TITLE: In memory of Lamar Gene Urbanovsky.

SUMMARY: In memory of Lamar Gene Urbanovsky.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Chancellor Emeritus Lamar Gene Urbanovsky, who died July 24, 2025, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, Born in Bryan on September 21, 1946, Lamar became the first in his family to earn a college degree when he received a bachelor's degree in industrial distribution and a master of architecture degree from Texas A&M University; and WHEREAS, Lamar met Darlene Fillip while attending school, and they went on to marry in June of 1969; he was a proud father of his daughter, Lynette, and he delighted in spending quality time with his family on the farm where he and his brothers were raised in Bryan; and WHEREAS, Lamar embarked on his distinguished career in higher education with the construction department at Texas A&M University, and he joined the Texas State University System in 1973 as director of planning and construction; he served with exceptional leadership and vision as the system's executive director in 1976 and from 1978 until 1988 and as chancellor, a role he held with distinction, from 1989 until his retirement in 2005; and WHEREAS, As chancellor, Lamar oversaw the third-largest university system in the state through a period of immense growth, including the integration of the Lamar University System and more than $1 billion in construction and renovation projects; under his stewardship, the system greatly expanded its academic programs and infrastructure while maintaining its position as an affordable opportunity for more than 69,000 students and for the people of Texas; and WHEREAS, Lamar contributed his expertise to numerous boards and committees, such as the Council of Presidents and Chancellors, the Texas Higher Education Formula Advisory Committee, and the National Association of System Heads; he served as a consultant for an American-style university in Morocco and assisted corporate groups and multiple local Brethren Churches with construction projects; and WHEREAS, Proud of his Czech-Moravian heritage, Chancellor Urbanovsky sat on the board of directors of the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas until his passing and was a lifetime member of SPJST lodge 39 in Bryan; he was a man of deep spiritual faith who treasured his family, and he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and generosity that will long be remembered with admiration and affection by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Lamar Gene Urbanovsky and extend sincere condolences to his bereaved family; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Lamar Urbanovsky. Kolkhorst President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 4, 2025, by a rising vote.