1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 560 1-3 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure 1-4 in recognizing the Honorable Leonard H. O. Spearman, Sr., for 1-5 his exceptional contributions to his state and the nation; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Throughout his notable career, Dr. Spearman has 1-7 served honorably and faithfully whether as a professor of law, 1-8 a university president, or an ambassador representing the 1-9 United States; and 1-10 WHEREAS, His influence in the world of international 1-11 diplomacy has been felt in emerging countries, where he worked 1-12 to establish educational programs and initiatives in the nations 1-13 of southern Africa; and 1-14 WHEREAS, A native of Florida, Leonard Spearman has made 1-15 his home in Texas for many years; after completing his bachelor 1-16 of science degree from Florida A&M University, Dr. Spearman 1-17 earned his master's degree and doctoral degree from the 1-18 University of Michigan; for his postdoctoral study, he received 1-19 a National Science Foundation fellowship; and 1-20 WHEREAS, He served on the faculties of Florida A&M 1-21 University and Texas Southern University, rising to the rank 1-22 of full professor; during his tenure, Professor Spearman 1-23 implemented programs for disadvantaged young people that enabled 2-1 them to enroll in postsecondary education courses and pioneered 2-2 the establishment of the lower division concept for students 2-3 entering college; and 2-4 WHEREAS, As a result of his work, Dr. Spearman joined 2-5 the federal government as associate assistant secretary for 2-6 postsecondary programs and was recognized by NASFAA as one of 2-7 the 25 most influential voices in the United States for his 2-8 contributions to higher education; and 2-9 WHEREAS, In 1980, Dr. Spearman accepted the presidency 2-10 of Texas Southern University and, during the next six years, 2-11 he provided the leadership necessary for major expansion of the 2-12 university's resources; under his guidance, accreditation was 2-13 granted for existing programs and new programs were added; and 2-14 WHEREAS, After resigning as president of Texas Southern 2-15 University in 1986, the highly acclaimed educator was appointed 2-16 by President Ronald Reagan to serve as the envoy to the Republic 2-17 of Rwanda and, later, by President Bush to the Kingdom of Lesotho; 2-18 and 2-19 WHEREAS, Since his return to the faculty of Texas Southern 2-20 University as a distinguished professor, Dr. Spearman has expanded 2-21 the influence of the university nationally and internationally; he 2-22 continues to share his expertise with government officials to 2-23 promote new enterprises between the United States and South Africa; 2-24 now, therefore, be it 2-25 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 3-1 75th Legislature, hereby express its appreciation to the Honorable 3-2 Leonard H. O. Spearman, Sr., for his outstanding accomplishments 3-3 and extend best wishes to him in his future endeavors; and, be it 3-4 further 3-5 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 3-6 him as an expression of the high regard of the Texas Senate. 3-7 Ellis 3-8 ______________________________________ 3-9 President of the Senate 3-10 I hereby certify that the above 3-11 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-12 on April 23, 1997. 3-13 ______________________________________ 3-14 Secretary of the Senate 3-15 ______________________________________ 3-16 Member, Texas Senate