88R11582 BPG-D
By: Miles, Alvarado, Whitmire S.R. No. 287
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The celebration of University of Houston-Downtown
Day at the State Capitol on March 8, 2023, provides a fitting
opportunity to recognize this notable institution; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1974, the University of
Houston-Downtown has built a reputation as an inclusive, equitable,
and welcoming campus; with an accessible location at the heart of
downtown Houston, it serves a student body highly representative of
the vibrant community; many of the more than 14,000 Texans enrolled
are transfer students or older adults returning to complete
degrees; and
WHEREAS, The Wall Street Journal has named UHD the most
diverse school in the South; seventy percent of freshmen are
first-generation college students, and the university is federally
designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving
Institution, and a Military-Friendly School; and
WHEREAS, Led by its seventh president, Dr. Loren J.
Blanchard, UHD offers 57 undergraduate and graduate degrees, with
19 opportunities for online degree completion; two of the programs
are ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report; the
institution is acknowledged under the Carnegie Classification
system as a comprehensive, regional university and has four
colleges, Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Service, Sciences
and Technology, and the Marilyn Davies College of Business, which
houses the largest MBA program in the area; over the years, UHD has
built strong business and industry partnerships, and it is
developing as an innovation hub for undergraduate researchers and
entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS, The university ranks as one of the most affordable
institutions of higher learning in the state; while providing
scholars with a strong academic foundation, it fosters timely
progress through degree programs so that graduates may enter their
chosen fields as swiftly as possible with low student debt; UHD is
also committed to civic engagement and encourages a culture of
caring; and
WHEREAS, For nearly a half century, the University of
Houston-Downtown has helped area residents improve their lives and
gain a greater foothold in the thriving Texas economy, and it has
prepared its alumni to be leaders in their communities and beyond;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize March 8, 2023, as University of Houston-Downtown
Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting
delegation.