2023S0127-1 02/13/23
 
  By: Nichols S.R. No. 171
 
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize Stephen F. Austin State University on the occasion of
  its centennial celebration; and
         WHEREAS, Stephen F. Austin State University had its
  beginnings when the Texas Legislature authorized a new
  institution of higher education to be located in far East Texas
  and to be named in honor of the Father of Texas, Stephen F.
  Austin; and
         WHEREAS, In 1917, the State Board of Regents selected
  Nacogdoches as the location of the new college because of its
  rich heritage as the oldest town in Texas; the citizens of
  Nacogdoches chose the homestead of Thomas J. Rusk, which had been
  owned by Sam Houston, as the site for the new college, as both
  Rusk and Houston had served as the original two United States
  Senators from Texas; and
         WHEREAS, Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College opened
  its doors to 270 students in 1923; today, the university enrolls
  more than 11,300 students and provides a vital educational,
  economic, and cultural resource in the region; the heart of
  higher education in deep East Texas, the university offers more
  than 120 areas of study and countless opportunities for student
  athletes to participate in Division I intercollegiate sports,
  bringing recognition and a sense of pride to the Nacogdoches
  area; and
         WHEREAS, Named the top rural-serving institution of its
  size in Texas by the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges,
  Stephen F. Austin State University now comprises six colleges;
  its living alumni number 115,000 graduates who have been educated
  by this fine university to be true citizens of the world; and
         WHEREAS, Stephen F. Austin State University has for 100
  years been dedicated to creating opportunities for students to
  access transformative higher education; alumni represent their
  university in their communities and workplaces, and they
  contribute to the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of
  Texas; it is truly fitting that the university receive special
  recognition on the occasion of this important milestone in the
  school's history; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, hereby recognize 2023 as the Centennial Year of
  Stephen F. Austin State University and extend a warm welcome to
  the visiting delegation; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.