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78R4227 MDM-D
By: Dukes H.R. No. 142
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Dr. Exalton and Wilhelmina Delco Activity Center
in Northeast Austin, a facility of the Austin Independent School
District (AISD), is being dedicated in honor of two of the city's
most distinguished civic leaders; and
WHEREAS, For more than 30 years, Dr. Exalton Delco and his
wife, the Honorable Wilhelmina Delco, have given unstintingly of
their time, talents, and energies in such vital arenas as
education, the arts, civic endeavors, and public service; and
WHEREAS, A highly regarded professor of biology and college
administrator, Dr. Delco has served during his impressive career as
department head at Texas Southern University and as vice president
of academic affairs at both Huston-Tillotson College and Austin
Community College (ACC), and as special assistant to the president
at The University of Texas at Austin; further, he has chaired
advisory committees of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board, assisted the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as
an accrediting team member, and served as an advisor to the
presidents of both ACC and The University of Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, His civic leadership has benefited a host of local
groups and institutions, including the Leadership Austin Advisory
Council, LBJ Science Academy Board, Austin-Travis County Mental
Health/Mental Retardation Center, and Austin Symphony Orchestra;
the recipient of numerous accolades, he has been listed in American
Men of Science, Who's Who in American Education, and Who's Who in
American College and University Administration; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Delco's involvement with Parent-Teacher
Association activities, her initial foray into community service,
was followed by her election in 1968 to the AISD Board of Trustees,
a victory that marked the first time an African American had been
elected to public office in the Capital City; she subsequently
served as a founding member of the ACC Board of Trustees and
currently chairs the Huston-Tillotson College Board of Trustees;
and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Mrs. Delco became the first African
American elected at large from Travis County to the Texas House of
Representatives; during her 10 terms in office, she served on more
than 20 committees, chaired the house higher education committee,
and in 1991, became the first woman appointed speaker pro tempore;
and
WHEREAS, This esteemed individual has been accorded a number
of honors, including the AISD Black Heritage Award, the American
Association of Community Colleges' 1991 National Leadership Award,
and induction into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame; moreover, she has
received honorary doctoral degrees from 10 colleges and
universities; and
WHEREAS, Longtime partners in marriage as well as community
service, the Delcos serve as inspiring role models for their family
and many admirers as they continue to keep busy schedules; both are
adjunct professors for the Community College Leadership Program at
The University of Texas at Austin and participate on many boards and
committees; and
WHEREAS, Dr. and Mrs. Delco have demonstrated the utmost
commitment to enhancing the quality of life of their fellow Texans,
and it is most appropriate that they be honored for their
immeasurable contributions to the people of Austin and the Lone
Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of the Dr. Exalton
and Wilhelmina Delco Activity Center and extend heartfelt best
wishes to Dr. and Mrs. Delco for continued success and fulfillment;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. and Mrs. Delco as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.