H.R. No. 1013
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Janice Evelyn Christiansen May of
Austin on July 10, 2016, at the age of 93, brought a great loss to
the many public officials and scholars who relied on her
unparalleled expertise in the vast complexities of the Texas
Constitution; and
WHEREAS, Born in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, on May 29, 1923,
the former Janice Christiansen earned a bachelor's degree in music
and master's and doctoral degrees in political science from the
University of Minnesota; she married statistics professor Francis
Barnes May in 1956, and they shared a rewarding relationship of 50
years before his death in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Dr. May joined the faculty of The University of
Texas in 1965; she served with enormous dedication as internship
coordinator and, as a professor of government, she taught popular
simulation classes on the Texas Legislature and the state
constitutional convention process, becoming a beloved mentor to
hundreds of students and inspiring many to pursue careers in state
politics; and
WHEREAS, Widely published, Dr. May was the author of the
comprehensive The Texas State Constitution: A Reference Guide, the
coauthor of two editions of a Texas Government textbook, and the
author or coauthor of numerous other books, chapters, and journal
and reference articles; she spoke frequently at conferences and
other events across Texas and beyond and often advised state
legislatures as an expert on the constitutional amendment process;
in the 1970s, she played a vital role in the Texas Constitutional
Revision Commission; she was an election observer for ABC News as
well; and
WHEREAS, Dr. May also benefited her fellow citizens as a
member of the League of Women Voters, serving as president of her
local chapter and as a member of the national board; in addition,
she was an active member of the American Association of University
Women; and
WHEREAS, By sharing her deep knowledge of our state's
political evolution, Janice May made significant contributions to
good governance, and her scholarly legacy will continue to enhance
the work of others in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Janice Evelyn
Christiansen May and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn
her passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Janice C.
May.
Lozano
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1013 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 30, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House