H.C.R. No. 42 


HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Renato Ramirez of Zapata has presented Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) with a $1 million gift for scholarships, and his extraordinary generosity will positively impact generations of Texans; and WHEREAS, The donation establishes a fund to support the Renato and Patricia Ramirez Scholars, named in honor of the 1961 Aggie alumnus and his wife of 40 years; Zapata High School graduates will be given preference for the scholarships when need, merit, and academic standing are equal; and WHEREAS, President of the International Bank of Commerce-Zapata since 1983, Mr. Ramirez began his career in the banking industry five years earlier as a senior vice president at Laredo National Bank; he is also the owner and manager of R&P Ramirez, Ltd., a ranching and farming operation; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ramirez received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University and went on to earn a master's degree in business administration from The University of Texas at Austin and complete coursework for a doctorate in finance and economics at the University of Tennessee; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Texas A&M, the Zapata native joined the United States Army, where he attained the rank of first lieutenant and served as a missile guidance systems instructor; and WHEREAS, This distinguished gentleman has held the posts of instructor or professor of finance at the University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, the Escuela Bancaria Superior de Centro-America, and the former Laredo State University, and for a number of years he has served as an adjunct faculty member at TAMIU, teaching banking and finance; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his community and state, Mr. Ramirez has provided leadership to the Zapata County Appraisal District, South Texas Private Industry Council, Zapata County Independent School District Board of Trustees, Boys & Girls Club of Zapata County, Zapata County Fair Association, and Los Ebanos Golf Club; and WHEREAS, His other philanthropic efforts have greatly benefited such worthy causes as a children's orphanage in Tamaulipas, Mexico, the National Hispanic Institute, Zapata High School student scholarships, the Capitol Tejano Monument effort, and the municipal airport in Zapata County; and WHEREAS, Renato Ramirez exemplifies the noblest qualities of the human spirit, and it is a privilege to honor him for his steadfast commitment to education and to his fellow Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby commend Renato Ramirez for his beneficence in behalf of Texas A&M International University and extend to him heartfelt best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Ramirez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Guillen Raymond ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 42 was adopted by the House on February 16, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 42 was adopted by the Senate on March 30, 2005, by a viva-voce vote. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________ Date __________________ Governor