TITLE: In memory of Dr. Lanier Byrd of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. Lanier Byrd of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. Lanier Byrd of San Antonio, an esteemed educator and friend to many, passed away on August 29, 2009; and WHEREAS, A 1966 graduate of St. Philip's College, Lanier Byrd went on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in biology/chemistry from Prairie View A&M University; he began his career in 1969 at Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, where he taught biology and physics and coached the girls' volleyball team; and WHEREAS, Mr. Byrd joined the faculty of St. Philip's College in the early 1970s as a biology instructor; he was granted tenure and promoted to the role of professor, and he provided strong guidance to the Department of Natural Sciences during his tenure as chair of the department; he continued to pursue his own education as well, and in 1995 he obtained a doctoral degree in science education from The University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, From 1996 to 2007, Dr. Byrd served St. Philip's as vice president of academic affairs; challenged to meet the demands of a rapidly growing enrollment, he helped the college earn one of the highest site review ratings ever accorded a community college by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, with 28 of the school's technical programs being rated as "exemplary" and three of the arts and sciences programs identified as "outstanding"; the capstone of his many contributions to St. Philip's was his creation of the Lanier Byrd Endowed Scholarship, which helps lower-income students receive an education; and WHEREAS, Greatly admired for his energy and dedication both inside and outside of the classroom, Lanier Byrd made a positive difference in the lives of countless people, and he has left behind a legacy that will continue to resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Lanier Byrd and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Dr. Deborah Byrd; to his children, Shanna, Sean, and Sharanay; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Lanier Byrd. McClendon Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 276 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 24, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House