R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, For 50 years, the faculty and staff of Houston's 1-2 University of St. Thomas have been providing students with a high 1-3 quality education rooted in the study of philosophy and theology; 1-4 and 1-5 WHEREAS, What began as an undergraduate liberal arts college 1-6 with 40 students and eight faculty members has grown into a 1-7 venerable institution of 2,500 students and 200 faculty members 1-8 that boasts one of Houston's most elite business schools; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Founded in 1947 by the Basilian Fathers, the 1-10 University of St. Thomas was the first coeducational Catholic 1-11 Basilian college in the United States; it has since been rated one 1-12 of the top 10 universities in the western United States, and it has 1-13 also been named among the five best small comprehensive 1-14 universities in the nation; and 1-15 WHEREAS, The prestigious Cameron School of Business offers 1-16 several undergraduate business degrees as well as master's degrees 1-17 in business administration and accounting, while the university's 1-18 standard undergraduate curriculum includes study in English, 1-19 foreign languages, history, mathematics, and the natural and social 1-20 sciences; and 1-21 WHEREAS, The university's picturesque 22-acre urban campus 1-22 features many unique and interesting structures, including the 1-23 Academic Mall and the soon-to-be-completed Chapel of St. Basil, 1-24 both designed by world-renowned architect Philip Johnson; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The importance of pursuing intellectual edification 2-2 cannot be overstated, and for 50 years the University of St. Thomas 2-3 has been providing this opportunity for students from around the 2-4 world; as the school begins its second half century, it is truly a 2-5 privilege to recognize its remarkable and inspirational 2-6 achievement; now, therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-8 Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 2-9 University of St. Thomas and extend sincere best wishes to the 2-10 faculty, staff, and students of this remarkable institution on this 2-11 momentous occasion; and, be it further 2-12 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-13 prepared for the University of St. Thomas as an expression of high 2-14 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Coleman _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 179 was adopted by the House on March 20, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House