H.C.R. No. 178

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Louise Hopkins Underwood has been honored by the YWCA of Lubbock with a Women of Excellence Award for her remarkable achievements in the field of arts and culture, and her selection for this tribute is most fitting; and

WHEREAS, The Women of Excellence Award was created in 1989 to emphasize the vital roles that women play in both the civic and professional worlds, honoring women for their achievements and for their contributions to the community as leaders and volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Louise Underwood is one of the most influential figures in arts and culture in Lubbock; her efforts began soon after she moved to the city in 1946, when she became involved in the remodeling of St. Paul's-on-the-Plains Episcopal Church kitchen and served on the advisory board for the Lubbock Little Theater; and

WHEREAS, A woman who appreciates creative endeavors, she has been a tireless supporter of individual artists, the Museum of Texas Tech University and the university's College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Lubbock, and local theater groups; she was a founding member of the Texas Alliance for Education and the Arts, the Lubbock Cultural and Arts Commission, and Acteens, a student writing and acting initiative; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Underwood has been involved extensively with the West Texas Museum Association, where she cocreated the WTMA Kite Fest in 1986 to involve children and families in the museum; she has also opened her home for numerous receptions and dinners for specific artists and educational and fund-raising efforts; and

WHEREAS, With vision and determination, this notable Texan and cofounder Neal Hanslik developed an ambitious proposal in 1997 to build a community arts center; the dream has become a reality, thanks in large part to Mrs. Underwood's research, efforts to gain local support, and fund-raising ability; the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts opened in 2007, providing offices for nonprofit organizations, a theater, and space for classes, exhibitions, meetings, and studios; and

WHEREAS, A Champion of the Arts award from the Texas Alliance for Education and the Arts and the Dynamic Force Award from the Lubbock Arts Alliance are among Mrs. Underwood's most cherished honors; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being a patron of the arts, she has also shared her time with the League of Women Voters, the library, Lubbock Heritage Society, Planned Parenthood, and Hospice of Lubbock; honoring her late husband, Harris, Mrs. Underwood established an endowed professorship in orthopedics at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1997; and

WHEREAS, With her receipt of a Women of Excellence Award, Louise Underwood joins an elite group of women who have been honored by the YWCA of Lubbock; distinguished by her intelligence, determination, and talent, she is indeed a worthy role model for this and future generations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby congratulate Louise Hopkins Underwood on receiving a 2009 Women of Excellence Award from the YWCA of Lubbock 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 Mrs. Underwood as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

Isett

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 178 was adopted by the House on April 27, 2009, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 178 was adopted by the Senate on May 18, 2009, by a viva-voce vote.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________

Date

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Governor