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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Stephen Hartmann of Midland retired as executive |
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director of University Lands for The University of Texas System on |
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April 30, 2011, concluding a distinguished career with the |
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institution that spanned more than three decades; and |
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WHEREAS, A graduate of Southwest Texas State University, |
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Steve Hartmann earned his master's degree in range science from |
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Texas A&M University; he joined UT Lands-Surface Interests as a |
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field representative in 1976 and served as director of University |
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Lands-West Texas Operations for five years before his appointment |
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as executive director in 1997; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Hartmann was the first individual to assume |
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responsibility for all aspects of University Lands operations, |
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including the management of 2.1 million acres of Permanent |
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University Fund properties across 19 West Texas counties; in |
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addition to directing the management of oil, gas, and other mineral |
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operations, he oversaw grazing, farming, and hunting leases, as |
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well as utility easements and business sites; and |
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WHEREAS, Under the leadership of this dynamic and |
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plain-spoken Texan, the annual revenue from University Lands |
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increased fivefold, adding a cumulative income of more than $3.7 |
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billion to the Permanent University Fund and Available University |
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Fund; in 2011, contributions to the Permanent University Fund will |
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exceed $800 million; Mr. Hartmann added significant new revenue |
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sources, including Ste. Genevieve Winery, Mesa Vineyard, which is |
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the largest vineyard in Texas, and vast wind farms to generate power |
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for Texas residents and businesses; moreover, he recently presided |
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over two record-breaking sales of leases for mineral development on |
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University Lands, facilitated by his implementation of technology |
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such as a robust GIS system enabling online mapping and access of |
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well data; and |
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WHEREAS, The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service |
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recognized Mr. Hartmann in 2009 for land conservation and |
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restoration efforts, and he received the W. R. Chapline Land |
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Stewardship Award from the Society for Range Management; he served |
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the Society for Range Management-Texas Section as president, as a |
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director, and in myriad other leadership roles, and he also served |
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on the Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences Dean's Advisory |
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Committee; in addition, he has given generously of his time and |
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talents as a member of the International Right-of-Way Association, |
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the International Pipeline Committee, the Permian Basin Petroleum |
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Association, and Midland's Environmental Professionals; and |
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WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Hartmann enjoys the |
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support and encouragement of his wife, Georgia, and their two sons, |
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daughter-in-law, and granddaughter; and |
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WHEREAS, Admired for his integrity, responsible stewardship |
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of the land, and exceptional business acumen, Steve Hartmann |
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greatly benefited The University of Texas System and the entire |
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Lone Star State, and his accomplishments will continue to resonate |
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in the years to come; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby congratulate Steve Hartmann on his retirement as executive |
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director of University Lands for The University of Texas System and |
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extend sincere appreciation for his outstanding contributions; |
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and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Hartmann as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives and Senate. |