85R9657 KSM-D By: Raney H.R. No. 425 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Aggies and Longhorns are uniting at the State Capitol on February 15, 2017, to celebrate Orange and Maroon Legislative Day and to promote higher education in the State of Texas; and WHEREAS, Alumni from the two schools total more than 910,000, and Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin have a combined annual enrollment of more than 100,000 students, with tens of thousands of students receiving degrees each year; the schools boast superb museums and libraries, including the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library, and both universities are renowned for their exceptional research; and WHEREAS, The teaching and research missions of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin benefit the State of Texas and drive economic prosperity through scientific breakthroughs, technological innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, improved health care, and the creation of successive generations of informed and engaged citizens; and WHEREAS, Texas A&M and UT Austin researchers explore, discover, and innovate in the sciences, arts, and humanities and combined have been granted more than 2,800 patents; as Tier One research institutions, both universities provide students valuable opportunities for applied learning with guidance from outstanding faculty across the disciplines; and WHEREAS, Both universities serve as important cultural centers, engaging Texans in the visual and performing arts and other creative endeavors, and they promote athletics and physical education, inspiring Texans to stay active and bringing them together in support of student-athletes; and WHEREAS, The faculties feature Nobel laureates and nationally recognized scholars, and those attending the schools include National Merit scholars, Olympic gold medalists, and many of the Lone Star State's most outstanding students; in addition, the two universities offer an amazing range of postgraduate opportunities with more than 450 graduate degree programs; and WHEREAS, Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin have established themselves as preeminent institutions of higher education on the state, national, and international levels, and Texans are fortunate to have access to these two exceptional state university systems; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 15, 2017, as Orange and Maroon Legislative Day and commend alumni from Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin for their commitment to supporting higher education in the Lone Star State.