SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 61

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Dr. Robert Krienke, president of Lamar Institute of 
Technology, who is retiring May 31, 2006; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Krienke began serving as president of Lamar 
Institute of Technology in 1994; the college received separate 
agency status in 1995 from Lamar University, which had overseen 
the technical institute for more than 60 years; and

	WHEREAS, During Dr. Krienke's tenure, enrollment at the 
institute has doubled, and it is now the second-largest technical 
college in the state; seven new degree programs and 16 new 
certificates of completion were added for a total of 58 
educational programs, and the college is noted for its 98 percent 
job placement rate for graduates; and

	WHEREAS, In coordination with local industry leaders, the 
technical institute established a two-year degree program for 
process operators that has become a requirement for employment by 
many employers; the program, Process Operating Technology, has 
received international recognition; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Krienke earned a doctorate in educational 
administration from Baylor University, a master's degree in 
chemistry from The University of Texas, and a bachelor of science 
degree in chemistry from Texas Lutheran College; he began his 
professional career in 1960 as a research chemist for Tracor, 
Incorporated; and

	WHEREAS, In 1968, he became division chair of science at 
Texas State Technical College in Waco, and he was named president 
of the institution in 1977; he was promoted to vice chancellor of 
educational services for the Texas State Technical College 
System in 1989; he served as dean of technologies, sciences, and 
business at Palo Alto College in San Antonio before becoming 
president of Lamar Institute of Technology; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Krienke worked diligently to ensure the 
accreditation of Lamar Institute of Technology and garnered 
support from alumni and community and business leaders to create 
more than 30 endowments and other scholarship funds that award 
more than $275,000 in grants annually to students; and

	WHEREAS, The institute's alumni association recently 
honored Dr. Krienke with its first Friend of the LIT Alumni 
Association award for his many accomplishments as president, his 
contributions to the growth of the institution, and his support 
of the association since its creation in 2000; and

	WHEREAS, Throughout his long and distinguished career,
Dr. Robert Krienke has been a visionary leader who is renowned 
for his expertise and professionalism, and he leaves a legacy of 
excellence in education that will affect generations of students 
to come; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend
Dr. Robert Krienke for his outstanding contributions to Lamar 
Institute of Technology and the educational system of this state 
and extend to him best wishes for the retirement years ahead; 
and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                        Williams




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 27, 2006.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate