Texas Senate Bill SR152

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 2/11/09
• Enrolled: 2/11/09
• Passed: 2/11/09

Caption

Congratulating former Governor Dolph Briscoe for receiving the 2009 Santa Rita Award from The University of Texas System.

Impact

Through his philanthropy, Governor Briscoe has donated over $15 million to the Center for American History, which has greatly enhanced its capabilities for research and collection. His contributions culminated in the renaming of the center to the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, signifying a lasting legacy of support for higher education and historical research in Texas. This resolution not only recognizes his financial contributions but also his commitment to fostering the center's development into a premier research institution.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 152 honors former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe for his significant contributions to the University of Texas System, specifically for receiving the 2009 Santa Rita Award. This award is presented annually to individuals who have made substantive contributions to the development efforts of the University of Texas System. The resolution emphasizes Briscoe's longstanding relationship with the Center for American History, highlighting his dedication to preserving Texas history and supporting educational initiatives.

Contention

While the resolution is largely celebratory, it indirectly raises points of contention regarding the influence that individual donations can have on public institutions. Some critics may argue that significant private contributions can shift institutional priorities or create dependencies on specific funding sources, thus impacting how history is researched and taught. However, the resolution itself focuses on commending Briscoe and expresses gratitude for his service, reflecting a consensus on the value of his contributions to Texas education.