78R19264 KMP-D

By:  Marchant                                                     H.R. No. 1736



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Our esteemed colleague, the Honorable Robert D. 
"Bob" Hunter, is celebrating his 75th birthday on June 25, 2003, and 
it gives the members of this chamber great pleasure to recognize him 
in anticipation of this momentous occasion; and
	WHEREAS, A graduate of Abilene Christian University, where he 
earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in business 
administration, Dr. Hunter was awarded an honorary doctor of laws 
degree from Pepperdine University in 1974; he also has received 
doctorates from Texas Wesleyan College, the University of St. 
Thomas, Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, 
and McMurry University; since 1956 he has served Abilene Christian 
University in many administrative capacities, and today is the 
greatly respected vice president emeritus of his beloved alma 
mater; and
	WHEREAS, He has been an active supporter of the Lone Star 
State's institutions for higher learning throughout his career; he 
was the executive vice president of the 40 Independent Colleges and 
Universities of Texas from 1970 to 1980 and coordinated passage of 
the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant program; and
	WHEREAS, This highly respected gentleman began his tenure in 
the Texas House of Representatives in 1986 after having served as a 
member of the Abilene City Council and as a member of the Texas 
Historical Commission; for five terms he held the chairmanship of 
the House Committee on State, Federal, and International Relations, 
during which time he represented the state to many distinguished 
foreign dignitaries; he has also preserved and promoted the state's 
unique heritage through history, culture, and the arts and helped 
select the design of the new Lone Star quarter-dollar coin to be 
released by the U.S. Mint in 2004; and
	WHEREAS, A noted civic leader, Dr. Hunter has long given 
generously of his time and talents to benefit the members of his 
district through his involvement with a host of worthy 
organizations that include Rotary International Meals on Wheels 
Plus, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, the Mental Health 
Association, and the Salvation Army; and
	WHEREAS, He has demonstrated an unwavering concern for the 
health and welfare of the younger citizens of the Lone Star State 
through his service on the advisory boards of the Abilene/Taylor 
County Child Advocacy Center and the Chisholm Trail Council of the 
Boy Scouts of America; his love of children is a trait that he 
happily acquired at home as a proud father and grandfather; he and 
his lovely wife, Shirley, have three grown children and have in 
recent years welcomed three grandchildren to the Hunter family; and
	WHEREAS, This committed public servant has made many 
significant contributions to the work of this chamber over the 
course of the past 17 years, and it is indeed appropriate for his 
colleagues and friends to take a moment to honor him for his 
outstanding tenure; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate the Honorable Robert D. "Bob" 
Hunter on the occasion of his upcoming birthday and extend to him 
warmest best wishes for a happy and rewarding year; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Hunter as an expression of high regard by his 
colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives.