SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 940
WHEREAS, Hispanic Women in Leadership is proudly welcoming
Texas First Lady Cecilia Phalen Abbott as the keynote speaker at
the organization's Excellence in Education Scholarship Luncheon
in Houston on June 4, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico,
Cecilia Abbott is the first Hispanic woman in Texas history to
occupy the Governor's Mansion; she was raised in San Antonio,
where her parents instilled in her a belief in the power of
education; she studied for two years at The University of Texas
at Austin before going on to earn a bachelor's degree in
psychology and master's degrees in education and theology at the
University of Saint Thomas in Houston; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Abbott has enjoyed a successful career in
education and health care; she worked as a teacher, vice
principal, and principal at several schools, and she was the
managing director of community relations at Harden Healthcare, a
network of facilities and programs for aging adults;
additionally, she was appointed to the State Board for Educator
Certification by Governor Rick Perry and served on the board from
2001 to 2008; and
WHEREAS, Known for her leadership and engagement in her
community, Mrs. Abbott has volunteered her time on the boards of
Huston-Tillotson University and the University of Saint Thomas,
as well as on advisory boards for the Austin Diocesan School and
the Holy Trinity Seminary; other organizations that have
benefited from her involvement are the Women's Symphony League,
the National Charity League, and the Dell Children's Women's
Trust, and she further distinguished herself on advisory boards
for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,
Ballet Austin, and the Principals' Center at the Harvard Graduate
School of Education; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Abbott met her future husband, Governor Greg
Abbott, while she was a student at The University of Texas at
Austin; the couple have shared a rewarding marriage that has
lasted 33 years, and they take great pride in their daughter,
Audrey; and
WHEREAS, A devoted wife, mother, educator, civic leader,
and humanitarian, First Lady Cecilia Abbott has excelled in many
roles and areas of endeavor, and it is a distinct privilege to
join members of Hispanic Women in Leadership in recognizing her
achievements and her steadfast commitment to the people of Texas;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby honor First Lady Cecilia Phalen Abbott on the
occasion of her address at the Excellence in Education
Scholarship Luncheon and extend to her sincere best wishes for
continued success in all her endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for Mrs. Abbott as an expression of high regard from the
Texas Senate.
Garcia
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 20, 2015.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate