R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Community colleges are uniquely American
 1-2     institutions of higher learning that have become a profoundly
 1-3     significant element of the nation's cultural, social, and economic
 1-4     fabric; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, North Central Texas College (NCTC), which was
 1-6     established in 1924 by Randolph Lee Clark, is the oldest
 1-7     continuously operated public two-year college in Texas; Mr. Clark
 1-8     is recognized as one of the state's educational pioneers,  thus
 1-9     assuring the college he founded a prominent place in the history of
1-10     public higher education in this state; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Students attending NCTC and other public community
1-12     colleges in Texas account for more than 50 percent of the state's
1-13     public higher education enrollment, including more than 70 percent
1-14     of the freshmen and sophomores, over 60 percent of the minority
1-15     students, and more than 90 percent of students in technical
1-16     education programs for adults; and
1-17           WHEREAS, Through an open-door admissions policy, low costs,
1-18     and close geographical proximity, NCTC continues to offer the
1-19     citizens of Cooke, Denton, and Montague counties easy access to the
1-20     benefits of higher education, workforce training, and lifelong
1-21     learning; and
1-22           WHEREAS, Since its inception, NCTC has provided thousands of
1-23     local area students a gateway to advanced study at the university
1-24     level through smaller classes, individualized instruction by a
 2-1     caring faculty, and a guiding philosophy that students always come
 2-2     first; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, Functioning as a key member of its service area's
 2-4     economic development team, NCTC provides essential workforce
 2-5     training and service as a central element of the overall enticement
 2-6     package that can be offered to new business and industry prospects;
 2-7     and
 2-8           WHEREAS, North Central Texas College continues to grow in
 2-9     importance as a center for cultural, social, and intellectual
2-10     pursuits for citizens of all ages and backgrounds, thereby
2-11     enriching its service area's diversity and quality of life; now,
2-12     therefore, be it
2-13           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-14     Legislature hereby commemorate the 75th anniversary of North
2-15     Central Texas College and extend sincere best wishes to all those
2-16     who have contributed to the success of this remarkable institution;
2-17     and, be it further
2-18           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-19     prepared for North Central Texas College as an expression of high
2-20     regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
                                                                       Clark
                                                              King of Parker
                                                                  Hardcastle
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 453 was adopted by the House on March
         24, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House