88R22742 CJM-D
 
  By: Landgraf H.C.R. No. 120
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, Representatives of The University of Texas Permian
  Basin are gathering at the State Capitol on May 3, 2023, providing a
  fitting opportunity to recognize the institution for its 50 years
  of service; and
         WHEREAS, Established as a branch campus of The University of
  Texas System in 1973, UTPB was initially an upper-level institution
  that only accepted junior, senior, and graduate students; its first
  freshman class, known as the "Pioneer Freshmen," entered the school
  in 1991; over the years, the university has expanded to include five
  academic colleges that together offer more than 75 undergraduate
  and graduate degrees; to date, there have been over 28,800 UTPB
  graduates; and
         WHEREAS, UTPB has played an instrumental role in the growth
  and vitality of the Permian Basin region; the university serves as a
  major source of skilled workers for the area's oil and gas industry,
  and its liberal arts programs have contributed to the unique
  culture of local communities; in addition, the university has
  helped the region tackle critical issues related to the energy
  industry, education, the environment, and public health; and
         WHEREAS, To meet the diverse educational needs of its
  students, UTPB has opened a wide variety of facilities, including
  its engineering complex in Midland, the Wagner Noël Performing Arts
  Center, and the D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performance Center;
  the university has also worked to increase access to higher
  education by partnering with school districts and establishing the
  Falcon Free program, which covers the cost of tuition and fees for
  students in need; and
         WHEREAS, Since its founding 50 years ago, The University of
  Texas Permian Basin has provided many Texans with a strong
  foundation for achievement, and it is a pleasure to join in
  recognizing the institution on this milestone occasion; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of The University of Texas
  Permian Basin on the occasion of UTPB Day at the State Capitol on
  May 3, 2023, and extend to all those associated with the institution
  sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the university as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives and Senate.