81R32856 MG-D
By: Leibowitz H.R. No. 2027
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Ricardo Romo is celebrating his 10th anniversary
as president of The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Alamo City, Ricardo Romo graduated
from Louis W. Fox Academic and Technical High School and attended
The University of Texas at Austin; he later earned a master's degree
from Loyola Marymount University and a doctoral degree from the
University of California, Los Angeles, and he published "East Los
Angeles: History of a Barrio"; in 1980, he returned to UT Austin to
teach history before he was named vice provost for undergraduate
education, and from 1987 to 1993, he directed the Texas office of
the Tomas Rivera Center at Trinity University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Romo was appointed president of UTSA in 1999,
and during his tenure, enrollment has increased by 50 percent and
the institution has been recognized as a leader in "Closing the
Gaps," the statewide initiative to enroll more Texans in college;
in addition, UTSA has added numerous facilities, including a
Recreation/Wellness building and a 1,000-bed Olympic village-style
housing complex, as well as various student support programs; among
Dr. Romo's future goals for the university are to double the current
number of tenured and tenure-track faculty by 2012, to develop
additional doctoral programs and research institutes, to launch the
approved Athletic Initiative Business Plan, and to construct nearly
$750 million in facilities; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished administrator was appointed by
President George W. Bush to the President's Board of Advisers on
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, by Secretary of State
Colin Powell to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization, and by Governor Rick Perry to the Commission
for College Ready Texas; moreover, Dr. Romo has been active in many
local organizations, including the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, which he served as chair, as well as the board of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the United Way; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, he enjoys the love and
support of his wife and UTSA colleague, Dr. Harriett Romo, and he
takes great pride in their two children, Carlos and Anadelia; and
WHEREAS, UTSA has gained immeasurably from Dr. Romo's
dedication and vision over the past decade, and it is a privilege to
recognize his ongoing contributions to higher education in the Lone
Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor Dr. Ricardo Romo on his 10th anniversary
as president of The University of Texas at San Antonio and extend to
him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Romo as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.