82R32525 JH-D
By: Hughes H.C.R. No. 180
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The life of a distinguished legal scholar and
educator drew to a close with the passing of Angus McSwain, dean
emeritus of Baylor Law School, who passed away on May 29, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1923, Mr. McSwain graduated from Stephen F.
Austin High School in Bryan; he enrolled at Texas A&M University but
interrupted his studies to serve in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
during World War II; following the war, he completed his civil
engineering degree at A&M in 1947 and graduated cum laude two years
later with his bachelor of laws degree from Baylor, where he was
first in his class; he went on to receive a master of laws degree
from the University of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McSwain became a professor at Baylor Law School
in 1949; he was appointed dean in 1965 and guided the institution
for the next 19 years; during his tenure, he maintained the high
academic standards that are the hallmark of Baylor Law School and
helped to bring in a number of outstanding faculty members; and
WHEREAS, After returning to teaching in 1984, Dean McSwain
became the Governor Bill and Vara Faye Daniel Chair of Property Law,
and he received the Master Teacher designation, Baylor's highest
teaching honor, in 1990; his official retirement came four years
later, but this remarkable professor continued to conduct classes
until 2008, when he marked his 59th year with the law school; and
WHEREAS, A highly respected figure in the Texas legal
community, he served as both secretary and chair of the Family Law
Section of the Texas Bar Association and was the author of numerous
articles for the Texas Bar Journal as well as textbooks and
casebooks; in all of his endeavors, he enjoyed the love and support
of his wife, Betty Ann, who preceded him in death, and his son,
Andy, who followed in his father's footsteps as a Baylor Law
graduate; and
WHEREAS, Angus McSwain influenced generations of Baylor Law
School students with his unwavering commitment to excellence, and
his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of Dean Emeritus Angus McSwain and
extend deepest condolences to the members of his family: to his son,
Andy McSwain, and his wife, Chris; to his grandson, Stewart
McSwain; and to his other relatives and friends; 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
Dean Angus McSwain.