TITLE: Congratulating Dr. David Creech on receiving the 2022 Outstanding International Horticulturist Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Dr. David Creech on receiving the 2022 Outstanding International Horticulturist Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. David Creech of Stephen F. Austin State University received well-deserved recognition when he was presented with the 2022 Outstanding International Horticulturist Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science; and WHEREAS, Each year, the society honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to international horticultural science, education, research, or outreach for a period of 10 years or more; and WHEREAS, Dr. Creech is professor emeritus of agriculture and director of SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University; for more than four decades, he has conducted international research, exploring such areas as kiwifruit commercialization in South Africa, Italy, and New Zealand, blueberry production and urban tree research in China, and fruit and vegetable production in Guatemala and Pakistan; he is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Charles Leonard Weddle Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Native Plant Society of Texas, the Sidney B. Meadows Award for Distinguished Achievement from the Southern Region of the International Plant Propagators' Society, and the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award from the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association; and WHEREAS, Dr. Creech first joined SFA as an assistant professor of horticulture in 1978; in addition to his other responsibilities, he has played an instrumental role in the development of the four facilities that make up SFA Gardens: Pineywoods Native Plant Center, the Mast Arboretum, the Ruby M. and Gayla Mize Azalea Gardens, and Jimmy Hinds Park; and WHEREAS, With his expertise, professionalism, and commitment to education, David Creech has earned the lasting respect and admiration of his colleagues, and he is indeed deserving of this prestigious honor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. David Creech on receiving the 2022 Outstanding International Horticulturist Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Dr. Creech as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Clardy Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 658 was adopted by the House on March 30, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House