SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1109
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay
tribute to Leonel Castillo on the occasion of his 70th birthday,
on June 6, 2009, and the naming of the Leonel Castillo Academic
Center in his honor; and
WHEREAS, The Houston Independent School District is naming
the new East Early College High School building the Leonel
Castillo Academic Center in honor of one of the city's most
notable citizens, who has done so much for his community, both
locally and on the national level; and
WHEREAS, The school opened in August of 2006 as an internal
charter school and has maintained an Exemplary rating in each of
its first two years of existence; its students can attend Houston
Community College and receive two years of college credit or an
associate's degree while earning their high school diploma; and
WHEREAS, Leonel Castillo graduated cum laude from Saint
Mary's University in San Antonio in 1961 and earned a master of
social work degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1967; in
his early career, he worked as a human resources supervisor with
the Development Program of the Neighborhood Centers Day Care
Association, and later he became the director of the Catholic
Council on Community Relations in Houston; and
WHEREAS, He became the first Mexican American to be elected
to a citywide office in Houston when he was elected controller
for the city in 1970; he earned national recognition for his
efforts with Mexican American advocacy groups and his work on
race and discrimination issues; and
WHEREAS, He helped establish the Houston International
University in 1970, which provided alternative post-secondary
education for Mexican American students; he became the first
Hispanic to direct the Immigration and Naturalization Service in
the Department of Justice when he was named commissioner by
President Jimmy Carter in 1977; and
WHEREAS, Since his retirement from public office, Mr.
Castillo has continued to serve in leadership roles in many
civic, educational, and governmental organizations; and
WHEREAS, It is indeed appropriate that the Houston
Independent School District recognize Leonel Castillo for his
service and leadership and his many contributions to his
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby join the Houston Independent School District
in honoring Leonel Castillo for his distinguished service and
extend to him best wishes for a wonderful 70th birthday
celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Gallegos
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 31, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate