SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 397

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in recognizing Rice University for the excellent educational opportunities it has provided to students throughout the state, the nation, and around the world over the last 100 years; and

WHEREAS, Named for William Marsh Rice, Rice University was the first institution of higher education founded in Houston; inaugural ceremonies took place on October 12, 1912, and its first president, Edgar Odell Lovett, set forth an ambitious vision for a great research university; and

WHEREAS, One of the country's leading higher education institutions, Rice University is ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report; it has played a significant role in research in such fields as nanotechnology, space, cellular technology, energy, and the environment; and

WHEREAS, In 1963, Rice University became the first university in the nation to create a department dedicated to space science; the NASA Johnson Space Center is located on land deeded to the United States government by Rice University, and a scientific experiment built by Rice Professor John Freeman was with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during their lunar trip; and

WHEREAS, The university is fortunate to have exceptionally fine trustees, administrators, and faculty members who have placed emphasis on inspiring students to succeed in the arts, humanities, sports, and sciences; it is the goal of the university to thoroughly prepare its students to thrive in a highly competitive and complex world, and many of its alumni have distinguished themselves in their careers and enriched our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, The success of this university is the result of a united effort by many resourceful and dedicated individuals, and all who are associated with the preservation of the great traditions of this institution deserve to be proud of their accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby express appreciation to Rice University for providing an outstanding educational environment and for its innumerable contributions to the State of Texas and our country; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Rice University as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate. Ellis

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 2, 2011.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate