88R27935 JH-D
By: Sparks, Alvarado, Perry S.R. No. 510
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Representatives of The University of Texas Permian
Basin are gathering at the State Capitol on May 3, 2023, providing a
fitting opportunity to recognize the institution for its 50 years
of service; and
WHEREAS, Established in Odessa as a branch campus of The
University of Texas System in 1973, UTPB was initially an
upper-level institution that only accepted junior, senior, and
graduate students; its first freshman class, known as the "Pioneer
Freshmen," entered the school in 1991; over the years, the
university has expanded to include five academic colleges that
together offer more than 75 undergraduate and graduate degrees, and
it encompasses the main campus in Odessa as well as the Midland
Campus; to date, there have been over 28,800 UTPB graduates; and
WHEREAS, UTPB has played an instrumental role in the growth
and vitality of the Permian Basin region; the university serves as a
major source of skilled workers for the area's oil and gas industry,
and its liberal arts programs have contributed to the unique
culture of local communities; in addition, the university has
helped the region tackle critical issues related to the energy
industry, education, the environment, and public health; and
WHEREAS, To meet the diverse educational needs of its
students, UTPB has opened a wide variety of facilities, including
its engineering complex and the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
in Midland County and the D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performance
Center in Odessa; the university has also worked to increase access
to higher education by partnering with school districts and
establishing the Falcon Free program, which covers the cost of
tuition and fees for students in need; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding 50 years ago, The University of
Texas Permian Basin has provided many Texans with a strong
foundation for achievement, and it is a pleasure to join in
recognizing the institution on this milestone occasion; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of The University of Texas
Permian Basin on the occasion of UTPB Day at the State Capitol on
May 3, 2023, and extend to all those associated with the institution
sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the university as an expression of high regard by the
Texas Senate.