88R22268 TBO-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 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; 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 in Midland, the Wagner Noël Performing Arts
Center, and the D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performance Center;
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.