79R3855 MDM-D

By:  Guillen                                                    H.C.R. No. 42 



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.