78S10587 MMS-D

By:  Flynn                                                        H.R. No. 95 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The dedication of the Jerry D. Morris Recreation 
Center at Texas A&M University--Commerce celebrates the opening of 
a magnificent new facility on the university's campus and provides 
a fitting opportunity to recognize the man whose name the center 
bears; and
	WHEREAS, Designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of 
recreational interests, this state-of-the-art complex will play a 
significant role in promoting the health and overall well-being of 
members of the university community; among the many amenities 
featured are a three-lane indoor jogging track, a pool with lap 
lanes, a 45-foot climbing wall, and a fitness room with weight and 
cardiovascular equipment, as well as basketball, racquetball, and 
volleyball courts; and
	WHEREAS, Jerry D. Morris, namesake of this fine facility, is 
president emeritus of Texas A&M University--Commerce; a native of 
Arkansas and graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he 
earned three degrees, he came to what was then East Texas State 
University (ETSU) as director of placement in 1970; he subsequently 
served as dean of admissions, dean of the graduate school, and vice 
president for academic affairs before taking the reins as 
university president and CEO in 1987; and
	WHEREAS, In 1996, President Morris led a successful drive to 
bring ETSU within the Texas A&M University System; he retired in 
1997, after 11 years as president and after nearly 30 years of 
exceptional dedication to this university; and
	WHEREAS, President Morris has further given generously of his 
time and energies to such community and civic groups as the First 
United Methodist Church, Lions Club, and Commerce Economic 
Development Corporation; highly esteemed by both town and gown, he 
has been honored by the City of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the 
chamber of commerce, and the Northeast Texas Southeast Oklahoma 
Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America; and
	WHEREAS, Texas A&M University--Commerce has gained 
immeasurably from the incisive leadership, deep experience, and 
passionate commitment to education that Dr. Morris brought to the 
office of president, and this new recreation center stands as a fine 
tribute to his outstanding leadership; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the dedication 
of the Jerry D. Morris Recreation Center at Texas A&M 
University--Commerce and extend to President Morris sincere 
appreciation for his exemplary service; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for President Morris as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.