SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1175

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in congratulating Saint Mary's University for providing years of excellent education to students throughout the state and nation and for earning the President's Higher Education Community Service Award; and

WHEREAS, The Corporation for National and Community Service has rated Saint Mary's University as one of the top institutions in the country in the field of community service; for five years, the university has earned a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; however, this is the first year that the university has reached the highest level of recognition; and

WHEREAS, Since 1852, the university has consistently embraced its educational mission in service to society and has excelled in developing graduates who are community builders; and

WHEREAS, Through the school's Neighborhood Revitalization Project, volunteers have played a vital role in improving the neighborhoods around the San Antonio campus; through strategic partnerships, they have participated in improving infrastructure and streetscapes and in building affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, University students participate in several college preparatory programs, including Upward Bound, in which young people are paired with mentors in a year-round intensive program; through the university's Stand and Deliver program, middle school students are mentored to prepare them for the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the challenges of higher education; and

WHEREAS, All of these programs reflect a deep commitment to public service on the part of the entire university community; student service requirements are a part of the core curriculum and contribute to the university's goal of producing well-rounded graduates whose academic excellence, civic engagement, commitment to service, and faith will help them seek understanding and wisdom for the common good and lead extraordinary lives that reflect their values; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby express appreciation to Saint Mary's University for providing an outstanding educational environment and extend congratulations to the university community on earning the President's Higher Education Community Service Award; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Saint Mary's University as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Van de Putte

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 25, 2011.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate