SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 510

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 in Odessa 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, and it encompasses the main campus in Odessa as well as the Midland Campus; 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 and the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center in Midland County and the D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performance Center in Odessa; 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 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 from the Texas Senate.

Sparks, Alvarado, Perry

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 3, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate