R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The year 1997 marks the 25th anniversary of The 1-2 University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), and this 1-3 auspicious occasion is truly worthy of special praise and 1-4 recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A valued asset to the Midland/Odessa community since 1-6 its founding, UTPB has established itself as an outstanding 1-7 institution of higher learning, and over the years the school has 1-8 produced more than 8,500 graduates and has served close to 27,500 1-9 students; and 1-10 WHEREAS, UTPB's student body has typically included numerous 1-11 commuting students from the Permian Basin region, but the 1-12 university's recent accreditation as a four-year institution 1-13 promises to attract greater numbers of traditional students, 1-14 including more from outside the area, and these new students will 1-15 infuse the UTPB campus with fresh perspectives and new vitality in 1-16 the years to come; and 1-17 WHEREAS, The excellence of UTPB's undergraduate offerings is 1-18 aptly complemented by the school's graduate programs, and students 1-19 may also benefit from such resources as the Center for Energy and 1-20 Economic Diversification, the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership 1-21 Institute, and the Small Business Development Center; and 1-22 WHEREAS, UTPB's staff and faculty have committed themselves 1-23 to meeting the educational needs of the community, and by 1-24 fostering a harmonious balance between preparation for professional 2-1 specializations and the liberal arts and sciences curriculum, they 2-2 have ensured that UTPB will remain an indispensable and welcome 2-3 presence in the West Texas landscape; now, therefore, be it 2-4 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-5 Legislature hereby commemorate the 25th anniversary of The 2-6 University of Texas of the Permian Basin and extend to all those 2-7 associated with the school sincere best wishes for continued 2-8 success and happiness in the future; and, be it further 2-9 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-10 prepared for display at the university as an expression of high 2-11 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. West _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 952 was adopted by the House on May 23, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House