81R21434 JNC-D

By: Guillen H.C.R. No. 153

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The life of an admired South Texas leader drew to a close on March 28, 2009, with the passing of Manuel Benavidez, Jr., at the age of 57; and

WHEREAS, A founding member of the board of trustees of South Texas College, Mr. Benavidez was appointed by Governor Ann Richards in 1993 and was twice reelected to represent District 1; through the years, he served the board as chair, vice chair, and secretary, and he further benefited South Texas College as a member of the facilities committee and the education and workforce innovation committee; thanks in part to his dedicated efforts, the institution has grown to serve more than 22,000 students at five campuses; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Benavidez also made notable contributions to area high school students through the creation of the Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy, which offers juniors and seniors an opportunity to earn an associate's degree in biology tuition-free; a tremendous success, the program has produced many graduates, with the May 2008 class receiving more than $750,000 in scholarships; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Benavidez's distinguished career included service as director of transportation for the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District; he further shared his time with a number of professional associations, holding leadership roles with the Association of Texas Professional Educators, the South Texas Association for Pupil Transportation, and the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation; on the national level, he served as representative of the western region for the Association of Community College Trustees and was twice elected chair of its diversity committee; and

WHEREAS, Honored for his outstanding work, Mr. Benavidez was recognized by ACCT with its Lifetime Membership Award and its Western Region Equity Award; moreover, South Texas College named the Starr County Campus rural technology center in Mr. Benavidez's honor in acknowledgement of the instrumental role he played in the creation of that state-of-the-art facility; and

WHEREAS, The family, friends, and many admirers of Manuel Benavidez may take solace in the fact that his was truly a life well lived; he was an inspiring and tireless advocate for educational opportunities for all, and the positive contributions he made to South Texas will resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of Manuel Benavidez, Jr., and extend deepest sympathy to all those who mourn his passing; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Manuel Benavidez, Jr.