H.R. No. 63
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The University of Texas at Arlington Center for
Mexican American Studies is celebrating its 30th anniversary in
2023; and
WHEREAS, An interdisciplinary ethnic studies program within
the College of Liberal Arts, CMAS was authorized by the 73rd Texas
Legislature in 1993; State Representative Roberto Alonzo, the first
Mexican American elected to the legislature from North Texas,
played a key role in the drive to create the center, which formally
opened on October 12, 1994, under founding director JoséÁngel
Gutiérrez; and
WHEREAS, The center promotes research and the recruitment,
retention, and professional development of UTA faculty actively
engaged in studies on Latino issues; students can pursue an 18-hour
academic minor in Mexican American and Latina/o Studies, with
classes on literature, history, and politics; CMAS offers
scholarships for students as well as funding for faculty members
studying related subjects; and
WHEREAS, Engaging the wider UTA community, the center
sponsors events in both Spanish and English, such as career
workshops and speaker series; among undergraduate students at UTA,
36 percent identify as Latino, and CMAS helps to ensure that their
experiences are reflected and their needs for representation are
met; and
WHEREAS, The university's mariachi group, Mariachi Los
Jinetes, found support through the center when it was established,
and CMAS hires the group to perform for occasions throughout the
year; serving as a bridge between UTA and the Latino community in
the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the center hosts a variety of
service outreach activities; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, CMAS has advanced knowledge,
understanding, and appreciation of Latino heritage and
contributions, equipping Texans to participate more fully in our
diverse society and advance more successfully in an increasingly
global economy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate The
University of Texas at Arlington Center for Mexican American
Studies on its 30th anniversary and extend to all those associated
with the center sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the center as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Turner
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 63 was adopted by the House on
November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House