79R8331 BJM-D

By:  Zedler                                                       H.R. No. 714



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Donna Darovich retired from her position as director 
of public affairs for The University of Texas at Arlington on 
October 29, 2004, bringing to a close an exceptional tenure with the 
school that spanned more than two decades; and
	WHEREAS, A 1971 graduate of UTA, where she studied English 
and served as the editor of the campus newspaper, The Shorthorn, Ms. 
Darovich began her career that same year at the Arlington 
Citizen-Journal; initially hired as the paper's homemaking editor, 
she shortly thereafter became its first female city editor; and
	WHEREAS, In the late 1970s, this talented journalist joined 
the Pulitzer Prize winning news team of the Fort Worth 
Star-Telegram; she experienced tremendous success as a features 
writer and amassed more than 100 state and national awards for her 
writing, including two first-place prizes for feature writing from 
the Associated Press; moreover, she has twice been named the Most 
Outstanding Woman Journalist in Texas by the Texas Press Women; and
	WHEREAS, Combining her love of her alma mater and her 
exceptional communication skills, Ms. Darovich returned to UTA in 
1981 as director of news services and helped the school evolve into 
a major university, tirelessly chronicling and promoting its many 
achievements; with a staff of six, she produced monthly newsletters 
and an annual media guide and implemented an array of successful 
programs and publications, including Comcast, UTA Today, and the 
UTA Messenger; and
	WHEREAS, Described as "the consummate public affairs 
professional," Ms. Darovich plans to draw on her legendary skills 
and expertise in her retirement by assisting nonprofit 
organizations and small businesses with publicity and marketing; 
those who know her well hope and expect to continue seeing this 
devoted "UTA FAN," as her Jeep Cherokee license plate pronounces, 
at the school's athletic events; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout her rich and accomplished career, Donna 
Darovich has earned the lasting respect and admiration of her 
colleagues for her creativity, her genuine enthusiasm, and her 
dedication; although she will be greatly missed, she leaves behind 
a legacy of excellence that will not soon be forgotten; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Donna Darovich on her retirement as 
director of public affairs for The University of Texas at Arlington 
and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success and 
happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Ms. Darovich as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.