By Carter                                              H.R. No. 493
         76R8510 GMW-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The retirement of Dr. David Richards as president of
 1-2     the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
 1-3     brings to a close the distinguished career of a remarkable
 1-4     gentleman; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, A native of Ohio, Dr. Richards earned a bachelor's
 1-6     degree from Baldwin Wallace College in 1954 and a doctor of
 1-7     osteopathy degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
 1-8     in 1960; before his move to Texas, he had a successful general
 1-9     medical practice, served as president of the Ohio Society of
1-10     Osteopathic General Practitioners, and was the founding chair of
1-11     both the department of osteopathic medicine and the department of
1-12     family medicine and associate dean for academic and clinical
1-13     affairs at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine; and
1-14           WHEREAS, In 1981 he began his lengthy association with the
1-15     University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth as
1-16     associate dean for academic affairs, and his dedication and
1-17     commitment to excellence earned him repeated promotions until 1986,
1-18     when he was named the school's president, a position he has held
1-19     throughout the ensuing years; initially a small medical school, the
1-20     health science center has expanded significantly under Dr.
1-21     Richards's direction and is now a comprehensive facility that is at
1-22     the forefront of 21st-century medicine; and
1-23           WHEREAS, A highly respected voice in his field, Dr. Richards
1-24     was the first osteopathic physician elected as a member-at-large to
 2-1     the National Board of Medical Examiners, and he was one of the
 2-2     first osteopaths named to the Veterans Administration Special
 2-3     Medical Advisory Group; a former chair of the board of governors
 2-4     and the council of deans of the American Association of Colleges of
 2-5     Osteopathic Medicine, he has most recently been named chair of the
 2-6     Health Professions Education Advisory Committee of the Texas Higher
 2-7     Education Coordinating Board; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, In addition to garnering a host of awards during his
 2-9     lengthy career, Dr.  Richards has played a significant role in
2-10     numerous community organizations, including the Strategy 2000
2-11     Biomedical Technology Planning Committee, the Fort Worth Chamber of
2-12     Commerce, the American Heart Association of Fort Worth, the
2-13     Dallas/Fort Worth Health Industry Council, and the Association of
2-14     Academic Health Centers; and
2-15           WHEREAS, Throughout the years, this esteemed physician and
2-16     educator has enjoyed the support of his wife, Merilyn, and his
2-17     three children, Diane Budendorf, Dr.  David R. Richards, and Dr.
2-18     Dale Richards; and
2-19           WHEREAS, Dr. David Richards has distinguished himself as a
2-20     man of ability and integrity, and it is truly fitting that he be
2-21     honored for his many accomplishments at this time; now, therefore,
2-22     be it
2-23           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-24     Legislature hereby recognize Dr. David Richards on the occasion of
2-25     his retirement and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
2-26     success and happiness; and, be it further
2-27           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 3-1     prepared for Dr. Richards as an expression of high regard by the
 3-2     Texas House of Representatives.