SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 397
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in
recognizing Rice University for the excellent educational
opportunities it has provided to students throughout the state,
the nation, and around the world over the last 100 years; and
WHEREAS, Named for William Marsh Rice, Rice University was
the first institution of higher education founded in Houston;
inaugural ceremonies took place on October 12, 1912, and its
first president, Edgar Odell Lovett, set forth an ambitious
vision for a great research university; and
WHEREAS, One of the country's leading higher education
institutions, Rice University is ranked among the top 20
universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report; it
has played a significant role in research in such fields as
nanotechnology, space, cellular technology, energy, and the
environment; and
WHEREAS, In 1963, Rice University became the first
university in the nation to create a department dedicated to
space science; the NASA Johnson Space Center is located on land
deeded to the United States government by Rice University, and a
scientific experiment built by Rice Professor John Freeman was
with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during their lunar trip; and
WHEREAS, The university is fortunate to have exceptionally
fine trustees, administrators, and faculty members who have
placed emphasis on inspiring students to succeed in the arts,
humanities, sports, and sciences; it is the goal of the
university to thoroughly prepare its students to thrive in a
highly competitive and complex world, and many of its alumni have
distinguished themselves in their careers and enriched our state
and nation; and
WHEREAS, The success of this university is the result of a
united effort by many resourceful and dedicated individuals, and
all who are associated with the preservation of the great
traditions of this institution deserve to be proud of their
accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby express appreciation to Rice University for
providing an outstanding educational environment and for its
innumerable contributions to the State of Texas and our country;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
Rice University as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate.
Ellis
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 2, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate