SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 940

WHEREAS, Hispanic Women in Leadership is proudly welcoming Texas First Lady Cecilia Phalen Abbott as the keynote speaker at the organization's Excellence in Education Scholarship Luncheon in Houston on June 4, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico, Cecilia Abbott is the first Hispanic woman in Texas history to occupy the Governor's Mansion; she was raised in San Antonio, where her parents instilled in her a belief in the power of education; she studied for two years at The University of Texas at Austin before going on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degrees in education and theology at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Abbott has enjoyed a successful career in education and health care; she worked as a teacher, vice principal, and principal at several schools, and she was the managing director of community relations at Harden Healthcare, a network of facilities and programs for aging adults; additionally, she was appointed to the State Board for Educator Certification by Governor Rick Perry and served on the board from 2001 to 2008; and

WHEREAS, Known for her leadership and engagement in her community, Mrs. Abbott has volunteered her time on the boards of Huston-Tillotson University and the University of Saint Thomas, as well as on advisory boards for the Austin Diocesan School and the Holy Trinity Seminary; other organizations that have benefited from her involvement are the Women's Symphony League, the National Charity League, and the Dell Children's Women's Trust, and she further distinguished herself on advisory boards for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Ballet Austin, and the Principals' Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Abbott met her future husband, Governor Greg Abbott, while she was a student at The University of Texas at Austin; the couple have shared a rewarding marriage that has lasted 33 years, and they take great pride in their daughter, Audrey; and

WHEREAS, A devoted wife, mother, educator, civic leader, and humanitarian, First Lady Cecilia Abbott has excelled in many roles and areas of endeavor, and it is a distinct privilege to join members of Hispanic Women in Leadership in recognizing her achievements and her steadfast commitment to the people of Texas; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby honor First Lady Cecilia Phalen Abbott on the occasion of her address at the Excellence in Education Scholarship Luncheon and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success in all her endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Mrs. Abbott as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Garcia

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 20, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate