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