84R6185 JGH-D

By: Raney H.R. No. 276

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Aggies and Longhorns are uniting at the State Capitol on February 4, 2015, to celebrate Orange and Maroon Legislative Day and to promote higher education in the State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Alumni from the two schools total more than 820,000, and Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin have a combined annual enrollment of more than 100,000 students, with over 27,500 students receiving degrees each year; the schools boast superb museums and libraries, including the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library, and both universities are renowned for their exceptional research; and

WHEREAS, The teaching and research missions of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin benefit the State of Texas and drive economic prosperity through scientific breakthroughs, technological innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, improved health care, and the creation of successive generations of informed and engaged citizens; and

WHEREAS, Texas A&M and UT Austin researchers explore, discover, and innovate in the sciences, arts, and humanities and combined have been granted more than 2,800 patents; in the 2013 fiscal year alone, the institutions' research expenditures totaled over $1.25 billion; and

WHEREAS, Both universities serve as important cultural centers, engaging Texans in the visual and performing arts and other creative endeavors, and they promote athletics and physical education, inspiring Texans to stay active and bringing them together in support of student-athletes; and

WHEREAS, The faculties feature Nobel laureates and nationally recognized scholars, and those attending the schools include National Merit scholars, Olympic gold medalists, and many of the Lone Star State's most outstanding students; in addition, the two universities offer an amazing range of postgraduate opportunities with more than 450 graduate degree programs; and

WHEREAS, Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin have established themselves as preeminent institutions of higher education on the state, national, and international levels, and Texans are fortunate to have access to these two exceptional state university systems; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 4, 2015, as Orange and Maroon Legislative Day and commend alumni from Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin for their commitment to promoting higher education in the Lone Star State.