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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to |
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recognize Dr. James M. Simmons, who retired on January 31, 2013, as |
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president of Lamar University after 42 years of exceptional |
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service; and |
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WHEREAS, Dr. Simmons began his career at Lamar University in |
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1970 as a member of the music faculty; he held numerous positions of |
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importance with the university before his 1999 appointment as |
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president, including director of bands, music department chair, and |
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dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication; and |
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WHEREAS, Under his leadership, the university has nearly |
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doubled its enrollment and has launched an impressive capital |
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campaign that has raised more than $100 million; numerous campus |
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buildings have undergone renovation, and he played an important |
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role in making the university a leader in the field of online |
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education; and |
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WHEREAS, Dr. Simmons was instrumental in the return of |
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football to the university after a 21-year absence and in the |
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addition of women's soccer and softball; with the return of |
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football came the renewal of the marching band, which under his |
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direction in the 1970s was known as the Grandest Band in the Land; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, An exemplary educator and administrator, he is |
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respected and admired by colleagues, faculty, and students alike, |
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and his presence as president of Lamar University will be greatly |
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missed; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby commend Dr. James M. Simmons on his outstanding |
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stewardship of Lamar University and extend to him best wishes for |
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continued success in all his endeavors; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Dr. Simmons as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |