 2-16 this transformation, he was the only private citizen from the 2-17 United States directly involved in the high-level negotiations 2-18 that ultimately led to the release of political prisoners and the 2-19 triumphant dissolution of the apartheid regime; and 2-20 WHEREAS, During this time, Dr. Beck also cofounded the 2-21 National Values Center, a group that applies emerging 2-22 technologies and new scientific knowledge toward the development 2-23 of more effective conflict resolution techniques; in addition to 2-24 his consulting work with Fortune 500 companies, he has worked 2-25 with the Denton Police Department, the Texas Department of Human 3-1 Services, and the cities of Plano, Grapevine, and Colleyville to 3-2 design creative solutions for pressing social and economic problems; 3-3 and 3-4 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck is a true inspiration to Texans everywhere 3-5 who struggle against great odds to make the world a better place 3-6 in which to work, live, and raise a family, and this Texan's 3-7 exceptional accomplishments are indeed worthy of special legislative 3-8 recognition and support; now, therefore, be it 3-9 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 3-10 74th Legislature, hereby commend Dr. Don Edward Beck on his many 3-11 extraordinary contributions toward peace and understanding in 3-12 South Africa and extend warmest best wishes to Dr. Beck and his 3-13 family for success and happiness in their future endeavors; and, 3-14 be it further 3-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared 3-16 as an expression of gratitude and high regard by the Texas Senate. 3-17 ______________________________________ 3-18 President of the Senate 3-19 I hereby certify that the above 3-20 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-21 on May 3, 1995. 3-22 ______________________________________ 3-23 Secretary of the Senate 3-24 ______________________________________ 3-25 Member, Texas Senate 4-1 ______________________________________ 4-2 Member, Texas Senate