79R6729 BJM-D

By:  Escobar                                                      H.R. No. 975



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, In recognition of his exemplary record of service to 
Texas A&M University--Kingsville, Dr. Steven Lukefahr has been 
named a Texas A&M University System Regents Professor, the highest 
honor accorded faculty members by the system; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Lukefahr is one of the world's leading experts 
on rabbits, particularly as a food source for malnourished citizens 
in third-world countries; in conducting his internationally 
recognized research, he has worked in more than 20 developing 
countries, helping to establish meat rabbit projects and alleviate 
hunger and poverty by using his own small-scale rabbit production 
model; and
	WHEREAS, This notable scientist and humanitarian has been a 
professor in the department of animal and wildlife sciences at 
Texas A&M University--Kingsville since 1994; one of the school's 
most popular professors, he has inspired many of his students to 
pursue careers as veterinarians, professors, and Peace Corps 
volunteers; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Lukefahr is a graduate of Texas A&I University 
and Oregon State University, where he earned both master's and 
doctoral degrees, and he began his international work with Heifer 
International, establishing meat rabbit projects in Cameroon, West 
Africa; on his return to the United States, he accepted a position 
at Alabama A&M University and founded the International Small 
Livestock Research Center, served as a consultant in a host of 
overseas rabbit projects, and helped organize international rabbit 
conferences and coordinate research projects and student training 
programs; and
	WHEREAS, Currently the president of the World Rabbit Science 
Association, Dr. Lukefahr is also a member of the American Society 
of Animal Science, the European Association for Animal Production, 
and the Professional Rabbit Meat Association, and he is the author 
of two books, three manuals, and more than 100 papers published in 
national and international journals; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to this most recent honor, Dr. Lukefahr 
has received the International Animal Agricultural Bouffalt Award 
from the American Society of Animal Science, as well as the Javelina 
Alumni Association's Distinguished Researcher Award; and
	WHEREAS, Steven Lukefahr is an inspiration to all who are 
privileged to know him, and his important work, both in and outside 
the classroom, is having a profound impact on the global community; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Steven Lukefahr on being named 
a Regents Professor at Texas A&M University--Kingsville and extend 
to him sincere best wishes for continued success with his important 
work; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Lukefahr as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.