81R21434 JNC-D
By: Guillen H.C.R. No. 153
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The life of an admired South Texas leader drew to a
close on March 28, 2009, with the passing of Manuel Benavidez, Jr.,
at the age of 57; and
WHEREAS, A founding member of the board of trustees of South
Texas College, Mr. Benavidez was appointed by Governor Ann Richards
in 1993 and was twice reelected to represent District 1; through the
years, he served the board as chair, vice chair, and secretary, and
he further benefited South Texas College as a member of the
facilities committee and the education and workforce innovation
committee; thanks in part to his dedicated efforts, the institution
has grown to serve more than 22,000 students at five campuses; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Benavidez also made notable contributions to
area high school students through the creation of the Dual
Enrollment Medical Science Academy, which offers juniors and
seniors an opportunity to earn an associate's degree in biology
tuition-free; a tremendous success, the program has produced many
graduates, with the May 2008 class receiving more than $750,000 in
scholarships; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Benavidez's distinguished career included
service as director of transportation for the Rio Grande City
Consolidated Independent School District; he further shared his
time with a number of professional associations, holding leadership
roles with the Association of Texas Professional Educators, the
South Texas Association for Pupil Transportation, and the Texas
Association for Pupil Transportation; on the national level, he
served as representative of the western region for the Association
of Community College Trustees and was twice elected chair of its
diversity committee; and
WHEREAS, Honored for his outstanding work, Mr. Benavidez was
recognized by ACCT with its Lifetime Membership Award and its
Western Region Equity Award; moreover, South Texas College named
the Starr County Campus rural technology center in Mr. Benavidez's
honor in acknowledgement of the instrumental role he played in the
creation of that state-of-the-art facility; and
WHEREAS, The family, friends, and many admirers of Manuel
Benavidez may take solace in the fact that his was truly a life well
lived; he was an inspiring and tireless advocate for educational
opportunities for all, and the positive contributions he made to
South Texas will resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of Manuel Benavidez, Jr., and extend
deepest sympathy to all those who mourn his passing; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Manuel Benavidez, Jr.