SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1047
In Memory
of
Hal Box
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Hal Box of Austin, who died May 8, 2011,
at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, A well-known architect, educator, and author, Hal
Box was founder and first dean of the School of Architecture and
Environmental Design at The University of Texas at Arlington and
dean emeritus of the School of Architecture at The University of
Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, After having served in the Korean War with the
United States Navy, Hal Box returned to Texas and began
practicing architecture and urban design as a partner in the firm
of Pratt, Box, and Henderson in Dallas; he distinguished himself
as a leader and visionary in his field with an extensive body of
work in Dallas and Austin and with university buildings in
California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Nevada; and
WHEREAS, His role as an educator and mentor began formally in
1971 when he was recruited to start the School of Architecture and
Environmental Design at The University of Texas at Arlington; he
moved to The University of Texas at Austin and became dean of its
School of Architecture in 1976, invigorating the program and
bringing it to national prominence; he and his beloved wife of 35
years were recently honored by the university when it named the
School of Architecture courtyard the Eden and Hal Box Courtyard; and
WHEREAS, He was noted for his indomitable spirit and the
enthusiasm with which he infused everything he did; as dean, he
was known for his openness, accessibility, and willingness to
support students who wanted to design their own program and move
away from conventional thinking; he was greatly admired and
respected by students, colleagues, and friends alike; and
WHEREAS, He was active in many professional associations
and was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and he
contributed significantly to his profession through his
authorship or coauthorship of several books that advanced
research in the field of architecture and made it accessible to a
wider audience; and
WHEREAS, Hal Box was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will long be
cherished by his family and his many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Hal Box and extend
sincere condolences to his bereaved family; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Hal Box.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 20, 2011, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate