By Luna                                                H.R. No. 369
         77R8219 MJS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor
 1-2     Edward H. Harte of Corpus Christi for his philanthropic support of
 1-3     many worthy projects of lasting value to citizens of the Lone Star
 1-4     State; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, A nationally known journalist and businessman,
 1-6     Mr. Harte enjoyed a distinguished career that spanned a
 1-7     quarter-century as the publisher of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times
 1-8     from 1962 until his retirement in 1987; together with his wife, the
 1-9     late Janet Harte, he has devoted his time and energy to benefit
1-10     numerous educational and charitable organizations in the community
1-11     and, in doing so, he has positively affected the lives of countless
1-12     people; and
1-13           WHEREAS, In September 2000, Mr. Harte  presented a gift of
1-14     $46 million to Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi to fund the
1-15     Harte Research Center for Gulf of Mexico Studies;  his remarkable
1-16     generosity has ensured the establishment of a world-class research
1-17     center that will focus on issues associated with biodiversity and
1-18     the economy; and
1-19           WHEREAS, Through the years, the Hartes have given more than
1-20     $20 million to support education, the arts, and the homeless; their
1-21     gifts have made possible a performing arts center at Texas A&M
1-22     University--Corpus Christi and a new branch of the city library;
1-23     and
1-24           WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Harte and his brother, Houston
 2-1     Harte, gave a gift of the 66,000-acre North Rosillos Mountains
 2-2     Preserve to Big Bend National Park, endowed two professorships at
 2-3     The University of Texas at Austin, and supplied the funding for a
 2-4     building at Angelo State University in San Angelo, where the Harte
 2-5     family lived for a number of years; and
 2-6           WHEREAS, Mr. Harte has demonstrated his dedication to the
 2-7     worthy goal of protecting habitats and preserving natural resources
 2-8     for future generations  through the leading role he played in the
 2-9     establishment of the Padre Island National Seashore and Mustang
2-10     Island State Park, and he is a former chair and member of the board
2-11     of directors of the National Audubon Society; and
2-12           WHEREAS, Mr. Harte's impressive record of service speaks
2-13     volumes about the  profound impact he has had on the Lone Star
2-14     State;  a highly respected community leader, he is a source of
2-15     inspiration to many, and his contributions to a host of educational
2-16     and charitable groups in behalf of his fellow Texans is truly
2-17     commendable; it is indeed a privilege to pay tribute to this
2-18     admirable gentleman at this time; now, therefore, be it
2-19           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-20     Legislature hereby commend Edward H. Harte for his exceptional
2-21     achievements and contributions to the Corpus Christi community, the
2-22     Coastal Bend area, and the State of Texas; and, be it further
2-23           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-24     prepared for Mr. Harte as an expression of high regard by the Texas
2-25     House of Representatives.