SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 241

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Dr. Michael Griffin, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, who received the 2007 Quasar Award from the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Griffin was recognized for the progress he has made in carrying out the nation's vision for space exploration; he was named the 11th Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on April 14, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Before his appointment, he was head of the space department at the applied physics laboratory of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland; he had previously been president and chief operating officer of In-Q-Tel, Incorporated, and had held several important positions with Orbital Sciences Corporation in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, He served as chief engineer and associate administrator for exploration at NASA and as deputy for technology at the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization earlier in his career; and

WHEREAS, He has been an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and George Washington University; he is the lead author of more than two dozen technical papers and the textbook, Space Vehicle Design; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Griffin earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Johns Hopkins University, a master's degree in aerospace science from Catholic University of America, and a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, An erudite and accomplished gentleman, Dr. Michael Griffin has received many awards and medals, including the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal; this state and our nation are fortunate to have him lead NASA in its space exploration mission; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby commend Dr. Michael Griffin for his exceptional achievements and congratulate him on receiving the Quasar Award from the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; 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. Jackson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 14, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate