H.R. No. 732
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Gonzalo Garza was recognized by the Austin
History Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican American
Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County; and
WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by
Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and
its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize
the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011;
Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County
celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and
women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more
about their lives; and
WHEREAS, One such individual, Dr. Gonzalo Garza, was honored
for his achievements in education; the son of migrant farm workers,
Dr. Garza was born on January 10, 1927, in New Braunfels; he started
elementary school at the age of 10 and dropped out of high school at
the age of 17, when he answered his nation's call to duty during
World War II and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps; realizing the
value of an education, he completed high school after returning
from the war, and he began working on his bachelor's degree at
St. Mary's University; he again answered his nation's call during
the Korean War, when he received the Bronze Star for valor and the
Purple Heart; after his discharge from the marines he finished his
bachelor's degree, completed a master's degree at Our Lady of the
Lake University, and earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction
from The University of Texas; and
WHEREAS, During his long and distinguished career in public
education, Dr. Garza served as the first Mexican American
superintendent of the San Marcos and Eagle Pass Independent School
Districts, and he was the first Mexican American to hold the post of
associate superintendent with the Austin ISD; he has received
numerous accolades for his achievements and contributions,
including the Golden Apple Award from the National Hispanic Caucus
of School Board Members and recognition as the Hispanic Educator of
the Year by the Austin ISD Hispanic Heritage Committee; he retired
from the Austin ISD in 1992, and in 1998 the school district named
the new Gonzalo Garza Independence High School in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gonzalo Garza has made a positive difference in
his community, and his outstanding accomplishments are a source of
pride and inspiration to many people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Gonzalo Garza on his selection
as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County and
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Garza as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Rodriguez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 732 was adopted by the House on March
17, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House