H.R. No. 150



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in 
Port Aransas is observing its 60th anniversary in 2006, and this 
occasion provides a fitting opportunity to recognize the oldest 
marine research station on the Texas Gulf Coast; and
	WHEREAS, Established by an act of the Texas Legislature, the 
institute is an organized research unit of The University of Texas 
at Austin, with an emphasis on understanding the biological, 
chemical, and physical processes governing the coastal zone 
ecosystem; and
	WHEREAS, Starting its early operation in a modest building on 
the old Corps of Engineers dock, research continues today from its 
base of 72 acres of beachfront land that includes laboratories, 
classrooms, and offices, in addition to a library, museum, 
visitor's center, auditorium, and five-acre boat basin for research 
vessels; the institute's academic branch, the Department of Marine 
Science, has offered field-based college courses for 
undergraduates and research opportunities for graduate students 
for decades, and since it began offering graduate degrees 15 years 
ago, it has conferred more than 50 master's degrees and over 30 
doctoral degrees in marine science; and
	WHEREAS, The institute has been home to some of the country's 
most notable marine scientists, including its founder and first 
director, Dr. Elmer J. Lund, named by American Men of Science as one 
of the first 1,000 scientists in North America, Dr. Howard T. Odum, 
considered the father of modern ecology, Dr. Patrick L. Parker, 
whose research greatly influenced the field of chemical 
oceanography, and Dr. Gordon P. Gunter, for whom a National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration ship is named; today scientists at 
the institute continue this tradition of achievement as they work 
to address issues related to the Texas coast; and
	WHEREAS, The institute has trained hundreds of 
schoolteachers in using marine science as an instructional tool for 
subjects ranging from math to art, and it introduces tens of 
thousands of schoolchildren and other visitors to the wonders of 
the sea each year; and
	WHEREAS, A world-class center of marine research, The 
University of Texas Marine Science Institute is committed to 
educating the public through its exceptional outreach programs and 
contributes immeasurably to the stewardship of the coastal 
ecosystem and to the advancement of marine science; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor The University of 
Texas Marine Science Institute on the occasion of its 60th 
anniversary and extend to its alumni, faculty, staff, and friends 
deep appreciation for their continued study and care of the Texas 
Gulf Coast; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the institute as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                          Seaman

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 150 was adopted by the House on May 1, 
2006, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House