R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Dr. Joseph A. Pierce, Jr., for his outstanding contributions to the 1-3 citizens of San Antonio both as a member of the medical profession 1-4 and as a civic leader; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Dr. Pierce helped found the C. A. Whittier Medical 1-6 Society, a professional association of physicians that strives to 1-7 promote research of illnesses affecting African Americans and to 1-8 help medical students embark on successful careers; and 1-9 WHEREAS, A leader in San Antonio's African-American 1-10 community, Dr. Pierce is also a noted collector, archivist, and 1-11 advocate of African-American art and literature, and his efforts in 1-12 this regard have captured the attention of the community and have 1-13 gained greater respect for the vast cultural contributions of 1-14 minority citizens; and 1-15 WHEREAS, The son of professional educators, this accomplished 1-16 gentleman was inspired by the achievements of his father, a 1-17 mathematician and former president of Texas Southern University 1-18 (TSU), and his mother, a cofounder of TSU's department of health 1-19 and physical education for women, both of whom instilled in him the 1-20 desire to pursue a career in medicine and a profound respect for 1-21 his cultural heritage; a 1957 graduate of TSU and a member of the 1-22 Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society, he earned his 1-23 degree from Meharry Medical College in 1961 and served eight years 1-24 in the United States Army, during which time he rose from the rank 2-1 of captain to lieutenant colonel; and 2-2 WHEREAS, This esteemed physician completed his residency at 2-3 Brooke General Hospital at Fort Sam Houston and was named chief of 2-4 anesthesiology at Second General Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany; a 2-5 native of the Lone Star State, Dr. Pierce eventually returned to 2-6 San Antonio, where he has since applied his skills to the benefit 2-7 of the community and is highly regarded for his medical acumen and 2-8 compassion for his patients; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Dr. Pierce has received the 2-10 loving support of his wife, Aaronetta Hamilton Pierce, his sons, 2-11 Michael Arthur Pierce and Joseph Aaron Pierce, and his 2-12 daughter-in-law, Kama Bethel Pierce, in his many endeavors; and 2-13 WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph A. Pierce, Jr., has displayed exceptional 2-14 dedication to the medical profession and to his community 2-15 throughout his remarkable career, and in light of his many 2-16 achievements, he is indeed deserving of special legislative 2-17 recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-18 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-19 Legislature hereby commend Dr. Joseph A. Pierce, Jr., for his part 2-20 in founding the C. A. Whittier Medical Society and for his 2-21 exemplary contributions to the health and welfare of the citizens 2-22 of San Antonio; and, be it further 2-23 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-24 prepared for Dr. Pierce as an expression of high regard by the 2-25 Texas House of Representatives. McClendon _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 473 was adopted by the House on April 18, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House