TITLE: In memory of Starr County civic leader Manuel Benavidez, Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Starr County civic leader Manuel Benavidez, Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Citizens of Starr County continue to benefit from the enormous contributions of esteemed civic leader Manuel Benavidez, Jr., who passed away on March 28, 2009, at the age of 57; and WHEREAS, A former migrant worker, Mr. Benavidez earned his bachelor's degree in bilingual education from The University of Texas-Pan American in 1986 and went on to dedicate himself to improving access to higher education for all; he was appointed as a founding member of the South Texas College Board of Trustees in 1993 to represent Starr County in the development of a new community college district, and he was subsequently elected to his seat for two six-year terms; a powerful advocate, he galvanized the campaign for establishment of a taxing district and the issuance of $20 million in bonds for initial construction of five STC campuses/centers, and during his term as chair, he played a crucial role in the passage of a $98.7 million bond package and a tax increase to fund operating costs of the college; and WHEREAS, Mr. Benavidez successfully championed many innovative programs to benefit STC and residents of South Texas; his leadership at the local and state levels was key to the passage of legislation allowing eligible high school students to dually enroll in college-level technical courses, to the development of the Dual Enrollment Academy for Medical Sciences at STC, to the selection of STC for a pilot bachelor's degree program in applied technology, and to securing appropriations for UT-Pan American to create an upper-level university center in Starr County; moreover, his vision was instrumental in the founding of a technology center at the county STC campus, which was dedicated as the Manuel Benavidez, Jr., Rural Technology Center in 2010; previously, the Starr County Commissioners Court declared November 2002 as Manuel Benavidez, Jr., Month to recognize his remarkable accomplishments; and WHEREAS, At the national level, Mr. Benavidez shared his expertise as a member of the Association of Community College Trustees Diversity Committee, serving two terms as chair; the ACCT gave him its Lifetime Membership Award in 2005, and that same year, he and STC won the organization's Western Region Equity Award; in addition, Mr. Benavidez enhanced quality of life in Starr County through his tireless service on the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board and in myriad other capacities; and WHEREAS, Although it is impossible to gauge the full effect of a life so devoted to the community, the exceptional accomplishments of Manuel Benavidez continue to resonate as the years go by; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life and achievements of Manuel Benavidez, Jr., and extend sincere condolences to his loved ones; 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 Manuel Benavidez, Jr.